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Vundu Camp - Mana Pools |
| Ivan Carter operates Vundu Camp in partnership with Dr and
Mrs Swithun Mombeshora. It is set within the Mana Pools National
Park, downstream from Ruckomechi and upstream of Nyamepi on the
southern bank of the Zambezi River.
This
location is ideal for both walking and canoeing trails through this
amazing World Heritage Site.
More
than 12,000 elephants live within the park and it is also one of the
best places to see lion, as well as Zebra, kudu, eland, impala and
other antelope species. Hippos and crocodiles frequent the river.
There
are over 380 species of woodland and waterbirds, including Lillian's
lovebirds, Livingstone's flycatchers, kingfishers, herons,
brilliantly coloured bee eaters, fish eagles, hornbills and doves.
[Find out more about Mana
Pools] |
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Matusadona |
| Ivan has a similar walking safari operation based in
Matusadona. This is a non-permanent and seasonal safari camp ideally
located and equipped to take advantage of Matusadona's fine walking
terrain, boat access to the Matusadona shoreline and the
particularly good wildlife opportunities that the area offers.
Matusadona
is of course well recognised as one of the last wild sanctuaries of
the "big five" and includes a healthy population of black
rhino and what is now considered to be the highest population
density of lions in Africa.
[Find out more about
Matusadona] |
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The Tented Camps |
| These are classic tented camps set up in the tradition of
the great days of African exploration - the standards of comfort and
service are of the highest order.
In
this friendly and relaxed atmosphere, firm friendships are soon
forged and the latest discoveries and finest safari tales are
exchanged over dinner and around the campfire.
The
camps are run by two of Zimbabwe's most dedicated and reputable
professional guides.
"Our aim is to make your safari a rich and unforgettable
experience. We cater for individuals, couples, families or small
groups and each day's activity - whether walking, canoeing, game
drives or simply relaxing in camp - is discussed and planned between
you and your guides."
Ivan's
enthusiastic staff pride themselves on their personal and flexible
approach, attention to detail and care for your safety and
enjoyment.
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Vundu Camp
Additional Information |
The Camp
- Vundu
is a classic tented camp situated on the bank of the Zambezi
River, within Mana Pools National Park.
- Each
of the six tents is furnished with either a double or two single
beds, a bedside table and reading lights. At the front is a
veranda looking on to the river, while at the back is an ensuite
bathroom with shower, wash basin and WC.
- The
loos are standard flush and there is hot and cold running water.
- The
bathroom is surrounded by reed thatch walls but is otherwise
open to the stars.
Guides
and Management
- The
camp is run and managed by two of Zimbabwe's leading
professional guides, who in conjunction with a resident guide
ensure a high guide to guest ratio.
- If
requested at the time of the booking, any group of four or more
individuals can be allocated a private guide. For smaller
groups, private guides can be arranged at an additional cost.
- CV's
and profiles of each of our guides are available.
- In
addition to the guides, the staff includes a chef, two waiters
and two general camp hands. There is an excellent team spirit
and everyone will do their utmost for their guests.
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Activities at Vundu Camp |
Walking
- An
experienced professional guide, who will share his knowledge and
love of the bush, leads all walks. Walks are usually planned the
night before and it is completely up to the guests how far or
fast they want to go.
- It
might take an hour or two to cover 100 meters, looking at and
discussing the smaller wonders of nature such as ants,
butterflies or wild flowers, or a couple of kilometres might be
covered in the same time while tracking an animal or simply
enjoying the wilderness.
Canoeing
- Drifting
silently down the Zambezi in a canoe is very hard to beat. The
birdlife is tremendous and a great variety of larger animals,
including elephant, are often seen coming to drink in the river
and feed on the islands. Sunsets over the river are especially
beautiful.
- Canoes
are the stable Canadian standard with comfortable bucket seats.
(No previous canoeing experience is needed.)
Game
Drives
- Many
of the animals in Mana Pools and Matusadona have no fear of
vehicles; as a result game drives can provide the best
opportunities for good photographs.
- Our
open landcruisers are custom fitted for the comfort of the
guests.
Pan
Watching
- Time
spent watching the interaction between different species or
members of families of animals at these seasonal pools can be
particularly rewarding.
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Food and Drink |
Meals are prepared and presented to a high standard in the
tradition of an old safari.
Typical meals may be as follows:-
Breakfast
Either traditional English style, with eggs, bacon, tomato and
mushrooms etc or a lighter meal of cereals, yoghurt and fruit.
Lunch/Brunch
Cold meats, salads, cheeses and pies usually served as a buffet.
Fresh fruit salads.
Dinner
Following drinks under the star, there is a three-course dinner each
night. The main course will typically be casserole, barbecue or pot
roast and fresh vegetables are served with each meal. An assortment
of puddings follows.
- Drinks
are available at all times and are part of the all-inclusive
rate.
- Special
dietary requirements for vegans, vegetarians and those with
other dietary preferences are easily catered for - please ensure
that we are well advised at the time of your booking.
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Transfers |
| Mana Pools: Due to Mana's remoteness, we recommend
that guests arrive by light aircraft charter (usually from Kariba).
Ivan's staff will meet them at the airstrip and drive them and their
luggage to the camp. The road into Mana Pools is long, rough and
dusty and we do not recommend it.
Matusadona:
The Matusadona camp is an hour's boat transfer from Kariba towards
Spurwing Island and the Matusadona mainland. An attractive
alternative into Matusadona is via float plane (available on special
request) |
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Reservations |
| Vundu is a permanent camp, the Matusadona camp is seasonal.
Except by special request and payment of a supplement, the camps are
not exclusive. As most guests are like-minded however, most people
find that this is an advantage and many new friends can be made.
There
are no fixed arrival or departure days, but we do recommend a
minimum of three nights at either camp to do the respective areas
justice.
Contact
us by e-mail now or fill out
our enquiry form. |
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