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Zimbabwe has long appealed to travellers who value strong guiding. For those interested in water-based safari in particular, Zimbabwe is a great choice, with multiple options from the Zambezi River, and Lake Kariba to the floodplains of Mana Pools.
A safari built around these waterways often includes canoeing, boating and time observing wildlife along riverbanks where animals gather during the dry season. It is for this reason that camp location matters enormously. Some properties are positioned directly on the river, while others give access to water activities through nearby channels or lakes.
At Mahlatini, we work with a small number of camps in Zimbabwe that provide access to these environments. Below are several camps we regularly recommend for travellers seeking a water-led safari in Zimbabwe.
Nyamatusi Camp
Location: Mana Pools
Nyamatusi Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi in Mana Pools National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated wilderness areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The camp’s riverfront setting means canoeing forms a natural part of the experience. Guests often spend time drifting along the Zambezi in small groups, observing elephants crossing between islands and birdlife moving about in the riverine forest. Walking safaris are also common here, as they broaden understanding of how wildlife uses the floodplain.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Location: Mana Pools
Located near the main Nyamatusi property, Nyamatusi Mahogany offers a similar river setting with the advantage of being well suited to families or small private groups.
The Zambezi remains central to daily activities. Canoe safaris follow quiet channels and sandbanks where animals come down to drink. In the dry months, wildlife congregates along the river edge and sightings often take place close to camp.
For families considering Mana Pools, the additional space and privacy of Mahogany can make the experience particularly comfortable.
Ruckomechi Camp
Location: Mana Pools
Ruckomechi Camp is positioned in a private concession bordering Mana Pools, overlooking a broad stretch of the Zambezi.
Boat safaris and canoeing form an important part of the activity mix here. Early mornings often begin on the water before returning to land-based game drives later in the day. The river draws large numbers of elephant during the dry season, and sightings from the water offer a different perspective on these herds.
The camp works well within a wider Zimbabwe itinerary that includes Victoria Falls or Hwange National Park.
Zambezi Expeditions Safari Camp
Location: Mana Pools
Zambezi Expeditions focuses on a more classic safari style while retaining strong access to the river.
Canoe safaris are regularly included, allowing guests to explore quieter sections of the Zambezi under the guidance of experienced local guides. The pace here is deliberately unhurried, with time to observe wildlife along the riverbanks and islands that define this landscape.
For travellers interested in the guiding culture of Mana Pools and the role of the river in shaping wildlife behaviour, Zambezi Expeditions offers a well-balanced approach.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
Location: Lake Kariba
While Mana Pools receives much of the attention, Lake Kariba provides a different type of water-based safari.
Bumi Hills overlooks the vast expanse of the lake and offers boating safaris along the shoreline, where hippos, crocodiles and elephant are frequently seen. Fishing and sunset cruises add variety to the experience, and the open water creates a striking contrast to traditional bush environments.
Kariba often works best when paired with land-based parks such as Hwange or Mana Pools.
Changa Safari Camp
Location: Lake Kariba
Changa lies within Matusadona National Park on the southern shores of Lake Kariba.
The camp’s position allows for both vehicle safaris and boat excursions, giving guests access to wildlife along the lakeshore and inland plains. During the dry season, animals gather along the water’s edge and sightings often take place close to the lake itself.
For travellers interested in combining water activities with classic game viewing, Matusadona provides a rewarding setting.
Choosing the right water-based safari camp
Water safaris in Zimbabwe depend heavily on season and location. The Zambezi floodplain in Mana Pools becomes particularly active between June and October, when wildlife concentrates along permanent water. Lake Kariba follows a slightly different seasonal rhythm, with boating available throughout much of the year.
Camp selection therefore needs to reflect travel timing as well as the balance between land and water activities.
Our guide to The Magic of Water-Based Safaris in Zimbabwe explores the broader experience of river-based safari, while the 7 Step Guide to Planning a Water-Based Safari explains how seasonality influences where to travel.
Planning your Zimbabwe water safari
A water-led safari works best when the itinerary allows time to appreciate the pace of the river. Many travellers combine Mana Pools with Victoria Falls or Hwange National Park to experience different ecosystems within the same journey.
At Mahlatini, our Travel Experts design these itineraries around the season, the guiding culture of each camp and the type of safari you want to experience. Our recognition in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards reflects the care taken in shaping these journeys.
If Zimbabwe is on your shortlist for a water-based safari, speak to one of our Travel Experts or begin outlining your plans through our Trip Planner.
