Chikwenya

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Situated on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, Chikwenya enjoys a rich Wilderness Safaris history as one of the first camps in the region. A photographer’s paradise, Chikwenya overlooks the open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.

Chikwenya’s seven tents (including two family units) stand on low wooden decks with pine walkways linking them to the raised main area. The lounge, dining and bar area are places of hospitality and relaxation, with a pool and deck offering alternate spaces to enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife.

Game is plentiful with large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, the latter standing on their hind legs to reach for whatever is left of the albida fruits when the season comes to an end, which serve as sustenance for the pachyderms during the dry season with these protein-rich pods. Predators such as lion, African wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted.

In between a variety of activities, the camp’s main area offers shady spaces to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery and passing wildlife. Greater kudu, Burchell’s zebra, impala, warthog and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day. Birdlife is superb, with numerous local specials like collared palmthrush and racket-tailed roller.

Guests can try their hand at catch-and-release fishing – imagine hooking a tigerfish as you drift down the Zambezi. Enjoy a walk in the woods, while experiencing Africa on foot – along the Zambezi River, amongst the riverine vegetation and under the shady trees. Delight in a sunset cruise in the safe confines of a boat while watching the sun setting over Africa. Boating is a wonderful way of seeing a large number of waterbirds and wildlife attracted to the river and seasonal pans at Chikwenya.

Another great purpose at Chikwenya is through their partnership, both financially and logistically with renowned NGO, Painted

Dog Conservation (PDC), helping to drive the conservation of this Endangered species in the Mana Pools National Park and surrounds. As part of initiative, Chikwenya has built bomas to host wild dogs that have been relocated from Hwange National Park in order to boost the population in Mana Pools.

Predominantly due to habitat loss, the African wild dog has been under pressure for many years, with an estimated 7 000 left on the continent. The initiative looks into the population status of wild dog in Zimbabwe as well as the threats of human-wild dog conflict. Its mission is to protect and increase the range and number of wild dog through research, education and community involvement. As part of this initiative, they have introduced the concept of “guest science”, where both guides and guests are able to assist PDC by taking photos, and noting dates and times of each sighting.