Wilderness Chikwenya

• Wilderness Chikwenya is set in an exclusive wilderness area on Mana Pool’s eastern boundary, where the Sapi River meets the mighty Zambezi.
• Mana Pools is a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site, bristling with iconic African wildlife in an extraordinarily beautiful riverine setting.
• Thrilling walking safaris, and untamed adventures on game drives and by boat.
• Superb birdlife in a sublimely wild, ultra-photogenic setting.

Destination: Positioned on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Chikwenya is a photographer’s dream. Located at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers, the camp looks out over an open floodplain, the Zambezi River and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools teems with wildlife and invites all who visit to an unforgettable wildlife safari, on foot, by boat or by land.

Experience: Wild and exclusive, this camp offers thrilling adventures. Guests can discover the wildlife on game drives tracking animals, or gain a new perspective from a guided nature walk, learning more about the area from our professional and friendly guides. Water safaris are also on offer on the magical Zambezi River: guests can look out for pods of hippos, and elephants swimming, feeding and drinking in the water. Guests may also try their hand at catch-and-release fishing, and discover the thrill of landing one of the river’s legendary tigerfish.

Purpose: 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 the national park’s World Heritage Site status.

NOTE: Wilderness Chikwenya is open seasonally between April and mid-November.

Wildlife: Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views. The area is a compact concentration of scenic habitats (woodlands, floodplains, pans, islands and two iconic rivers) teeming with thrilling and diverse wildlife, where guests can look forward to spotting iconic wildlife – large herds of buffalos and elephants, kudu, Burchell's zebras, waterbuck, impala and warthogs, and their predators, including lions, wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs. Hippos and Nile crocodiles are abundant in and along the river.

Birdlife is superb with some 350 species recorded, including western banded snake eagle, rufous-bellied heron, long-toed lapwing, and the enigmatic Pel’s fishing-owl.

Wilderness Chikwenya: With its exceptionally beautiful location on the floodplains that sweep down to the broad Zambezi, and views onto the dazzling Rift Valley mountains beyond, Chikwenya is noted for exceptional sightings from ‘your armchair’ in camp – not only for the ever-present elephants and diverse bird species, but many plains game seen passing through – sometimes even followed by predators.

Tranquil and exquisite, Chikwenya’s seven elegant rooms (including two family units) are situated amongst shady albida trees – much loved by elephants, often seen feeding on tiptoe – and glorious Natal mahoganies.

The convivial lounge, dining and bar area offers a place of shared relaxation, while the sparkling pool, expansive deck and fireplace is an inviting space for quietly enjoying the scenery and passing wildlife.