Zimbabwe - 4-day Mana Pools Safari at Chikwenya - Private accommodated

Wilderness Chikwenya overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River in the eastern section of Mana Pools National Park, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Zimbabwe. Views extend over open floodplains down to the legendary river and across to the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment, while stretching inland behind Wilderness Chikwenya are the dense woodlands so characteristic of the area. The canvas tents are set on low wooden decks and linked to the raised main area by wooden walkways.

A lounge, dining and bar area offer a sanctuary of hospitality and relaxation, while a pool deck and fire place offer alternate spaces to take in the scenery and passing wildlife. The area is renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in winter when they concentrate along the river – these and a variety of predators can be seen from camp.

INSIDER'S TIP: Protein-rich albida pods attract many species, particularly elephant, during the dry season.

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Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the area from the comfort of your spacious room

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Family-style dining is a feature of the relaxed atmosphere at Chikwenya

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega The lounge area evokes an atmosphere of a bygone safari era

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Elephants feed on the nutritious ana pods which occur in abundance around Chikwenya

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Luxuriate in the spaciousness of a Chikwenya guest tent

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega A bathroom with a view goes without saying

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Luxurious amenities in the guest bathrooms

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Relax on the sunken deck overlooking the Zambezi River

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega High tea overlooking the floodplain and Zambezi River

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Delicious brunch offerings are a safari institution

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Watch the wildlife go by from a swing chair in the main area

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Alfresco dining takes full advantage of Chikwenya's setting

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Dinner overlooking the Zambezi River

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Family-style dining overlooking the river

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Chikwenya's pool with a view

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Elephants in the area seek out the nutritious albida pods

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega The Chikwenya Pride comprises three adult males, two lionesses and a single young cub

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Boating on the Zambezi delivers impressive game sightings

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Sunset over the Rift Valley escarpment

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Chikwenya is surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Buffalo are seen in impressive numbers in the area

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Chikwenya is a photographer's paradise

Wilderness Chikwenya The confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Chikwenya looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Boating is a wonderful way of seeing amazing wildlife

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega The Chikwenya Pride relaxing across the Sapi River from camp

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Chikwenya lies at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert The area is known for its impressive eland herds

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Day and night game drives provide exclusive access to a spectacular stretch of the Zambezi River and its typical Mana Pools woodlands.

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Elephant love this area for its abundant food sources

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Classic Mana Pools woodlands scene

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Elephant are regularly seen reaching high into the trees for food

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Mana Pools elephant feeding

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Southern ground hornbill

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Playful young elephant

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Could Chikwenya be the most photogenic Wilderness concession in Africa?

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Waterbuck are seen regularly around camp

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Impala herd close to Chikwenya

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega The Chikwenya Pride's single young cub is the star of the show

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Heading to the Zambezi for a drink and a swim

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Watching baboons is endlessly entertaining

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Caroline Culbert Early morning sighting of a side-striped jackal

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega One of the Chikwenya males

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Elephants are regularly seen swimming across the Zambezi to a nearby island

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega The Chikwenya Pride's little cub takes every opportunity to explore her world

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Playful Chikwenya cub with mom

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Chikwenya lions resting on the bank of the Sapi River

Wilderness Chikwenya Credit: Kyle & Ruth de Norbrega Chikwenya cub learning how to stalk impala

Wilderness Chikwenya Chikwenya male and female with their cub

Wilderness Chikwenya Bonding with Chikwenya Pride dad

Standard Twin/Double Tent(s) Family Accommodation

Wilderness Chikwenya epitomises a true bush camp experience, with the personal service, intimacy and warmth our tented camps are renowned for. Elegant and spacious tents rest in the shade of a grove of towering indigenous trees, inviting elephants, stately eland, and an array of birds to the camp. Decorated in light tones of cream and beige, Chikwenya exudes serenity.

There are two spacious tented family units, each comprising one main bedroom with a king-sized bed and one twin-bedded room, both with their own en-suite facilities. Each unit has its own separate entrance with a shared outdoor deck and sunken seating area – the perfect space from which to soak in the magnificent views. Each unit has a shared private plunge pool to complete the picture-perfect setting.

Property Facilities

Bar, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available)

Room Facilities

Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah

Activities on Site

Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)

Wilderness Chikwenya – Game Drives Wilderness Chikwenya – Guided Nature Walks Wilderness Chikwenya – Boating * Wilderness Chikwenya – Canoeing * Wilderness Chikwenya – River Cruise *

Day and night game drives provide exclusive access to a spectacular stretch of the Zambezi River, its typical Mana Pools woodlands, the Sapi River and fertile floodplains.

It’s all about experiencing Africa on foot: along the Zambezi River, amongst the riverine vegetation, and under the shady canopy of albida trees. Venture through the wilderness in the safe hands of a professional guide. Look out for animal tracks, stop to smell the plants, take the time to admire the smaller often unnoticed animals.

Boating is a wonderful way of seeing large numbers of waterbirds and wildlife attracted to the river and seasonal pans.

* Water levels permitting.

For the adventurous, canoeing down one of Africa’s mightiest rivers is a must.

* Water levels permitting.

Relax and enjoy the spectacular beauty of this stretch of the famous Zambezi River, with breathtaking sunsets over the African horizon.

* Water levels permitting.