Reviews of Vundu Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
46 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Vundu Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
79% success
22% success
0% success
74% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
90% success
90% success
80% success
26% success
11% success
11% success
0% success
0% success
"Wild dogs and standing elephant at Vundu Camp"
The wildlife sightings were fascinating although drought meant many grazing animals looked poor. It was a wonderful to see wild dogs at their den with young puppies. Also to see one of the famous Mana Pools elephants standing on his back legs to reach the higher branches. Lovely sightings of carmine bee eater, racket-tailed roller and other birds. Despite feeling busier than the other areas of Zimbabwe we visited, there were seldom other vehicles in sight.
Our guide was excellent and we had the chance to walk towards the dogs and a group of lions. The camp's owners are committed to working for the protection of wildlife, especially the "painted wolves" in the area." See all these reviews: 12n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
5 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
3 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Real Bush Safari at Vundu Camp"
Authentic bush camp atmosphere
Food was too copious in quantity and needs a little more refinement and imagination." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
Would have preferred the buffet service that all the other camps used you could always go back for more food therefore less waste.
Overall we had an amazing holiday, very well looked after by all concerned." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Vundu Camp review"
Not so good points: one of the major reasons for choosing to visit Mana Pools was to see the wild dogs ... alas we didn't. We also didn't see any of the large cats or hyenas. We do appreciate that the wildlife cannot be "planned" - but it was nevertheless disappointing. Regarding the room: water is heated by an open fire under a boiler. This is efficient in producing hot water, but at times we were aware of smoke smells in the room and on returning home we noticed that all our clothes smelt of wood smoke ... even our bags had to washed. We have been in camps elsewhere with similar systems without problems. Perhaps Vundu should invest in solar panels?" See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
6 sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Dogs... but much,much more"
The scenery here is spectacular, from the views over the Zambezi as you fly in to the different landscapes as you explore the area.
Most people come here hoping to see painted dogs and we did so on three occasions (once on our own). Again it had been a poor wet season so waterholes were all but dry with animals relying on the river. Elephants were swimming or walking across the shallower parts.
Jim's night drives were very productive with sightings of genets, civets, hyena and white tailed mongoose. And he was brilliant at spotting and identifying birds. It's worth taking the afternoon canoe trip - avoiding the hippos and crocs! - to gain a different perspective.
We enjoyed several excellent bush walks including tracking three lionesses who had left their prints in camp overnight.
Breakfasts were a bit spartan so you were ready for the excellent lunches. The tents are extremely spacious and right on the edge of the Zambezi, giving this place a special atmosphere.
It's worth noting that in Mana Pools as a whole there are now no tsetse precautions being taken, though at one time they were eradicated." See all these reviews: 17n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Vundu - one of our favourite African Lodges"
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wild dog
7 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Undue camp review"
Simeon was a very knowledgable and experienced guide. He got us great views and wildlife experiences.
The camp was slightly more basic, but with all the essentials. The food was plentiful, but the choice was a bit limited especially between deliveries." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
2 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
2 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"Fabulous stay at great camp "
Daryl is a fabulous guide and committed to protecting the wildlife. Melanie is a great host and included all the staff ensured they got credit for their involvement in our stay. Daryl and Melanie seemed as excited as us to see the animals, especially the dog pups.
We will always remember our canoeing along the Zambezi and the unique views of hippos. The accommodation and food were excellent. It was also fascinating to hear about Nick and Daryl’s efforts with their Conservancy protecting the wildlife in the park.
Thoroughly recommended for any trip to Zimbabwe." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Roan antelope
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
2 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Zebra
6 sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
Only reservation was that the area was a bit busy with traffic." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Bush camp on the Zambezi river"
Breakfast was minimal. No protein just carbohydrates. Toast and granola etc. There seemed to be a shortage of guides while we were in camp. Steve was hired by one camper as his private guide leaving Henry to deal with six of us. Two of these people did not want to walk due to health issues so we were quite limited for the first day despite our wish for lots of bush walks.
The next day, the couple who did not want to walk requested Henry to themselves and so we were in a bit of a pickle. Daryl (the manager) had to go to the airport to pickup more campers. Fortunately Steve was freed up for the day as the fellow who had hired him as a private guide decided to stay in the camp , so our day was rescued and we had a wonderful morning walk in the bush. Definitely will be back to Mana Pools. Uncertain if we will be back to Vundu Camp.
Dinners were excellent kudos to the chef loved eating en famille. Daryl and Melanie were wonderful hosts and there was lots of lovely dinner conversations." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 8n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Zimbabwe
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zimbabwe.
Other lodges in Mana Pools National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kanga Bush Camp
Unspoiled and peaceful, Kanga Bush Camp is located in a remote and exclusive part of Mana Pools National Park, overlooking the Kanga Pan.
Stretch Ferreira Safaris
Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp is a small, owner-run camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, with the emphasis on great guiding.
Ruckomechi Camp
In a very scenic spot beside the Zambezi, Ruckomechi is a smart camp offering excellent walking, river safaris, night and day 4WD game drives.
Zambezi Expeditions
Zambezi Expeditions is a simple, semi-permanent camp along the Zambezi River that offers excellent guiding and standards of service.
Nyamatusi Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River, the luxury Nyamatusi Camp occupies a pristine wilderness environment.
Little Vundu
Closely associated with Vundu Camp, Little Vundu has the same great location and quality of guides, and is occasionally used for private group bookings.
Mana Canoe Trail
The Canoe Trail is a multi-day trip, along the Zambezi with some of the best guides in Africa. Each night you'll camp on the banks of the river.
Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga is a comfortable tented camp tucked away in a less-visited area of Mana Pools National Park with surprisingly good wildlife and an excellent hide.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
John's Camp
John's Camp is a semi-mobile tented camp offering walking safaris, game drives, and fishing in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Nyamatusi Mahogany is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Mana Pools National Park.
Little Ruckomechi
In a shady spot beside the Zambezi, Little Ruckomechi is a small but luxurious camp offering a reange of activities including walking and canoe trips.
Ingwe Pan Camp
Ingwe Pan Camp is due to open in May and will be located in a remote area in the north of the Mana Pools National Park
Tembo Plains Camp
Building commenced on Tembo Plains Camp in February 2021. Details are sparce at this stage but we'll update this page once we know more.
Mana River Camp
Mana River Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, a site formerly occupied by Mwinilunga Camp.
