This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya Camp
Chikwenya Camp

Chikwenya Camp: Our full report

For many years Chikwenya has sat in a private concession on Mana Pool's eastern boundary, overlooking the ...

... vast floodplains of the Zambezi River, with the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment providing a stunning backdrop. Despite the camps beautiful riverine location we have felt that the standards weren't up to those we would expect for our travellers. We're therefore delighted to learn that one of our long-term partners in Zimbabwe has taken over and refurbished the camp. We are certain that this will significantly raise the standards, and we look forward to seeing the latest iteration of Chikwenya.

Chikwenya is made up of ten tented rooms surrounded by a dense forest of albida and Natal mahogany trees on the banks of the Zambezi River. Pine walkways will link each room to the raised lounge, dining and bar area, with a pool and a sundeck nearby.

Activities at the camp will focus on game drives and walking safaris within the camps private concession, providing exclusive viewing of the areas incredible wildlife. As the camp is based outside the national park motorised activities will be available on the river, a wonderful way to see waterbirds, get close to the areas hippo population, and get an alternate view point of the elephants coming down to the river to drink. The middle of the Zambezi is also one of the best spots from which to watch the sunset.


Our view

We have not visited the lates incarnation of Chikwenya yet. However, we know that it occupies a picturesque location on the Zambezi and it was one of the original lodges in this area. We trust the team behind the lodge and look forward to experiencing it again for ourselves.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

Zimbabwe expert

Geographics

Location
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities

Children

Attitude towards children

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chikwenya Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chikwenya 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.

Eland

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Buffalo

50% success

Lion

50% success

Wild dog

50% success

Aardvark

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Wildebeest

0% success

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Fire safety

Extras

Disabled access

Other lodges in Mana Pools National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Vundu Camp

Vundu Camp

Overlooking the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Vundu Camp is a small, comfortable bushcamp offering top-notch guiding.


95% (46 reviews)
Kanga Bush Camp

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.


91% (16 reviews)
Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp

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.


95% (15 reviews)
Ruckomechi Camp

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.


93% (15 reviews)
Zambezi Expeditions

Zambezi Expeditions

Zambezi Expeditions is a simple, semi-permanent camp along the Zambezi River that offers excellent guiding and standards of service.


97% (12 reviews)
Nyamatusi Camp

Nyamatusi Camp

Overlooking the Zambezi River, the luxury Nyamatusi Camp occupies a pristine wilderness environment.


91% (7 reviews)
Little Vundu

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.


95% (4 reviews)
Mana Pools Canoe Trail

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.


100% (4 reviews)
Kavinga Safari Camp

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.


93% (3 reviews)
John's Camp

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.


90% (2 reviews)
Nyamatusi Mahogany

Nyamatusi Mahogany

Nyamatusi Mahogany is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Mana Pools National Park.


100% (2 reviews)
Little Ruckomechi

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.


100% (1 review)
Ingwe Pan Camp

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


No reviews yet
Tembo Plains Camp

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.


No reviews yet
Mana River Camp

Mana River Camp

Mana River Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, a site formerly occupied by Mwinilunga Camp.


No reviews yet

Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Africa