Reviews of Vundu Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
45 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
83% success
18% success
0% success
78% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
90% success
89% success
79% success
22% success
12% success
11% success
0% success
0% success
"Vundu Camp review"
Sophie and Ant very hospitable." See all these reviews: 11n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
We were disappointed with the Mana Pools area along the Zambezi as it was very overgrazed. Our guide also wasn’t that engaged.
The managers were extremely good and went out of their way to try and make our stay a success and we enjoyed that we could go out on a boat on the Zambezi and could do some fishing." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
We have passed on the comments about the camp needing renovation - the team at Vundu has a rolling system of upgrades that will continue this winter before opening for 2023 so we hope it will be looking at its best for the new season.
Vundu pride themselves on top quality guiding and have apologized that on this occasion their guide fell short of the high standards they expect. Steps have been taken to ensure this experience is not repeated.
"Systems Manager"
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
6 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
Wild dog
9 sightings
Wildebeest
6 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
Our guide went above and beyond looking for them, we spent one whole day dawn to dusk searching but to no avail." See all these reviews: 9n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
2 sightings
Eland
3 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
The rooms are huge, but rather tired, and made of a canvas-like plastic material that wasn't very pleasant to live in. Three sinks, two toilets and two showers seem rather unnecessary. I'd rather have less, and smaller, but of better quality.
Food was excellent, and Dave, our guide, was wonderful. We did walking safaris to a pack of dogs, and to a pack of lions snoozing--and I'm not entirely sure who was more surprised, they or us, when we came upon them. Dave, however, reacted in the perfect way. We saw the elephant who stands on his hind legs to reach the best fruit, and he obliged us for a photo of that operation (and I forget his name). Also two hippos battling it out for control of the pond.
It was 44 degrees the day we arrived, and parched. We experienced the first rain of the season on our walk. Wonderful." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 10n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
8 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
Mitch (my guide) and I really got around: walking, driving, and doing a bit of fishing.
And I truly enjoyed being able to talk candidly to Mitch, Des, and Dave (the other guide) about things going on in Zimbabwe and around the world (especially during the current pandemic).
Mana will be back in the rotation some time in the near future, and there's no doubt I'll be getting back together with Mitch and hopefully make my way over to Vundu." See all these reviews: 18n in Zimbabwe
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
Wild dog
8 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
The highlight of Mana Pools is game, and especially elephants (which are amazingly numerous and largely habituated to human presence). Thanks to the resourcefulness of our guide, David Amyot, we had an exceptionally close encounter (1 meter) with the famous bull Boswell and even saw him rear up on his hind legs to feed in the trees. Really amazing. David also led us on a close approach to a den of wild dogs who were on the verge of weening their recently-born pups. A unique experience for us. Truly fascinating.
Any assessment of Vundu must take into account the conservation and anti-poaching efforts of Nick Murray, his impressive staff, and the Bushlife Conservancy foundation. A presentation on those efforts, and the problems they address, was truly eye-opening (if occasionally somewhat discouraging.)
We are glad to think that our stay at Vundu might have contributed in some small way to the protection of Mana Pools and its wildlife. We wish Nick and the foundation all the best." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 12n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Wild dog
10 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
We had morning and afternoon game drives and the latter incorporated night drives in the final hour driving back to camp after dark. There is an elevated hide overlooking a waterhole behind the Camp which afforded some great animal and bird sightings in between game drives.
Being able to walk from the vehicle provided a unique perspective and we were privileged to see a couple of "tree climbing" elephants "performing" and the local wild dog pack with their pups. The area was parched and at least 2 of the 4 Pools were long since dry. The wildlife was clearly struggling which made for some interesting interactions." See all these reviews: 16n in Botswana; 10n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
6 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
10 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Roan antelope
1 sighting
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
2 sightings
Zebra
8 sightings
"Great stay"
The wild dog experience is in danger of being over hyped, as they are not easy to see even close to the den.
But there is plenty of other wildlife and great area for walking. Scenically beautiful." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
"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
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.
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.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
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.
