OVERVIEW:
Stretch Ferreira Safaris was previously known as Goliath Safaris. There has been a re-brand, but the tented camp is in the same amazing location and the giant, 6' 6" Stretch, is still leading superb safaris through Mana Pools. Stretch has over 35 years’ guiding experience and is often described as a living legend! The accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, all activities, transfers between camp and the local airstrip, and a laundry service. The camp is usually open from mid-April to the end of October every year.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
The camp can be accessed via road transfer from Mana Pools’ airstrip. It’s situated in the national park’s northern region, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river!
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT STRETCH FERREIRA SAFARIS:
There are seven guest tents, spaced along the river bank amidst albida and mahogany trees. The style of these tents is very ‘Out of Africa’, as the classic canvas structures merge effortlessly with their natural surroundings. At the front, there’s a shady private veranda, where you can relax and enjoy the views! Entering the tent, you’ll find a double bed or twin beds with mosquito nets, a bedside table for lighting, a writing desk cum dressing table and stool, a wardrobe, and luggage storage space. High ceilings and mesh windows make for a pleasantly airy environment, while underfoot warmth is provided by a sturdy ground sheet and rugs. At the back of every tent, there’s a washroom with flush toilet, basin, and outdoor shower using hot water.
The communal areas are positioned just a short walk from the guest tents. As the camp is set on river sand, guests have the option of going barefoot throughout their time here! The lounge is a canvas-and-timber structure with open sides. It contains wood-framed well-cushioned seating around a central coffee table, as well as a couple of occasional tables, a tea-and-coffee station, some reading material, and wildlife artwork. Next to the lounge is the camp’s bar, offering a good selection of drinks and a few safari chairs as well as a line of barstools. The dining area is also nearby, providing a partly enclosed space for delicious meals. But the heart of the camp is its large campfire area, where everyone gathers to swap safari stories. Braai (barbecue) nights are a real highlight here, with Stretch himself doing the cooking!
ACTIVITIES AT STRETCH FERREIRA SAFARIS:
The following activities are available from camp:
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Expertly guided game drives
- Mana Pools is considered the finest of Africa’s national parks, its variety of geographical features providing habitats for a great range of species! Vehicle safaris are fantastic for covering a lot of ground here. Four of the Big Five are in residence – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Among the smaller predators and herbivores you can look out for are cheetah, hyena, wild dog, zebra, eland, impala, monkey, and baboon. Hippos and crocs populate the water sources, and there are over 350 bird species! -
Walking safaris -
The quality of walks at Stretch Ferreira Safaris is exceptionally high. That’s due to the knowledge and experience of Stretch himself. Stretch knows this area of Mana Pools so well, that he recognises individual animals! The Zimbabwe National Parks team calls him ‘Father Mana’ and he has an incredible knack for safe close encounters with big game such as lion and elephant. Walking safaris with Stretch are absolutely thrilling. -
Canoeing -
As well as exploring Mana Pools on foot and from a safari vehicle, you can board a canoe and enjoy paddling down the river. You can look out for crocs, hippos, loads of waterbirds, and land mammals quenching their thirst on the riverbanks.