About Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp
Stretch Ferreira Safaris, formerly Goliath Safaris, is one of the most established safari operators in Mana ...
... Pools National Park, with nearly 40 years' experience in the area. The company is owned and run by its namesake Stretch Ferreira aka "Father Mana" who, over this time, has gained a wealth of knowledge of the bush and its residents. Stretch's charisma, charm and hospitality, combined with fantastic wildlife watching opportunities makes this a special camp.
Stretch Ferreira Safaris offers a comfortable adventure in a wilderness environment. The experience revolves around the skill, knowledge and personality of Stretch Ferreira and his guiding team, who have a real following. If you are looking for an informal but exciting safari experience, and the chance to approach large game on foot, this would make a superb choice. We look forward to visiting the camp in its new guise and experiencing a new take on an old favourite.
Our view
Stretch Ferreira Safaris offers a comfortable adventure in a wilderness environment. The experience revolves around the skill, knowledge and personality of Stretch Ferreira and his guiding team, who have a real following. If you are looking for an informal but exciting safari experience, and the chance to approach large game on foot, this would make a superb choice. We look forward to visiting the camp in its new guise and experiencing a new take on an old favourite.
Accommodation
6 tents
Children
Best for 16+
Open
Mid-Apr - Oct
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp
15 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 6 Sep 2022, 4 nights
"Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Sep 2018, 3 nights
"Good experience at Goliath"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 5 Sep 2018, 2 nights
"Good traditional safari camp"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 6 Sep 2018, 3 nights
"A peace of paradise "
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 18 Jun 2018, 3 nights
"This is a wonderful walking camp!"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Jul 2016, 3 nights
"Interesting trip to Goliath"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 23 Jul 2015, 3 nights
"Stretch at Goliath can't be beat"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Jun 2015, 3 nights
"Goliath Up Close and Personal"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 16 Sep 2014, 3 nights
"Goliath Safaris review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 10 Jun 2014, 4 nights
"Goliath Safaris review"
Overall rating: Excellent








Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 17 pictures of Stretch Ferreira Safaris to get the candid view.
View galleryStretch Ferreira Safaris Camp: Our full report
Stretch Ferreira Safaris, formerly Goliath Safaris, is one of the most established safari operators in Mana ...
... Pools National Park, with nearly 40 years' experience in the area. The company is owned and run by its namesake Stretch Ferreira aka "Father Mana" who, over this time, has gained a wealth of knowledge of the bush and its residents. Stretch's charisma, charm and hospitality, combined with fantastic wildlife watching opportunities makes this a special camp.
These days most safari operators in southern and eastern Africa fall squarely into either the 'mobile' or 'lodge' category. By contrast, Stretch Ferreira's Camp, sometimes still referred to as Goliath, stands firmly between the two. While equipped with features normally associated with a permanent site (such as flushing toilets and hot and cold showers), the camp stays in the same location for around only six months (April/May to around October or November) before it is dismantled for the season, to be rebuilt in the same place the following year.
Even at its busiest, the camp has only six Meru-style tents, so caters to a maximum of 12 guests. Each tent incorporates a bedroom with twin beds or a double with mosquito nets, a couple of bedside tables, a luggage cabinet and a wardrobe. A smooth ground sheet provides a comfortable floor and a rug here and there adds warmth.
The canvas walls and ceiling are high, and mesh windows provide a breeze to keep the tents cool, while curtains keep the light out. Roll-down canvas flaps, extra blankets and hot-water bottles help to keep the tent warm during the colder winter nights (June to mid-August). Solar storm lanterns provide ambient light in the rooms, and small solar-charged torches provide enough light to read by. However, since the main lights in the room are turned off at 9.00pm, it’s advisable to bring your own torch for a stay at Stretch's camp.
The en-suite bathrooms are reached through a flap in the rear wall of the tent, where a canvas-walled extension houses a fully flushing toilet and a plumbed-in washbasin. Beyond this is an open-air shower, with a wooden platform on the pebble floor, and water heated by a wood-burning stove.
A wide sandy path runs along the front of the tents, leading to the communal main area. A large, canvas structure with wooden pillars over a sand floor, this has a fantastic view across the river. In the bar area, decorated with photographic prints of the local wildlife, a few large fridges keep the drinks pleasantly cold. Adjacent is a lounge with comfortable chairs, a tea and coffee station, and a small collection of coffee-table books and other literary offerings. A water purification unit supplies clean drinking water throughout the day.
Beside the main area of the tented camp is a separate and semi-enclosed dining room, where brunch and evening meals are taken. A long wooden dining table, set in the evening with candles and locally made beaded placemats, is flanked by a wooden fence adorned with black-and-white wildlife photographs and colourful paintings. At the foot of the table is an open view across the river as it gently meanders by.
But to dwell on the physical camp here is to miss the point; it’s the safari activities, superb guiding, and the overall safari experience that travellers come for. 4WD game drives, canoeing and walks are mostly led by Stretch, whose knowledge of the park (and some of the individual animals) is extensive, and his approach to guiding is passionate and personal.
On our last visit, while canoeing down the Zambezi, we stopped when Stretch saw an elephant that he recognised feeding on an island in the middle of the river. We got out of the canoes and slowly and carefully approached to within 5m of the animal – a wonderful moment as the sun was setting over the river. The following day we tracked lion through a combination of driving and walking until, after carefully manoeuvring around elephant, eland and zebra, we were able to approach on foot within 20m of the pride – an incredibly exciting experience, and a real testament to the skill of the guides.
In addition, Stretch has several fully trained and experienced canoe and walking guides, who share his passion and knowledge for guiding in the area. So while the experience of being guided by Stretch is a major part of the appeal of staying here, you are still likely to get a superb safari experience if he isn’t available during your stay.
Geographics
- Location
- Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- We'd recommend a stay of 3 to 4 nights at Stretch Ferreira Safaris. The variety of activities mean you'll want to give yourself enough time to experience everything the camp has to offer.
- Directions
- Stretch Ferreira Safaris is a five-hour road transfer from Lusaka or a two-hour flight from Victoria Falls. The nearest airstrip is Mana Main.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we last visited when the camp was still called Goliath Tented Camp, in October 2016, the food was very good indeed.
Before heading off on your morning activity you'll be served a breakfast of porridge, kept warm on the campfire – which is lit in the early mornings and in the evenings – and a selection of cereals and toast.
Our lunch, eaten informally in the lounge area, was a buffet of homemade pizza (a chicken and a vegetarian option) with a selection of salads and freshly baked bread, followed by fresh fruit.
Afternoon tea is taken in the main area overlooking the river; we were served a chocolate cake together with tea and coffee.
For dinner, which was served more formally around the large dining table, we enjoyed a starter of tomato soup with a homemade bread roll. The main course was roast beef, roast potatoes and sweet potatoes, carrots and green beans. Dessert was a lovely crème brûlée. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- Included except for premium wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Walking safaris
- Mana Pools is a top destination for walking safaris. The open environment lends good visibility, and walkers often get very close to big game. The focus at Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp is squarely on Stretch’s guiding; his passion and knowledge of the wildlife are the major draw.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Zimbabwe
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Only children over 12 are accepted at Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp. Should travellers wish to visit with children under 12 years then they would need to book out the whole camp; the minimum charge is for 8 adults.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No under 12 years
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- This is a very open camp with wild animals often walking through and around it. Activities such as walking and canoeing are less suitable for children than most and as this is the main focus of Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp we'd hesitate to recommend this camp for children.
- Notes
- Expert Africa doesn’t recommend Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp for children under the age of about 16; there is very little to entertain youngsters in between guided safari activities and the area is very wild and open with game wandering through camp.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Stretch Ferreira Safaris
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Stretch Ferreira Safaris 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.

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

100% success

75% success

75% success

25% success

25% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The generator is switched on at 6.00am and switched off at 9.30pm, sharp.
- Communications
- There is no cellphone signal and only a two-way radio between camp and the game drive vehicles. The National Parks office, approximately ten minutes’ drive away, has WiFi but guests will very rarely if ever visit this.
- TV & radio
- None
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Kariba, which is about an hour away by road and air.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Stretch Ferreira Safaris’ guides are in camp at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the camp and in the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included.
- Money
- There are no safes in the tents. All valuables are to be left with the manager for safekeeping.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments are accepted in US dollars.
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Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Stretch Ferreira Safaris.
Other lodges in Mana Pools National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

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

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.

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.
When to go to Mana Pools National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Stretch Ferreira Safaris in Mana Pools National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zimbabwe in January
January falls in the middle of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rainfall occurs most days, flooding seasonal rivers and waterholes, with the occasional sunny spell.
With the high levels of precipitation the wildlife in the national parks becomes widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundance of food and water, and is easily hidden by the thick, green bush.
While sightings of larger animals are possible, and many species drop their young at this time, game viewing is often sparse. However, many migratory species of bird arrive in Zimbabwe making it a peak month for birding.
The rains create incredibly sticky mud in Mana Pools National Park, preventing access and causing camps to close for the season. The majority of the camps in other parks remain open, with low rates attracting a smattering of visitors.
- Peak of the rainy season: hot & humid with heavy rain most days
- Bush exceptionally thick and green, with poor game viewing
- Species such as impala drop their young
- All camps in Mana Pools closed
- Very few visitors, and low rates at open camps
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in January
Zimbabwe in February
February remains well within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Although total rainfall drops, relatively short thunderstorms can still be expected most afternoons. On the plus side, there is a greater chance of some sunshine in-between.
Much of the country remains waterlogged, closing access to Mana Pools and severely restricting walking safaris in other parks. While game drives and canoeing remain an option, the abundance of water disperses animals, and thick grass can make it difficult to spot larger species, but birding remains excellent. Conversely, this is a great time of year to view the landscape, and is excellent for photographers. Sporadic cloud cover and clear air can make for some spectacular sunsets too, particularly over Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River where the reflections off the water add to the beauty.
- Generally wet with frequent thunderstorms & hot humid days
- Poor wildlife viewing due to dispersed animals & thick bush
- Clear air, green landscapes & exceptional sunsets
- All camps in Mana Pools closed
- Very few visitors & low rates at camps that are open
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Zimbabwe in March
March is the final month of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, when the rains start to trail off and sunny days become the norm. However, some days the clouds can still build, breaking into thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Mana Pools remains closed throughout the month but the majority of camps in Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou remain open. Here, the landscape is green and alive, with migrant species of birds taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Larger animals remain elusive though, and walking safaris remain restricted.
By this time of year, the rains have normally trickled down to the Zambezi River and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts to increase, but without kicking up too much spray to obscure the views.
- Last month of the rainy season: hot, humid days with occasional storms
- Lush vegetation means good birding, but poor game viewing
- Views of the Victoria Falls improve
- All camps in Mana Pools closed
- Open camps have few visitors & low rates
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zimbabwe in April
April marks the end of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and the end of summer. Clear skies are the norm, with just the occasional shower. Temperatures start to drop, failing to reach 30ºC most days and dropping down to around 10ºC at night.
As the rain fades the landscape starts to dry out. While the vegetation remains thick and green, the soil in Mana Pools dries enough for camps to open, and the only camps to remain closed are the most remote bushcamps in Hwange. Although viewing of larger animals remains tricky, the improved weather starts to draw back visitors, as do prices significantly below those in the peak season.
The Zambezi River and flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its highest, although large amounts of spray diminish views of the waterfall itself.
- Transitional period, with much lower rainfall & falling temperatures
- Wildlife is still dispersed & hard to see, but sightings improving
- Views of the Victoria Falls often obscured by spray
- Camps in Mana Pools open
- Visitors start to return & camps increase their rates
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Zimbabwe in May
The first month in the dry season, May is also Zimbabwe’s first month of winter. If the rains are particularly late in a given year, you may catch the odd shower, but you can expect clear and sunny days the majority of the time. While it’s warm in the daytime, temperatures drop to single digits at night, so bring a warm jumper and gloves for early morning drives.
With the rain having cleared the air, the sky is bright blue, and it’s the best time of year for photography.
Even the most remote camps in Zimbabwe are now open. With the lack of rainfall, vegetation dies back significantly, and seasonal rivers return to sand. Not only does this open up the possibility of walking safaris, but wildlife viewing becomes much more reliable.
- Start of the dry season, with milder days and cold nights
- Game viewing significantly improves as vegetation dies back
- Vegetation starts to turn from green to brown
- Best time for photography with crystal clear air
- Visitors start to return; all camps open & rates increasing
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Zimbabwe in June
During June you can virtually be guaranteed of dry and sunny days, although temperatures continue to drop, and can get close to freezing at night in Hwange National Park. Jumpers, jackets and gloves are strongly recommended for early mornings and evenings.
The opportunities for wildlife viewing improve throughout the month as the landscape rapidly dries, and the animals start to gather on the banks of the Zambezi River and around Hwange’s waterholes.
Water levels in the Zambezi River start to drop, reducing the amount of spray kicked up at the Victoria Falls and greatly improving visibility, but still allowing a full curtain of water to cascade over the edge.
- Middle of winter, with night-time temperatures close to freezing
- Game viewing significantly improves throughout the month
- Views of the Victoria Falls are at their best
- Noticeable increase in visitor numbers
- Camps considerably more expensive
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in June
Zimbabwe in July
July sits in the middle of Zimbabwe’s dry season. Although it’s warm at midday, temperatures are generally cold and in Hwange it’s been known to drop below freezing at night, with the lower-altitude Mana Pools feeling a bit warmer.
With wildlife clustering around the few remaining waterholes, sparse vegetation, and some of the best views of the Victoria Falls, this is one of the most popular times to travel, with camps charging peak season rates to reflect this. That said, visitor numbers to the country in general remain low, and outside of the Victoria Falls it’s rare for any areas to feel crowded.
- Middle of the dry season with almost no chance of rain
- Clear sunny days, but very cold nights
- Wildlife viewing good; game drives and walking safaris unrestricted
- Views of the Victoria Falls at their best
- Camps charging peak season rates
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zimbabwe in August
While August is the end of winter and temperatures are starting to creep up, mornings and nights are still cold, and game drives in open vehicles can feel particularly chilly. Well into the dry season, the landscapes will have mostly transformed from green to brown and wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe’s national parks is approaching its best. Due to dust kicked up into the atmosphere and smoke from bush fires you may start to notice a haze on the horizon, but this doesn’t significantly impact photography.
August is one of the most expensive months, and the pleasant weather and decent game viewing attracts lots of visitors. While the national parks rarely feel crowded, Victoria Falls accommodation can sell out a year in advance.
- Warm, sunny days but cold mornings & nights; almost no chance of rain
- Wildlife viewing nearly at its best
- Landscape turns brown, & an atmospheric haze develops
- All camps charging peak season rates
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zimbabwe in September
Temperatures in September rarely drop below 15ºC, but are yet to reach the oppressive highs of summer. It will normally have been five months since the last drop of rain, so antelope and elephants cluster around whatever water remains, with predators never too far away.
The landscape is very brown, and the haze building on the horizon takes some of the colour out of the sky, so while animal subjects are plentiful, the background is not ideal for photography.
The combination of incredible wildlife viewing, hot and sunny weather, and cheaper flights outside of the school holidays make this the most popular time of year to travel, and availability at the camps can become limited up to a year in advance.
- The best month for weather, with a pleasantly warm temperature range
- One of the best months for game viewing
- Victoria Falls starting to dry but still impressive on Zimbabwean side
- All camps are charging peak season rates
- Most popular time to travel, & space can be limited
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zimbabwe in October
October is the last month of the dry season with little chance of rain but building humidity. While the higher elevation of Hwange National Park limits temperatures to the 30s Celsius, they can easily top 40ºC in Mana Pools.
With little vegetation or water, wildlife is drawn to the few remaining water sources and viewing is at its best; visitors who brave the heat can be rewarded with some exceptional sightings, although haze in the air diminishes photos. Maximum visibility and dense wildlife concentrations can also make for very rewarding walking safaris, although the heat can make them uncomfortable.
Water levels in the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls drop significantly, and large stretches of the waterfall are a dry cliff-face – although it never dries completely. Camp rates remain at their peak, but visitor numbers drop as people avoid the heat.
- Last month of the dry season; very hot with building humidity
- Wildlife viewing at its very best
- Dust & smoke in the air diminish photographic opportunities
- Victoria Falls starting to look very dry
- Camp rates remain at their peak
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zimbabwe in November
November is a transitionary period, with high temperatures and humidity. While they can’t be predicted with any precision, the first rains normally arrive halfway through the month, in the form of thunderstorms lasting a few hours each day.
Early November is a popular time to travel as the camps drop their rates, so if you’re lucky you can get peak-season game viewing at low-season rates. This is a gamble though as if the rains do arrive, animals are no longer limited to a few dangerous waterholes and will disperse into the bush. While all the camps in Mana Pools intend to remain open, the rains can make the airstrips unusable so you may find yourself moved to a different park, a risk that increases through the month.
- Typically the start of the rains in Zimbabwe
- Temperatures & humidity levels remain high
- Wildlife viewing rapidly diminishes as the rains arrive
- Camps remain open, but risk early closure in Mana Pools
- Much cheaper time to travel as camps drop their rates
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zimbabwe in December
By December the rainy season has begun in earnest; this is one of the wettest months in Zimbabwe, with heavy thunderstorms most afternoons and occasionally continuous rain for a couple of days. While temperatures start to cool down the high levels of humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive.
With the rains comes an explosion of green growth, and the dust and smoke are washed out of the air. The resulting scenery – with the occasional bright blue skies – can be fantastic for photographers. Thick vegetation and plentiful water makes viewing of larger animals tricky, but with migratory species arriving the birding is at its best.
All camps in Mana Pools and the remote Hwange camps close, with those remaining open charging their lowest rates.
- One of the wettest months in Zimbabwe
- High temperatures & levels of humidity
- Wildlife viewing poor, but birding good
- Lush green landscapes & clear air; great for landscape photography
- All camps in Mana Pools closed
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in December

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