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Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp
Changa Safari Camp

About Changa Safari Camp

Changa Safari Camp opened at the end of 2012.

Located on the eastern side of Matusadona National Park, in its own private concession, with exclusive access to nearly 5 kilometres of Lake Kariba’s shoreline, Changa, is a luxurious camp in an under-visited area of Zimbabwe.

Changa Safari Camp is brand new and very luxurious. We last visited in October 2018 and were impressed by not only the quality of the lodge itself but also the professional, efficient, yet relaxed approach of the camp staff, right the way through from the management and guiding the team to the back-of-house staff. The rooms are very well-appointed and have everything you'd would expect from a top-quality lodge. The guiding is also very good and we had every faith in our young but experienced guide.

Our view

Changa Safari Camp is brand new and very luxurious. We last visited in October 2018 and were impressed by not only the quality of the lodge itself but also the professional, efficient, yet relaxed approach of the camp staff, right the way through from the management and guiding the team to the back-of-house staff. The rooms are very well-appointed and have everything you'd would expect from a top-quality lodge. The guiding is also very good and we had every faith in our young but experienced guide.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

Zimbabwe expert

Accommodation

Eight luxury chalets

Children

Best suited for 16+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Fishing

Fishing

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Changa Safari Camp

6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


97%
6 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
5
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Travel PhotomanfromUSA

Arrived 29 Jun 2024, 3 nights

"Changa Safari Camp review"

"Sunsets at Lake Kariba never got old... a refreshing change …" Read Travel Photoman’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs IfromClitheroe

Arrived 14 Aug 2022, 3 nights

"Changa Safari Camp review"

"extremely luxurious... We enjoyed getting thoroughly pampered. …" Read Mrs I’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs RfromGlos

Arrived 13 Sep 2018, 3 nights

"Chang’s Safari Camp review"

"A beautiful lodge on Lake Kariba. Super location, excellent food …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr G & Dr EfromUK

Arrived 6 Sep 2017, 5 nights

"Luxury matusadona "

"A great stop for birders as the park offers lots of bird life …" Read Dr G & Dr E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr E & Mrs HfromBotswana

Arrived 1 Mar 2015, 3 nights

"Changa Safari Camp review"

"At Changa, the service again was very good, as was the food. We liked the situation …" Read Mr E & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr W & Dr DfromLeeds

Arrived 12 Nov 2014, 2 nights

"Changa Camp"

"This was a very comfortable camp. The position was beautiful, overlooking Lake …" Read Dr W & Dr D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Changa Safari Camp reviews

Changa Safari Camp: Our full report

Changa Safari Camp opened at the end of 2012.

Located on the eastern side of Matusadona National Park, in its own private concession, with exclusive access to nearly 5 kilometres of Lake Kariba’s shoreline, Changa, is a luxurious camp in an under-visited area of Zimbabwe.

As the waters lap the shoreline, guests could be forgiven for thinking they had arrived on a remote and rugged stretch of Indian Ocean coastline. The vast body of water that is Lake Kariba stretches out in front of the lodge, dotted with dead trees sticking out through its surface; there’s even a private beach – although swimming is prohibited due to the large number of corocodiles and hippo. Never fear though, there’s a small but adequate plunge pool, elevated above and adjacent to the beach, with views out across the water. Further adding to the beach feel at Changa is a very laidback ambience, we were struck by how efficient and yet relaxed all of the staff here were.

The main area at Changa is set back from the water, shaded by the tree line. An extensive, split-level decked area plays host to the dining area (where brunch is usually taken), a couple of lounge areas and a split-level deck. The lounge areas are situated under a thatched ceiling with open sides leading out onto the decking which drops down a short distance to the beach. There’s a fire-pit on the beach and on our visit we ate dinner here too – all set up under candle light. There are a few very comfortable sofas here and to the side is a tea and coffee station, which stays stocked throughout the day. Walking through and on towards the swimming pool one comes across the bar, set aside and quite separate to the rest of the main area this doesn’t really share the views that the rest of the camp benefits from but it’s cool, open and breezy.

Accommodation at Changa consists of eight large canvas chalets. Each has polished concrete floors and there are floor to ceiling gauze-mesh windows, making the rooms very light and airy and allowing a breeze to pass through. When the temperature drops canvas flaps can be rolled down to keep rain and cold winds out. There are also long curtains which can be pulled across when it’s too hot to roll the canvas down. The chalets are long and run roughly linearly along the shoreline, linked to one another and the main area by long, winding concrete paths which lead on to wooden walkways closer to the main area. On entry into each, through a door at the side, there is a large double bed immediately in front of you. To the right is a shelf with some filtered drinking water, a few glasses and some pamphlets containing information on the camp and national park. There are also some matches and a porcelain mosquito coil container found here.

Passing through the bedroom, again with views out onto the lake in front, one arrives at the en-suite bathroom. This is separated from the bedroom by a canvas wall. Here there are his and hers wash basins and a shower at the rear. There are some complimentary toiletries and a plenty of towels, flannels and floor mats, as you’d expect in a lodge of this quality. To the side of each the basins, in the corner of the room is a laundry basket where guests can leave their clothes in the morning and expect them back that evening (weather permitting).

In it’s own little nook is a dressing table and behind it a partition which provides the location for a wardrobe and some storage space. There’s a shelf here containing insect repellent spray for the room and body. Right in the corner of the bathroom is a separate cubicle, which contains the loo, with a curtain that extends across for privacy.

Carrying on through a side door is an outdoors shower and bath – very nicely decorated with local ornaments and mosaic patterns designed into the walls. Again there are some complimentary toiletries including body lotion, shampoo and moisturizing lotion.

Back in the main room of the chalet, through a ‘front’ door is a wooden deck with a couple of camp chairs and a hammock – perfect for relaxing in with a good book, lulled by the sounds of the Lake lapping at its shores.

Activities at Changa focus on 4WD game drives and boat trips on Lake Kariba. On our last visit here we spent a great afternoon on the camp’s pontoon. We spent a couple of hours fishing and photographing the dead trees along the lake, as the Sun began to set. We then upped anchor and began to head home, stopping off for sundowners along the way. These had been setup by the camp on a remote stretch of the lakeshore. We enjoyed a drink and some nibbles as the Sun set across the Lake before an evening game drive back to camp and a spot game viewing along the way.

The following morning we spent a really enjoyable three-hours or so tracking lion from the vehicle and then on foot. We felt very confident in our young yet experienced guide who combined just the right amount of adventurous exuberance with caution and care while walking through some quite thick bush.

Geographics

Location
Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay
We’d recommend a stay of at least two nights at Changa Safari Camp. This camp acts as an excellent short stop-off point for travellers visiting the Mana Pools. For those travellers preferring three nights here, there is certainly enough to do to ensure that no one will be bored. Changa also combines excellently with a few nights at its sister camp The Hide in Hwange.
Directions
Most guests arriving at Changa will fly into Fothergill Island Airstrip in a light aircraft and then transfer to camp by boat. Sometimes, particularly when the lake gets choppy, it’s also possible to drive to the lodge, although this takes longer.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
On our last visit to Changa Safari Lodge we were highly impressed by the camp cuisine.

Our arrival at camp was just in time for lunch, which consisted of home made beef burgers, with chips and plenty of salad. This simple but very tasty meal really hot the spot and meant we arrived at our room full and happy. Dessert consisted of a fruit salad accompanied by ice cream.

That evening, on return from our sundowner activity, the dinner table had been set up on the beach in front of camp. Pre-drinks were taken next to the adjacent firepit with hors d’oeuvres served here too. These were beef kebabs on skewers with a mint sauce – very tasty indeed.

We then moved to the table where our orders for the main course were taken. This was a choice of either locally caught bream, or Piri piri chicken Both were served with vegetables, salad and plenty of local (South African) wine. Although no one in our party that night was a vegetarian, special requests and dietary requirements can of course be accommodated for. Dessert was a crème brûlée which was again very well made, and as enjoyable as any other crème brûlée we’ve ever eaten.

In the mornings a light snack is served before the day’s first activity, this consists of some muffins and toast accompanied by tea and coffee. Brunch is served on your return and is a buffet style assortment of cold meats and cheeses along with a cooked breakfast cooked to order.

Afternoon tea is traditional in a safari sense; usually something sweet (chocolate cake when we last visited) and something savory accompanied by iced tea and coffee or juice, or tea and coffee.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Private dining is available for couples or on request. If guests prefer to take lunch in their rooms then this can be accommodated for too.
Drinks included
All drinks are included, spirits, local wines (South African) and beers as well as soft drinks are no extra charge. Premium brand spirits and champagne are extra and available on request.

Special interests

Family holidays
Set in a private concession on the eastern side of Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, Changa Safari Camp welcomes families with children from 12, and offers varied activities such as fishing and boating trips, and board games in the main area.
See ideas for Family holidays in Zimbabwe
Luxury
Offering a luxurious safari experience, the secluded Changa Safari Camp is located in its own private concession and perfect for those seeking an exclusive and luxurious stay. Complete with a fire-pit on the beach, candle-lit dinners and excellent guiding.
See ideas for Luxury in Zimbabwe

Children

Attitude towards children
There is a family room at Changa and so young families are welcome. That said, no under 12s are permitted in camp unless the entire camp is booked out. Even then there’s a policy of not allowing under 12s to participate in game walks.
Property’s age restrictions
Changa does not allow children under 12 years of age.
Special activities & services
Children’s meals can be catered for and there are a few board games in the main area for children young and old. That said, there’s no specific facilities for children (i.e. high chairs etc.).
Equipment
None
Generally recommended for children
Changa is an open safari camp in a remote wilderness area. Game is free to come and go as it chooses and the camp is more-or-less bordered on three sides by Lake Kariba (which again contains many dangers). There are no facilities designed for children here and the whole feel of the camp is quite mature and exclusive. A combination of all these factors leads us to conclude that this isn’t a good camp for children under the age of around 16.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Changa Safari Camp

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

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

67% success

Zebra

67% success

Wild dog

33% success

Wildebeest

33% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Eland

0% success

Giraffe

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Roan antelope

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Communications

Communications
There is limited mobile phone reception around Changa and on our last visit there was free Wi-Fi throughout the camp – although this was broken at the time we were there.
TV & radio
There is no TV or Radio provided here.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Hot water comes from gas heaters and purified water for drinking purposes is supplied daily in flasks in the rooms. The shower’s have good water pressure and the hot water is extremely hot!

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest doctor is in the town of Kariba. Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS) is available should there be any serious incident or illness in camp. Fist aid boxes are on site.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Guards patrol the camp at night but are not armed. There is a whistle in each room and if there are any medical or security issues in the night then guests should stay in their rooms and blow this, assistance will then arrive. It should be specified that the use of the whistle is for serious health or security issues, and not for assistance in getting spiders out of the bath or shower.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers dotted all over the camp and there is one outside the front door of every chalet.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A complimentary laundry service is included at Changa. Guests can leave dirty laundry in a bag provided in each room at the beginning of the day, and can expect this to be returned by the end of the day (weather permitting).
Money
Each room contains a safe bag that guests can place their valuables in and then give to management. The manager will then lock the bag away in the camp’s safe.
Accepted payment on location
At the time of our last visit to Changa there were tentative plans for credit card payments to be accepted but these are a way off and guests should consider cash as the only form of payment accepted at Changa.

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Changa Safari Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Changa Safari Camp.


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When to go to Matusadona National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Changa Safari Camp in Matusadona 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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