Chapungu Camp: Our full report

Shortly after opening, the pandemic forced numerous changes at Chapungu Camp, which is now known as Sango ...

... Expeditions Camp. Despite some successful and interesting visits by our travelers, we have decided that in light of the changes we can no longer recommend staying here until we have had the chance to visit. Chapungu Camp is an exclusive use tented camp located on the Sango Concession within the Savé Valley Conservancy. This seldom visited south-eastern corner of Zimbabwe, part of the country's 'Lowveld', is home to thriving populations of rhino, wild dog and elephants. This combined with top-quality guiding, often from professional guide and owner Ian Batchelor himself, makes it a fantastic location to get off the beaten track and enjoy some of Zimbabwe's most pristine wilderness.

When Chapungu Camp was announced we were excited to feature a new camp in a new area on the strength of Ian Batchelor's reputation. Unfortunately, after a few challenging years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ian and the other shareholders parted ways and Chapungu no longer exists as originally envisaged. As such, we no longer recommend the camp.

Aiming to provide an authentic 'Hemingway experience' this is a simple camp that aims to let guests 'breathe, feel and smell the wilderness'. The 4 'rooms' here are walk-in meru-style tents, a covered verandah with a couple of directors chairs leads into the bedroom. Inside there are twin beds, bedside tables, and luggage storage. The ensuite bathroom is accessed through a canvas door at the back of the tent. This includes a flush toilet, basins and a bucket shower which is filled with hot water on request. We would expect this set us to be functional but also perfectly comfortable.

In keeping with the bush camp style the main area is a large mess tent with large doors inviting guest out to the fire surrounded by canvas chairs. We understand that weather permitting meals are often served out under the African sky.

Activities from Chapangu revolve around 4WD and walking safaris as is typical in Zimbabwe. However, the camp also offers Rhino tracking specialist birding trips and community visits. With a strong focus on guiding and an excellent variety of wildlife in the area we'd expect the camp to offer a wonderful game experience.

Our view

We have not yet visited Chapungu Camp but we have long known owner Ian Batchelor and trust that this will be an excellent camp. We are hearing great reports of wildlife in the area and understand that Ian works closely with anti-poaching in the area. We look forward to hearing back from our travellers who visit and experiencing the area for ourselves.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Geographics

Location: Gonarezhou & Save Valley, Zimbabwe
Directions: Guests will generally fly to Sango Airstrip where they are collected and transferred to Camp
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Children

Attitude towards children

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chapungu Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chapungu Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.