One of the most beautiful place to go to in Zimbabwe is along the Zambezi river. Approximately 2700kms long the Zambezi river is Africa’s 4th largest river system, and runs through six different countries. There are a number of places to visit along the Zambezi river where one can stay in fishing lodges and tented camps. I have stayed in both along the Zimbabwean side of the river.
The two main places I have visited along the Zambezi is Mana pools, and the Sapi Safari area.
If you are the type of person that likes to get up close and personal with the animals and isn’t afraid of the Hyenas sniffing around your tent, and the odd lion passing through your camp site while you sleep Mana pools is the place for you. But if you enjoy a more secure environment of a thatched chalet far out of reach from any wildlife then a fishing lodge would be for you.
I have stayed in both places, and have enjoyed both equally but for completely different reasons.
In April this year my family organised a trip to Tafika fishing Lodge which is located within the Sapi Safari Area, about 40km downstream from Mana Pools National Park. It is a beautiful fishing camp that sleeps 14 people comfortably in their stunning chalets that are all situated facing the river. Each secluded chalet sleeps two people with a private veranda where you can drink tea in the early mornings listening to the hippos. What I like most about the chalets was the outdoor show, after a long day in the sun fishing on the river, and quite a few GnT’s later, it was so amazing showering under the stars!
The fishing camp as well as many others along the river are amazing, that area of the Zambezi is very well known for Tiger fishing, and although we weren’t there in the peak season of Tiger fishing we still all caught a fair share. While on the pontoons floating down the river with a rod in the water (and of coarse a cold hunters in hand) you are always sure to see wildlife. There are tons of hippos around, as well as elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, monkeys and baboons. If you are really lucky you might see a leopard or lion along the waters edge in the dry season coming to drink.
Here are a few photos I took of our 5 night stay at Tafika.
Taken while having Sundowners on our first night at Tafika.
Elephant on the bank watching us reeling in all the tiger
Zimbabwe raka naka 