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FROM US$6,960-US$8,680

Banded Mongoose Safari

A safari to two beautiful spots in northern Zimbabwe – peaceful Lake Kariba and wild Mana Pools National Park – staying in great-value camps with celebrated guiding.

Banded Mongoose Safari: Summary

Banded Mongoose Safari in a nutshell

Begin your adventure in northern Zimbabwe with four nights at Musango Camp on an island at the edge of Lake Kariba, the largest man-made lake in the world that has since become a magnet for wildlife. Musango was founded by the former head warden of neighbouring Matusadona National Park, Steve Edwards, who has an incredible knowledge of the area and long-established links with the local community.

You can explore Matusadona on walking safaris and game drives. While it has struggled with poaching in recent years, under the new guardianship of NGO African Parks we hope it will regain the lion and black rhino it was once famous for. There’s an equal focus on waterborne activities such as birding (we counted 60 species with Steve on a single boat trip) and fishing, as well as fascinating visits to nearby villages and even the palaeontology of the area.

A boat and light aircraft flight hop following Kariba and the Zambezi’s waters brings you to Mana Pools National Park. Spend the next four nights at John’s Camp, a refreshingly pared-back set up of just six traditional tents that’s all about its incredible riverside setting.

You may be lucky enough to be led on game drives and excellent walking safaris by professional guide John Stephens, the camp’s namesake (this can be guaranteed at an extra cost), but his handpicked team are all extremely knowledgeable and experienced. You’re likely to see elephants, buffalo herds and lion wander across the floodplain in front of your tent too. Lunches specially set up in the bush are a real treat, as is a night away from camp on the star-deck or fly camp for an even deeper dive into Mana’s wilderness.

At a glance

Starts: Harare International Airport
4 nights Musango Safari Camp - Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
4 nights John's Camp - Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe Full Board & Activities
Ends: Harare International Airport

Musango Safari Camp

Days 1-5

On an island on Lake Kariba, close to Zimbabwe’s Matusadona National Park, Musango Safari Camp was set up in 1990 by the park’s former head warden, Steve Edwards. Steve is a Zimbabwean guide of considerable note who, with his wife Wendy, still owns and manages the camp; they are often found in residence here. Steve's breadth of knowledge goes far beyond the wildlife of the area, encompassing the local landscapes, ornithology and paleontology, and this is reflected in the wide variety of activities available at Musango.

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John's Camp

Days 5-9

Opened in April 2017, the small, semi-permanent John's Camp is set up at the beginning of each safari season in one of Mana Pools National Park's campsites on the banks of the Zambezi River. Here they stay until the end of the season in mid November, when the camp is entirely dismantled.

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Musango Safari Camp

Musango Safari Camp

Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe

John's Camp

John's Camp

Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

About image

Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Banded Mongoose Safari.

  • Experiencing the thrill of walking in Mana Pools
  • Gaining an insight into culture around Lake Kariba
  • Enjoying a great mix of activities from Musango
  • Appreciating John Camp's superb riverside location
  • Benefiting from expert and enthusiastic guiding

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Banded Mongoose Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • 4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

  • Fishing

  • Guided walking safari

About image

Key species to see on the Banded Mongoose Safari

Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Banded Mongoose Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.


Lion

100% chance

Wild dog

100% chance

Buffalo

100% chance

Elephant

100% chance

Hippo

100% chance

Zebra

100% chance

Eland

84% chance

Spotted Hyena

84% chance

Leopard

60% chance

Aardvark

60% chance

Black Rhino

60% chance

Giraffe

60% chance

Roan antelope

60% chance

Wildebeest

60% chance

Cheetah

0% chance

Pangolin

0% chance

Sable antelope

0% chance

Let us help you customise your trip

Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.


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When you return

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