Verneys, Taita Falcon & Anabezi

Nothing beats drifting down the Zambezi at sunset. Listen to the sound of the river settling in for the night. Baboons and monkeys climbing to safe-haven perches high in the trees, flocks of birds heading to their night-time roost. Herds of elephant and buffalo coming down for an evening drink, hippos grunting and splashing around, jostling for the best position in the water. This is what you'll do on your first night at Waterberry - sundowner in one hand, camera in the other. Bliss.

At dawn the Zambezi wakes - completely still with mist rising from the waters, this is a magical time to set out in a small boat with hot water bottle and blankets and hot coffee to see the sun rise as the birds setting out for their daytime feeding grounds.

Our village guide lives in the community and will show guests how rural Zambians lead their lives in this completely noncommercial setting. Followed by curious children guests will see our school and education areas, the village library and the community farm that are part funded by the village walks.

Waterberry's owners have built a school, library and adult education centre, and given land for a community farm opened during the pandemic to help provide food for the village. From a mud and stick classroom in 2009 to recognition of the school as a regional exam centre, the community projects programme is at the heart of Waterberry.

Victoria Falls never ceases to amaze. Flowing over 1.6km of sheer cliff between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the huge body of water changes with every season. High water in the early part of the year floods with absolutely astonishing force, shaking buildings miles away, releasing massive spray and vast double rainbows. In the dry season, from late October until early January, the huge 100m deep canyon is exposed with boiling rapids and views to the fast running cataract on the west side.

Walking the paths around the Falls is an unmatched, awe-inspiring experience. We think everyone should see the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, because they are very different experiences.

Waterberry's expert bird guides take guests around the 1km Waterberry riverbank and through the wooded areas to see our amazing collection of birds. Keen birders can also visit Mosi O Tunya Park. A dawn cruise on the Zambezi reveals flocks of birds leaving their night time roost and heading for their daytime feeding grounds.

Livingstone was the capital of Zambia at the beginning of the 20th century, and some fascinating architecture remains. In the Museum guests can actually pull out and read David Livingstone's handwritten letters. At Maramba Market local Zambians shop for food, beautiful fabrics and literally everything!

Early Morning and Sunset Game drives are included in your stay. Each game drive is approximately 3h30 minutes long.

Embark on a Guided Walk with your Ranger, as you learn about wildlife, fauna and flora in the area.

Half Day Trip
We offer an exciting half day trip that includes visiting our local School, a small rural village near
the National Park, and an informative stop over at the Wild Dog Research Centre.

A Brief Description - After an early breakfast at 7am, guests depart on a slow game drive north east towards Hwange Main Camp, which takes around 2 hours. Guests will visit The National Parks Primary School that we as Verney’s Camp have adopted and sponsor along with other operators in Hwange National Park. After the visit, guest travel to Mabale Village where we visit this authentic rural village typical to the area, and meet the local people from the district. Following this visit we then head to the Painted Dog Research Centre to learn more about the endangered African Wild Dog, guests also get a chance to meet the researches and get involved in future sponsorship of this critical study. Then it’s back to Verney’s Camp after a scrumptous picnic lunch at one of the numerous waterholes on the way.

Schedule
Best days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pre-booking this activity helps us to coordinate with
the school and researchers (During school holidays and weekends the school is closed however the trip still operates to the other two venues).

Venture out in the early morning or the late afternoon to witness the glory of the bush. Enjoy a private sundowner watching elephants crossing the mighty Zambezi, or your coffee in the morning in the absolute splendour of the Winterthorn forest after an exciting morning tracking lion.

The wildlife on the river is everchanging, surprising and always exciting. Whether watching a pod of hippos jostle in the afternoon light, or a family of elephant bathing in the mud at the bank, the calm of the Zambezi will flood the soul with the magic of the bush.

With the gentle lap of water against the canoe, the measured peace of slowly drifting down the Zambezi River in serene wonder, canoeing gives you the opportunity to see the wildlife along the riverbank at your own pace, guided by an experienced paddler.

Encounter the bush at it's best - on foot with our experienced guides, watch as they explain the art of tracking animals from their spoor and listen as they unravel the symbiosis of species that make up the rich tapestry of life in the bush.

With an almost unparalleled species diversity of birds in the Lower Zambezi valley, there is always something to excite both experienced birders and novices alike.

Whether a keen angler or complete beginner, catching a Tiger Fish is one for the bucket list. With a selection of rods, reels, and all necessary tackle, our coxswains will guide you through the cast, play, landing, and of course the trophy shot before releasing back into the water.