About
Chikwenya Camp is a luxury tented safari camp situated in a private conservation area on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. It is located at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, offering expansive views over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with the Rift Valley escarpment mountains as a backdrop. The camp is nestled within a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide shade and a vital food source for wildlife, particularly elephants, during the dry season when the trees shed their protein-rich pods. Mana Pools National Park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.The camp comprises seven elegant tented suites, including two family units, all raised on low wooden decks and connected by pine walkways to the main area. Each suite is designed in light tones of cream and beige, blending seamlessly with the pristine wilderness and offering exceptional views. Facilities include a lounge, dining, and bar area, as well as a swimming pool and deck for relaxation and wildlife viewing. Activities at Chikwenya are diverse and include game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided nature walks, boat trips, canoeing on the Zambezi River, and catch-and-release fishing. The camp's location just outside the national park allows for more flexibility in organizing walking safaris and game drives, including night drives.Chikwenya is celebrated for its high concentration of wildlife, especially during the winter months when animals gather along the river. Common sightings include large herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo, and crocodile. Predators such as lion, leopard, wild dog, and hyena are regularly sighted, with the area being particularly known for Mana Pools' "standing elephants" that reach for albida pods. The camp also offers excellent birding opportunities, with hundreds of species present. The camp operates seasonally, typically from April to November.
