Wilderness Chikwenya

OVERVIEW:

Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi (opposing banks of the same river, one side Zimbabwe and one side Zambia) are arguably the most stunning game-viewing areas on the continent. Yes, it’s that good! The rich mineral deposits made by the Zambezi in this stretch of river as it bends and slows, give rise to the nutrient-rich floodplains and grasses that attract wildlife from miles around. Wilderness Chikwenya enjoys one of the Zimbabwe side’s best locations, in a private reserve bordering the east of Mana Pools N.P., so you won’t see many other vehicles. The area is exceptionally beautiful and home to wild dog, hyena, leopard, lion, eland, and waterbuck, with mega-herds of buffalo and elephant arriving in the dry season. It’s here you’ll see that classic vision of massive bull elephants on their hind legs, tearing at trees with their trunks!

Within your private reserve you not only have a plethora of safari activities on offer, but this part of the river is also quieter than most, with far fewer boats – so you just have crocs and hippo pods for company! This makes fishing and boating at Wilderness Chikwenya some of the best in the region. The lodge itself is small and intimate with only seven rooms. It boasts a chic, contemporary design, and all the excellent food, service, and guiding that makes a Wilderness property so special. The change of scenery and experience just farther upstream on the western side of Mana Pools N.P. at Ruckomechi is very different, and you could certainly consider combining these two camps in your itinerary. We love Wilderness Chikwenya, and for a superlative Mana Pools experience it’s hard to beat.

WILDERNESS CHIKWENYA LOCATION & ACCESS:

Wilderness Chikwenya has a brilliant location within a private concession on the edge of Mana Pools National Park’s eastern region. It’s well away from the busier parts, so you really get a private, authentic safari experience here. Built in the shade of albida and mahogany trees (ensuring regular elephant visits through camp!), it overlooks an open floodplain of the Zambezi river and has amazing views of the Zambezi Escarpment beyond. This is a delightful and quiet part of Mana Pools, and certainly the most beautiful. The camp is accessed by scheduled light aircraft into Wilderness’ local airstrip, and from there it’s a 10 minutes’ drive to camp.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT WILDERNESS CHIKWENYA:

The seven tented suites at Wilderness Chikwenya are beautifully designed, spacious, and elegant. All have wonderful open fronts facing out over the Zambezi floodplain where regular wildlife wanders past, with the Zambezi Escarpment as a shimmering backdrop. Each tent is raised above ground level on wooden platforms, with pine walkways connecting you to the main part of the camp. Your decking is set with a couple of comfy chairs and a table, and is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the views – either as dawn breaks with a fresh coffee, or between safari activities. Inside, you’ll find double or twin beds with mosquito netting, an overhead fan, bedside tables, a writing desk and chair, a spacious storage unit, and a lovely seating area. Additional amenities include a standing fan, a tea-and-coffee station, and a charging unit. The well-appointed en-suite washroom features a free-standing bath, indoor and outdoor showers, flush toilet, washbasin, and complimentary toiletries. There’s nothing quite like a bath with a view! Wilderness Chikwenya has two family units, each consisting of two tents joined together by a shared deck.

Wilderness Chikwenya’s lounge, dining, and bar area offers spectacular views over the floodplain from comfortable sofas and armchairs around coffee tables, while wildlife artwork adorns the walls. The al-fresco dining area has wooden tables and campaign chairs positioned facing the Zambezi. Dining is private, though if you’d like to share the excitement of the day’s sightings, communal tables can be arranged on request. There is a well-stocked bar too, and guests are invited to eat and drink on the lodge’s deck, while the fire-pit provides the perfect spot for socialising and sharing safari stories! There’s also a swimming pool, which can bring some refreshing relief when the sun is at its hottest, again with spectacular views.

WILDERNESS CHIKWENYA ACTIVITIES:

Zimbabwe is a real hub for guide training, with some of the best in the industry working here. Offering the finest guides and plenty of game, Mana Pools is renowned for its up-close encounters with the wildlife. Wilderness Chikwenya offers a fantastic range of safari activities, and as it’s located in its own private concession you’ll have the place to yourself!

• Expertly guided game drives

  – There are two game sessions daily, during the morning and the late afternoon. Among the highlights here are lion, leopard, elephant, hyena, and buffalo. You can look out for smaller predators too, such as jackal, serval, civet, and honey badger, and this is a real stronghold for wild dog. The large herbivore collection features giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an assortment of antelopes.

• Walking safaris

  – You can also head out into the bush with an armed guide. As mentioned, the up-close encounters in Mana Pools can be spectacular, with exceptionally well-trained guides on hand to ensure your experience is special. As well as enjoying animal tracking and spotting the area’s phenomenal birdlife (380 recorded species including big hitters like Lillian’s lovebird, Pel’s fishing owl, and the blue-cheeked bee-eater), you’ll take a closer look at the insects and plant life. Different levels and distances are available, depending on the ages of your group. Please note, classic walking safari has a minimum age requirement of 12 years.

• Night drives

  – Why not head out at night, when all the big predators come alive? It’s always an unforgettable experience, watching what goes on in the dark of the night! You might see porcupines, spring-hares, genets, civets, bush-babies, and occasionally a larger predator with its prey.

• Boating and fishing

  – The boating safaris here are wonderful, as is canoe safari – you’ll see huge pods of hippo, loads of crocs, and a plethora of birds who love to dwell in the riverine forests here. Afternoon cruises can include sunset drinks on remote islands in the Zambezi. Fishing is also an option and can be seasonal – and though it’s not for everyone, plucking a tigerfish from the Zambezi can be quite a thrill. Wilderness Chikwenya operates a catch-and-release policy.

• Canoes

  – This activity is very much the walking safari of the water! You’ll be able to hear and see so much more as you silently glide through the waterways. It’s a great chance to meet some of the smaller animals like frogs and birds, and get a closer look at the flora. Each canoe can accommodate three people – a couple with a guide. This part of the Zambezi is famous for canoeing, with so much to see both in the water and along its banks.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.