Classic Africa Camp
This owner run safari camp in Mana Pools National Park, offers luxury tented safaris on a personal basis. The aim is to share the abundant wildlife, along with the expertise and hospitality of the owners.
The location of the camp varies, as each site is not used for more than three weeks - after which the camp is moved in order to maintain the pristine nature of Mana Pools. However, the camp is always positioned on the bank of the Zambezi River under the shade of mahogany and albida trees.
The camps are run on an exclusive basis, so whether you are just two people, or a group of eight travelling together, the camp is yours. Activities include on foot experiences with wildlife, canoeing on the Zambezi and game drives in open vehicles – all with a fully licensed professional guide.
A typical day will start with an early wake-up at sunrise, after which you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a light breakfast. You then hop into the open Landrover and venture in the direction of whatever sounds have been heard in the night. After a short while on the road you are likely to encounter the plains animals such as impala, waterbuck, and eland. These animals are so abundant that they are often taken for granted, so after a few pictures have been taken it is off to more exciting things. The roads often indicate who has been around during the night - a kind of early morning newspaper. Once suitable tracks have been found it’s time to get out and track on foot – most likely lion, elephant or buffalo. Animals are approached to a safe distance and this will depend on the terrain, wind direction and species.
Typically you arrive back in camp at around noon for a lunch or brunch. Time in camp is punctuated by animals arriving to drink from the river, or the over exuberant hippos on the sand banks. A siesta is followed by an afternoon activity, which may be similar to the morning or you might take a leisurely paddle down the river viewing the bird life, hippo and crocs that make it their home.
You are likely to arrive back in camp shortly after sunset – and there is normally time for a gin and tonic before a hot shower and dinner under the stars. After which a few laughs around the fire and a recount of the day’s events, then it’s off to bed to listen out for the sounds of the night.
The varied array of mammals and birds in Mana Pools is testament to the diverse habitat. Perhaps it is Mana’s elephants that are its greatest asset. Great big bull elephants wander between the water and their feeding grounds, checking on the numerous herds of females and their young. The Zambezi River, which has travelled a couple of thousand kilometres by the time it passes Mana, is wide and lazy and contains innumerable pods of hippos lounging alongside crocodiles. The grassy islands are home to buffalo and frequented by elephant that swim out to them in search of more succulent vegetation. A wide variety of antelope dwell on the flood plains, attracting the predators that prey upon them.
Images supplied courtesy of Classic Africa
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This camp is featured in the following safaris
 Nyamututa’s Expedition
Please contact us for other recommended itineraries including the Classic Africa Camp
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