Reviews of Vundu Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
41 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
80% success
20% success
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93% success
88% success
88% success
27% success
13% success
7% success
0% success
0% success
"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
"Real Bush Safari at Vundu Camp"
Authentic bush camp atmosphere
Food was too copious in quantity and needs a little more refinement and imagination." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Vundu Camp review"
Would have preferred the buffet service that all the other camps used you could always go back for more food therefore less waste.
Overall we had an amazing holiday, very well looked after by all concerned." See all these reviews: 13n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
1 sighting
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Vundu Camp review"
Not so good points: one of the major reasons for choosing to visit Mana Pools was to see the wild dogs ... alas we didn't. We also didn't see any of the large cats or hyenas. We do appreciate that the wildlife cannot be "planned" - but it was nevertheless disappointing. Regarding the room: water is heated by an open fire under a boiler. This is efficient in producing hot water, but at times we were aware of smoke smells in the room and on returning home we noticed that all our clothes smelt of wood smoke ... even our bags had to washed. We have been in camps elsewhere with similar systems without problems. Perhaps Vundu should invest in solar panels?" See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
6 sightings
Eland
5 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Dogs... but much,much more"
The scenery here is spectacular, from the views over the Zambezi as you fly in to the different landscapes as you explore the area.
Most people come here hoping to see painted dogs and we did so on three occasions (once on our own). Again it had been a poor wet season so waterholes were all but dry with animals relying on the river. Elephants were swimming or walking across the shallower parts.
Jim's night drives were very productive with sightings of genets, civets, hyena and white tailed mongoose. And he was brilliant at spotting and identifying birds. It's worth taking the afternoon canoe trip - avoiding the hippos and crocs! - to gain a different perspective.
We enjoyed several excellent bush walks including tracking three lionesses who had left their prints in camp overnight.
Breakfasts were a bit spartan so you were ready for the excellent lunches. The tents are extremely spacious and right on the edge of the Zambezi, giving this place a special atmosphere.
It's worth noting that in Mana Pools as a whole there are now no tsetse precautions being taken, though at one time they were eradicated." See all these reviews: 17n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wild dog
10 sightings
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.
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.
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.
Nyamatusi Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River, the luxury Nyamatusi Camp occupies a pristine wilderness environment.
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.
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.
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.
Sapi Springs Camp
Sapi Springs Camp offer the chance to feel closer to the bush than almost any other camp in the Mana Pools Area.
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.
Sapi Explorers Camp
Sapi Explorers Camp is an exciting new riverside camp in a true African wilderness.
Mana River Camp
Mana River Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, a site formerly occupied by Mwinilunga Camp.
