Sapi Springs Camp: Our full report

Located in the 1,200km² Sapi Concession Sapi Prings Camp is built beside the seasonal Sapi River, away from ...

... the mighty Zambezi River, this is no ordinary camp. Deep within the concession the accommodation consists of novel tree-top sleep out platforms, with double beds under mosquito nets but otherwise open to the stars. NB Sapi Springs Camp is closed until further notice. The team behind the camp has decided to focus their attention on it's sister property, Sapi Explorers Camp. We have also heard there may be another new property on the concession in the near future.

None of the Expert Africa team have visited the Sapi Concession yet but we have long known the team behind the new camp, and we are expecting great things. Here is what we know so far:

The Sapi Concession along with Mana Pools National Park form part of Zimbabwe’s largest UNESCO World Heritage Site. With extensive water front and varied habitats the concession is home to good a range of wildlife including elephant, lion, buffalo and plenty of birdlife too.

The camp itself is built under a canopy of indigenous tress including strangler fig, mangosten and jackalberry trees. The whole camps is designed to be as open and airy as possible. The three bedrooms are made up of the sleeper deck with a large comfortable bed set under a mosquito net is open the canopy and stars above. Below this, under the deck is a ground level seating area, second bedroom (for inclement weather) and the en suite bathrooms with flush toilet and shower.

The main area is an open plan tent make in the most of the surrounding bus and wilderness.

The atmosphere is lends itself to sitting and watching the bush to see what comes by, be it elephants or Lillian’s lovebirds. However, for something a little more active game drives and guided walks are offered, often including active tracking of large wildlife of foot.

A stay at Sapi Springs combines well with its sister property on the concession Sapi Explorers Camp, located on the banks of Zambezi river. The combination offers a contrast of experiences within this wilderness area.

Our view

While we haven’t visited Sapi Springs, yet we would expect to find a well-run, authentic bush camp experience with excellent service and great guiding. We very much look forward to staying here and experiencing the closeness of the bush from our sleepout platform.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Geographics

Location: Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Directions: Sapi Spring Camp is usually reached by light aircraft followed by a game drive to camp
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: Based on the food at other Great Plains camps we would expect an excellent variety of food to be offered here.

Most dietary needs can be catered for with sufficient notice.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included except for champagne and premium brand spirits.

Children

Attitude towards children: Minimum age is 12
Property’s age restrictions: Minimum age is 12

Communications

Communications: No WI-FI or mobile signal
Water supply: Borehole

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: Staff have first aid training
Nearest medical facility is in Harare or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and then Johannesburg in South Africa
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers in the main camp areas and on every raised platform