A Zambezi River boat camping experience…
Your journey begins just below Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe – one of the worlds largest man-made lakes. The hydroelectric power created from the Kariba Dam generates electricity for much of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
From the Dam wall you begin to approach the most pristine and undisturbed section of the Zambezi.
This part of the river is flanked by Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park on the northern banks, and Mana Pool National Park, Sapi, & Chewore Safari Area in Zimbabwe. These three areas on the Zimbabwean side collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because the land on either side of the river is protected by National Parks, this stretch from Kariba to Cahorra Bassa form the most game-rich wilderness area on the Zambezi.
Aside from the occasional boat from sparsely dotted camps along the bank, you are the only one on the river, drifting silently downstream as you view all walks of wildlife, undisturbed by your subtle presence, quenching their thirst along the Zambezi’s refreshing shores. This exceptional section of the river truly is a sanctuary, unlike any place you have ever seen and will leave you walking away with memories to last a lifetime.
As you meander further east, you will observe the river changing from open channels and islands famous to the Mana Pools area, to a narrow deep-water gorge as the wide and magnificent Zambezi Escarpment, gradually crawls toward the river’s edge. A completely different, but equally remarkable landscape on your voyage.
The final section of your adventure takes you out of the gorge where the river widens yet again. The Escarpment loosens its grip on river and retreats back to allow the stunning banks and beaches to reappear below the rolling, wooded hills & mountains….
The voyage ends either at this point being Masau Lodge where the Merediths own a stunning and comfortable fishing camp. Here you can enjoy the pleasures of a sparkling swimming pool, hot showers, laundry and peace of an adventure completed.
For the brave hearted adventure seekers the journey may continue into the vast domain of the 285km long Cahorra Bassa. This enormous expanse of water has an attraction of its own where guests can camp several nights on remote untouched islands seeing and hearing little but the dark star filled skies and ‘honks of resident hippo’.
Photo credit: River God Adventures