Located in one of the most remote parts of Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Bush Camp (which is often called 'Kanga Camp') lies on the isolated Kanga Pan, which is near the Ruckomechi River, and away from the Zambezi. It is the newest camp in the area having opened in 2010. A member of the Expert Africa Team paid a first visit to Kanga in May 2010; read on to see what we thought of it.
As the only source of surface water for a fair distance in every direction, Kanga Pan is a magnet for game – and Kanga bushcamp a great place to view it. An added bonus is the diverse range of habitat in this area, from mopane woodland and riverine forests to open vleis and the famous pools themselves, which support a vast array of different species.
Accommodation at Kanga Bush Camp consists of six Meru-style tents. Far from the traditional image of a 'tent', these are solidly built structures, with substantial log pillars and a metal framework for canvas walls and roofs, ensuring that occupants stay safe and sound through even the most inhospitable weather.
Large double beds are found in each bedroom, which is separated by a canvas partition from the en-suite bathroom. Here, there is a flush toilet inside a canvassed area that leads to an outdoor bathroom area with a shower and washbasin. This outdoor section has canvas walls around three sides, while a fourth is open, with views down towards the pan. The honeymoon suite at Kanga has the bonus of its own elevated platform and a large free-standing bath in a private annexe.
During our visit to Kanga Bush Camp, paraffin gas lanterns did a great job in the tents, but electric lighting was about to be installed. Even once the electric lights are up and running, though, gas lanterns will still provide a good proportion of the lighting at Kanga.
The latest news – in April 2011 – is that Kanga Camp's tents were being extended and enlarged for 2011, to provide more space and comfort.
Kanga's main communal area is elevated on a wooden platform that overlooks the pan. There's a good selection of books here and there are plenty of really quiet hideaways in which to while away the afternoon. This is where the bar and lounge area are found, too, and where meals are taken around a long, communal dining table. At the front, a lower-level extensions juts out over the water's edge and some really comfortable chairs provide a great place to unwind and do a spot of birdwatching. Steps lead down from here to a water-side firepit, a great area to discuss the days' events both pre- and post-dinner.
When it comes to activities Kanga is a camp with a penchant for walking and tracking wildlife with top quality professional guides. It's unusual to be able to engage in walking activities in national parks and so to be able to leave the vehicle or walk from Kanga is a real treat. As well as walking game drives in open 4WD game vehicles both in the early morning and evening are also available. It's also possible to organise canoe safaris on the Zambezi (on request so let us know if this interest you) or day trips too.
In conclusion…Kanga Bush Camp is a really new camp which we have seen only briefly. That said it has been established by a team that we know well, who have gained a reputation in Zimbabwe and Botswana for high-quality bushcamps that combine an element of secluded luxury with the raw experience of camping under canvas in the heart of wilderness areas. Based on this track record, we believe that Kanga Bush Camp, with its original location and Mana Pool's excellent game, will quickly become a favourite amongst Africa hands both old and new.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 6 tents
Season: 1st April to 31st October
Ideal length of stay: We'd recommend Kanga Bush Camp for a 2-3 night stay in any itinerary of north eastern Zimbabwe.
Food quality: A light breakfast is offered before the first activity of the day, usually consisting of cereal, toast, coffee or tea, etc.
Brunch, a larger affair, is served on returning from the morning activity.
Before the evening game drive, there is a substantial high tea. When we visited it consisted of an onion, tomato and spinach tart with muffins.
Dinner, served on returning from the evening game drive, comprised a cauliflower and blue cheese sauce over fillet of beef with grilled vegetables and salad .
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Yes, drinks are usually included at Kanga but overseas imports and fine wines and spirits are not.
Children
Attitude towards children: Kanga Bush Camp is quite flexible when it comes to children and can review each situation on a case by case basis. This is an area full of dangerous game and children must be watched by a responsible adult at all times.
Age restrictions: Generally no under 10's.
Activities: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Although Kanga Bush Camp will accept older children aged from 6 to 16, Expert Africa doesn't recommend it for children under about 16.
Notes: This is a very open safari camp, with big game passing through regularly. All children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: There is a satellite phone and email for emergencies.
TV & radio: No
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: The nearest doctor would probably be a flight away in Kariba or Victoria Falls.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: There is a safe at reception. Guests are accompanied to and from their rooms after dark.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are dotted around camp.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Included
Money: There are no exchange facilities available. US Dollars, Rand and Sterling are all accepted.
Accepted payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
Kanga Bush Camp review
Kanga is without doubt one of the best camps we have visited in our many trips around southern Africa. As the camp is effectively less than a year old, everything is impressively clean and sparkling,...
Kanga Bush Camp review
We loved Kanga. Our hosts Gilly & Richard were great fun and looked after us very well. Unfortunately, the camp is surrounded by very dense vegetation so it was difficult to see much game, however, ...
Kwality Kanga Kamp
Richard and Gilly were exceptional hosts. As our guide Fisher was excellent and all the staff were very efficient and friendly. The whole atmosphere within Kanga is what one would hope for in a luxury...
We want you to understand more about Kanga Bush Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Kanga Bush Camp's homepage Kanga Bush Camp is run by African Bush Camps, and this is the camp's page on their website.
