Children 06 years and older are accommodated
Chikwenya
Situated on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya is a photographer’s paradise as it looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment. The camp is surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide deep shade in the heat of the day. The albidas shed their protein-rich pods during the dry season, providing vital sustenance for many species, particularly elephant
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Reviews4/6
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Vacation Style Adult Group
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Camp Size 14 guests and 4 children
All about Chikwenya
As a private-access area neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya plays an important role in protecting what is considered to be one of the great wildlife spectacles on the continent and in preserving a feel of real wilderness - a function that is recognised in its World Heritage Site status.
Chikwenya is open seasonally between April and mid/late November.
Situated on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya is a photographer’s paradise as it looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Situated on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya is a photographer’s paradise as it looks out over an open floodplain and the broad Zambezi River, with a backdrop provided by the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment. The camp is surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide deep shade in the heat of the day. The albidas shed their protein-rich pods during the dry season, providing vital sustenance for many species, particularly elephant.
Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Zambezi Valley, a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views. The area offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, while predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted. 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 palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller.
About the camp
Activities
- Day & night game drives in 04 x 07-seater open Toyota Hiluxes. For reasons of Comfort and space, we generally do not allocate more than six or seven guests per vehicle if the numbers are made up of different booking parties at a Classic category of camp
- Private activities on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked and paid for) may be requested in advance. There is no option to book a private vehicle from another camp in the same concession when staying at Chikwenya.
- Water-based activities in 02 x 08-seater pontoon boats and 05 x 02-seater canoes (water levels permitting).
- Whilst not predominantly a fishing camp, fishing is possible on a catch and release basis from the bank or by boat for leisurely interests.
- Guided nature walks.
- Birding.
- Stargazing with a laser pointer.
Camp Facilities
- Pool in main area with partially shaded deck and loungers
- Lounge, dining and bar areas on raised wooden decks, with raised wooden walkways linking all the guest tents to the main areas.
- Swing seat.
- Fire pit.
- Guest toilets in main area.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars in the main area
- Early morning wake-up call.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Accomodation
This tented camp is surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees, which provide deep shade in the heat of the day. The tents perch on low wooden decks and pine walkways link them to the raised main area. The lounge, dining and bar area are places of hospitality and relaxation, and a pool, deck and fireplace offer alternate spaces to enjoy the scenery and passing wildlife.
Number of tents
- 07 x Tents in total comprising:
- 05 x twin-bedded canvas tents each with two three quarter beds.
- 02 x family units consisting of two bedrooms each with two three quarter beds, in each tent and each with their own en-suite facilities. Main bathroom with an indoor shower, outdoor shower, indoor bath, single basin vanity and separate toilet. Second bathroom with an indoor shower (no outdoor shower), single basin vanity and toilet. Separate entrances, however, shared outdoor deck and sunken seating area, with a shared private plunge pool. Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:
- [01 Pilot/Guide (01 bed in total, 01 bed per tent, on a single occupancy accommodation basis only, with own en-suite facilities - not of the same standard as guest accommodation)].
Tent Descriptions
- Canvas tented accommodation on low wooden decks, with raised wooden walkways linking all the guest tents to the main area.
- En-suite facilities with indoor shower, outdoor shower, indoor bath, single basin vanity and separate toilet.
- Canvas roll down blinds for all weather conditions.
- Luggage rack, mosquito net, during winter months hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities (hot water will be provided in the mornings and on request), indoor lounge area, veranda with a private outdoor sunken deck/seating area,
- Complimentary in-tent Wi-Fi.
- No air-conditioning, however, a ceiling fan is installed in each tent.
- Amenities include bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella, room spray and a mosquito coil are supplied in each tent.
Electricity & Water
Child Policy
For families travelling with children between the ages of 06 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent.
The minimum age for boating activities is 06 years (water levels permitting) and for canoeing activities it is 16 years.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day) and included on the FI rate basis. Laundry is
Due to prevailing local cultural traditions, please place any underwear items in the mesh laundry bag provided, so that these can be machine washed separately. Should guests prefer to hand wash, environmentally friendly detergent is available in the tents or can be provided on request
As an environmentally-aware company, we strive to reduce our water usage where we can. Since towel washing consumes an enormous amount of water, we follow the same policy used by most top establishments around the world: should guests want their towels washed, we request that guests please place these into the laundry basket/laundry bag supplied. Towels not in the laundry basket/laundry bag will be hung up and dried for their reuse.
Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages. We cannot be held liable for any damage to clothing.
Gratuities Guidelines
We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Guests should not feel obliged to do so. Tipping should be undertaken only by choice, subject to the service received. In addition, guests may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) - i.e. if additional activities are booked once on their journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.
Guide and Specialist Guide - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day and may be tipped directly.
The General Safari Camp Staff - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.
With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.
| Departure Dates Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Including Flights | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,170 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$1,779 |
$3,470 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$3,779 |
$4,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,879 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$1,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$4,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$5,779 |
$3,270 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request and prior notice essential) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).
Water for showers are heated by electric geysers