Chikwenya Camp
Set where the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers meet, Chikwenya Camp offers exclusive access to one of Mana Pools’ most wildlife-rich floodplains. With its remote setting, tented accommodation, and a full range of safari activities, this is one of Zimbabwe’s top dry season safari destinations. Its location, at the confluence of the Sapi River and the mighty Zambezi, makes it ideal for those seeking both exceptional wildlife encounters and a tranquil riverside setting.
Chikwenya Camp in Mana Pools National Park
Chikwenya Camp is located on a private concession at the eastern edge of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Positioned at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, the camp overlooks an open floodplain with the Rift Valley escarpment rising in the distance. This remote corner of northern Zimbabwe offers outstanding access to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich river systems. The camp is part of the larger Mana Pools ecosystem, renowned for its elephant herds, dense riverine forests, and dramatic seasonal transformations between the dry and rainy seasons. This stretch of the Zambezi is also one of the best areas for canoe safaris, offering close encounters with hippopotamus, crocodiles, and an array of birds.
Accommodation at Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya features seven spacious tents, including two family units designed for comfort and privacy. Each tented suite is elevated on wooden decking and set beneath a grove of albida and Natal mahogany trees, offering shade, seclusion, and views over the banks of the Zambezi River.
Features of Chikwenya Camp include:
Indoor and outdoor showers and en-suite bathrooms
Private lounge areas with canvas blinds and river-facing decks
Sunken seating for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your tent
Mosquito nets, ceiling fans, and solar-powered lighting
Charging stations with USB ports and universal adaptors
The family units provide additional space and flexibility, making them ideal for families traveling together. These include:
A plunge pool on a private deck
Separate sleeping areas for adults and children
Extra privacy, ideal for longer stays or multi-generational travellers
In the main camp area:
A central swimming pool overlooks the floodplain - perfect for cooling off during the heat of the day
The raised dining and lounge spaces offer a relaxed setting to enjoy meals and plan the wide range of activities on offer
This tented camp combines comfort and thoughtful design, set within one of the most scenic riverfront settings in Mana Pools.
Game Viewing and Safari Activities
Chikwenya ranks among the premier safari camps in Mana Pools. Situated in a private concession on the eastern boundary of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the camp offers access to some of the richest wildlife corridors in northern Zimbabwe. During the dry season, the Zambezi River and surrounding floodplains draw in large concentrations of game.
Guests can expect sightings of:
An elephant browsing on Albida pods near the camp
Lion and wild dog moving through the floodplains
Hippopotamus and crocodiles along the riverbanks
Eland, zebra, waterbuck, and buffalo grazing in open areas
Exceptional birdlife, including Narina trogon, African fish eagle, and various birds in the canopy
Safari activities include:
4x4 game drives: ideal for early morning or late afternoon viewing
Walking safaris: guided by expert trackers through riverine forest and floodplain
Canoe safaris: a unique way to explore the river, with up-close views of hippos, elephants, and birdlife
Catch-and-release fishing: available seasonally for species like tigerfish
This diversity of terrain and wildlife, combined with the variety of activities on offer, makes Chikwenya Camp one of the most complete safari experiences in Africa. Whether you’re tracking predators, drifting past Chikwenya Island in a canoe, or spotting birds from beneath the grove of shady indigenous trees, every outing offers something new.
Why Choose Chikwenya Camp
What sets Chikwenya apart is its exclusive access to a quiet stretch of Mana Pools, with diverse landscapes and low vehicle density. The combination of floodplain, forest, and river habitat supports a rich mix of wildlife. With expert guides, intimate tented accommodation, and varied safari activities, including canoeing and walking, it’s one of the best ways to experience Zimbabwe’s wilderness. The camp is situated along a particularly scenic stretch of the Zambezi, with views across the river to the escarpment in Zambia. For travellers seeking a luxurious safari that balances adventure with serenity, a stay at Wilderness Chikwenya offers access to Mana Pools in a setting of untouched, pristine wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Kind of Wildlife Sightings Can I Expect at Chikwenya Camp?
Chikwenya sits in a prime location on the Zambezi River, part of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area offers exceptional sightings of elephant, eland, hippo, and wild dog, especially during the dry season. The nearby floodplains and grove of shady indigenous trees attract rich birdlife, while the camp’s proximity to Chikwenya Island allows for unique encounters during canoe and boat-based activities. For travellers interested in safari stories and photography, this is one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
2. Is Chikwenya Camp Suitable for First-Time African Safari Travellers?
Yes, Chikwenya is a superb introduction to the African safari experience. This tented camp is situated in a private concession on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools, offering an intimate and uncrowded wilderness environment. With a mix of land and river-based activities on offer, including game drives, walking safaris, and canoe excursions, first-time travellers get a full immersion into what makes the Mana Pools experience so special.
3. Can Chikwenya Camp Be Part of a Longer Zimbabwe Safari Itinerary?
Absolutely. Chikwenya is frequently included in extended safari itineraries across Zimbabwe, especially those combining Mana Pools and Hwange. As a luxury river camp located at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, it pairs well with inland bush camps or other riverside lodges. Many guests begin or end their journey at Chikwenya, appreciating the dramatic scenery of the mountains of the Rift Valley and the chance to explore one of Africa’s most untouched corners.
Chikwenya Camp offers direct access to one of the best wildlife areas in Mana Pools. With strong game viewing, a remote setting, and a range of activities, it’s a solid choice for travellers looking for a serious safari experience in northern Zimbabwe. Contact Next Adventure to include Chikwenya in your custom itinerary.