Tamarind Canoe Safari

The Tamarind Safari is a popular expeditionary safari beginning in Chirundu and ending in Mana Pools National Park, which is a World Heritage Site. The game seen on this section of the Zambezi is superb as the flood plains offer wildlife an extraordinary place thrive in the parks sanctuary. The distance covered by this safari is 75 km allowing time take in the peace and tranquillity of the truly untouched African wilderness.

It is a semi-participatory - meaning camps are not already set up for your arrival and that everyone helps to put up tents each evening. Tents supplied are very easy to set up, two-man, dome tents. All equipment and food is carried in the canoes and there is no vehicle back up. All camping equipment is supplied and includes gas stoves, kitchen utensils, pots and pans, plastic plates, mugs, tables, stools, camping mattresses, sleeping bags and liners, candles, matches, cooler boxes and dome tents. You can bring your own sleeping bags if preferred. Fishing equipment is not supplied but you may bring your own.

There are no ablution facilities on these safaris. You are provided with a spade, toilet paper and matches - with which to burn the toilet paper. Bathing is done from a bucket using water scooped out of the river.

Generally the day starts with tea/coffee and biscuits at sunrise. Camp is then packed up and the party sets off. Early mornings make for easy paddling as the wind is calm and it is not yet too hot. A stop will be made for breakfast, usually after a couple of hours. The trip continues after breakfast, until breaking for a light lunch and siesta to avoid the midday heat. The night stop is reached at approximately 5pm and the camp is unpacked and setup. Campsites are typically set up on islands and all sites are designated by National Parks.

• Images

Always Alert Credit: Scottyphotography Guides will always be on the look out for great sightings of wildlife.

Sunset Credit: C. Bhavic After a day of paddling the Zambezi watch the sun decent on another day.

Camp Setup Credit: Scottyphotography Camps are situated on the river's islands for safety but also give a great sense of wilderness and great scenery.

Canoeing Credit: Natureways (A. Smith) Completely self sufficient as you paddle your way down the Zambezi River in two-man Canadian style canoes.

Lunch in the Shade Credit: C. Bhavic Break for lunch and have a siesta while avoiding the midday heat.

Explorer Canoe Safari Tent Credit: Scottyphotography Beautiful sandy beach to setup camp.