Read 2 traveller reviews of Musango Safari Camp

Musango Safari Camp is a small camp situated on an island not far from the shores of Lake Kariba, near to Matusadona National Park.

Musango was set up in 1990 by the former Head Warden of Matusadona National Park, Steve Edwards – a Zimbabwean guide of considerable note. Along with his partner, Wendy, they both still own and manage the camp. Steve's great knowledge goes far beyond the wildlife of the area. It also encompasses the local landscapes, ornithology and paleontology – and this breadth of interests is in some ways reflected in the wide variety of activities available at Musango.

Musango Camp contains 6 tented chalets of a unique design. Each stands on a raised, polished concrete base. Inside the tent, two comfortable twin beds (or a large double in the honeymoon suite) face towards the river, each has a reading light. There's a basket for laundry and a flask of water on the table. The back of each tent leads into a stone walled en-suite bathroom which incorporates a hot shower, a ceramic washbasin and a flushing toilet in its own cubicle.

Above the tent, and most of the bathroom, is a high thatched roof supported by an A-frame of wooden beams. At the front of each chalet, partially shaded by the roof, is a veranda with a couple of large wooden chairs facing the lake, which is just a few meters away. Each chalet is east-facing and so these verandas provide great places to watch the sunrise across the lake.

The honeymoon suite is similar to the standard chalets but has a double bed and its own private plunge pool as part of a more spacious veranda.

Each chalet is surrounded by dense riverine forest through which sandy paths lead to Musango's main area. The centre piece of this is an unconventional looking wood-and-thatch double storey building. On the ground floor is a lounge and reception area, with a well-stocked bookcase. The walls are decorated with local arts and crafts, as well as maps and photos of the local area. The ground floor is also where the semi circular dining table is found and where evening meals are taken.

The upper deck is large, airy and spacious and has a few comfortable deck chairs positioned for the view. Breakfast and brunch are often taken here, where guests can enjoy the views out across the lake. Behind this main area is a swimming pool, although on our last visit to Musango this wasn't looking very enticing.

Activities offered from Musango Safari Camp include walking safaris in Matusadona National Park and the nearby wildlife sanctuary, and game drives with experienced guides. Guests can go fishing for tigerfish, which are found in abundance in Lake Kariba, along with vundu and bream. In the past, the world record for the largest tigerfish caught has been broken near Musango Safari Camp. The camp also offers canoeing trips in two- and three-seater Canadian canoes, allowing different and sometimes more relaxing views of the wildlife.

Musango also offers the chance to visit a typical fishing village; this provides a different, more human aspect to a trip and takes into account the important aspect that local people play in wildlife conservation, something that many other lodges and camps cannot offer. On our last trip this was done very sensitively, and clearly there's a good relationship between the lodge and the villagers.

Musango Safari Camp was involved in the reintroduction of black rhino back into Matusadona National Park, and you can track the wild black rhino on foot at the black rhino sanctuary next door to the camp. The camp is also involved with Painted Dog Conservation, a rehabilitation and reintroduction project for wild dogs dogs in Zimbabwe.

In conclusion... the accommodation at Musango is clean, functional and unique in design – but this isn't the main reason for coming here. Visitors come here primarily for the guiding skills of Steve and his small team, and for their knowledge of not just the flora and fauna, but also the wider cultural and conservation aspects of the area. The unique, almost beach-like setting of this lodge beside Lake Kariba also makes for an interesting contrast to most of Zimbabwe's other safari camps.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 8 tented rooms

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 3-4 nights here would be ideal, and many guests will check in advance if Steve is available at the lodge to guide them during their stay.

Geographics

Location: Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

Directions: By air to Bumi Hills Airstrip, then a short boat transfer to the island, would be normal. Alternatively, it's possible to reach here by speedboat from Kariba town, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. (note such a boat ride can be very bumpy.)

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Steve Edwards

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Generally recommended for children: We wouldn't recommend this camp for children; there's a lot of dangerous game around.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

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