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Adventure Holiday to Zimbabwe
Dean Clabrough, 10th July 2022We have booked with Mahlatini 6 times spanning South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and now Zimbabwe. Claire and the team at Mahlatini have extensive knowledge about safari locations and camps across Southern Africa and are always a pleasure to deal with. We loved our first visit to Zimbabwe. We stayed in 6 different accommodations and our itinerary had us visiting Victoria falls, Hwange national park, Mana Pools national park and Lake Kariba, over 2 weeks. We mostly stayed at camps managed by African Bush Camps and very much recommend these camps to others. Each camp offers its own amazing experience but what was common across all of them was the wonderful staff and exceptional service. We had fantastic game viewing including witnessing a lion kill and seeing elephants close up at Hwange, sitting with wild dog and cruising the Zambezi river with crocs and hippos in a canoe at Mana pools, and seeing the exceptional sunsets over the vast lake Kariba from the top of the hill at Bumi Hills. Despite some flight changes by airlines, Mahlatini was able to flex our bookings to account for the changes and everything went to plan during our trip. Thanks once again Claire and team.
Accommodation Visited
The Palm River Hotel
“We travelled as a couple and spent 2 nights here on arrival from Europe. The hotel has a beautiful setting and has been built around the trees, maintaining a real bush feel. The rooms are gorgeous and consider everything you’ll need. The staff, food and service was exceptional and there was always a smiling face tending to your every need. We really enjoyed the morning bird watching cruise and the knowledge and experience of our guide Elias, as well as a relaxing massage in the spa. Spectacular sunsets from the seating area near the river with a wide range of sundowners to choose from.
Although there is a ceiling fan and air-conditioning, being along the river there were still a number of mosquitoes in the room at night and there are no mosquito nets. We went in July which is winter so I expect this will be even more relevant in the summer. Bug spray is provided in the room.”
Linkwasha Camp
“Linkwasha offers superb elephant encounters both from the hide at the waterhole, and around the concession. The wood-fired fire-place was perfect for the cold temperatures we had during our July stay. Our dietary requirements were considered and excellent food was provided all throughout the day. Multi-country plug points are available in the room. The camp runs on solar with a backup generator. Despite other more rustic camps that we stayed at later in our trip being able to manage hot water, Linkwasha struggled with this. We are experienced with African safaris and are keen photographers. After first being grouped with 4 loud, first-time safari tourists, Linkwasha kindly arranged an additional game vehicle for us which was appreciated, however, the guide was not yet qualified and some photography opportunities were missed with the lack of experience.”
Somalisa Expeditions
“Personally this was my favourite camp over our 2 week stay in Zimbabwe. Right from our arrival, you could feel the energy and enthusiasm of the staff. We loved the rustic feel of the camp despite all luxuries being available. The tents were very well appointed with an indoor/outdoor bathroom and running water along with international power sockets. The rooms were always in immaculate condition when we returned from our morning game drive and laundry was complimentary and returned the same day. The camp runs on solar power and as we were there in winter, we found the shower hottest in the afternoons and evening. Food was exceptional with our dietary requirements being met with ease. We loved the campfire area and watching the elephants drink from the pool after lunch. Natando was an excellent, experienced guide who was able to anticipate animal sightings and positioning of the vehicle for the best vantage point for photography. He enabled us to have a front row seat in a lion kill of a wildebeest and we also had a fleeting sighting of a leopard. All the staff were great and we enjoyed having the guides join us during our meals, sharing their stories. Thank you Somalisa Expeditions for making our stay one to remember.”
Somalisa Acacia
“Somalia Acacia adjoins Somalia main camp and is a short drive from Somalisa expeditions where we stayed the 2 nights previously. The rooms are luxurious with a bath as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Despite being solar powered the water was piping hot at all times of the day. The rooms were always in immaculate condition when we returned from our morning game drive and laundry was complimentary and returned the same day. Tents overlook a waterhole and while relaxing in the hammock on the tent’s deck, we saw a number of animals coming down to drink including elephant, sable antelope, kudu, waterbuck and others. The staff were wonderful and the food was excellent with our dietary requirements managed perfectly. Dixon was our guide and is very experienced. Wildlife highlights included 2 prides of lion together on one day, one pride included almost 20 lions. Lots of lion cubs, multiple elephant sightings at water holes and both sable and roan antelope.”
Zambezi Expeditions Safari Camp
“This is a seasonal camp and the most rustic of the ABC camps in Zimbabwe that we stayed in. We were here for 4 nights and we loved the feel of camping while not going without the luxuries of a full king size bed and ensuite bathroom with piping hot shower via a bucket shower. The rooms were always in immaculate condition when we returned from our morning game drive and laundry was complimentary and returned the same day. The staff here were very attentive and we were amazed by the variety and quality of the food the chef was able to produce. There is no electrical power in the rooms but this was not an issue as you are able to charge all your devices safely in the admin office. Cloud was our guide and has extensive experience in this region and in particular navigating the Zambezi via canoe. We loved that we had the opportunity to leave the game vehicle while on a drive with Cloud if we saw a great sighting, due to Cloud's experience and qualifications for a spontaneous guided walk. We had the exceptional experience of a wild dog sighting and were able to sit in very close proximity to the dogs for almost 2 hours. We also saw the famous elephant called Boswell on 2 occasions and experienced crocodiles and hippos under a spectacular sunset during the 90 min canoe ride with Cloud. Sebastien was the ultimate host and combined with all the staff at this camp we had a wonderful experience on the banks of the Zambezi river. Highly recommend this camp.”
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
“Bumi Hills was our last stop for 2 nights in a 2 week stay in Zimbabwe. The location at the top of a hill offers spectacular views of Lake Kariba and you can also see the elephant and a plethora of game wandering around the waters edge from your room’s deck. We enjoyed a massage in the spa along with a few game drives. Animal sightings were fewer than in the national parks we stayed in earlier in our trip however in one day we did see buffalo, 2 male lion and elephant along with a number of other smaller animals and birds. The rooms were very nice with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Food was excellent and we enjoyed completing our holiday in the luxury of this location.”
Staff Review
“Thank you Claire for making our first trip to Zimbabwe one to remember. We loved the camp selection and appreciate the flexibility of changes due to our international flight schedule. We had some exceptional game sightings and met some wonderful staff at the African Bush Camps locations. Thanks again for yet another amazing safari experience with Mahlatini.”
Staff Review
“Thank you Claire for making our first trip to Zimbabwe one to remember. We loved the camp selection and appreciate the flexibility of changes due to our international flight schedule. We had some exceptional game sightings and met some wonderful staff at the African Bush Camps locations. Thanks again for yet another amazing safari experience with Mahlatini.”
