Overview

Kanga Camp is a luxury tented safari camp uniquely positioned away from the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, offering a perspective unavailable at other camps in the reserve. Located adjacent to the Kanga Pan—the only year-round water source in this remote inland area—the camp provides authentic wildlife viewing without leaving the property during peak dry season activity. The camp is managed by African Bush Camps, owned by veteran guide Beks Ndlovu, and operates seasonally from April to December. Known for: Waterhole-based wildlife viewing where Big Five species regularly appear; foot-tracking safaris led by highly qualified guides; private safari experiences distinct from larger Zambezi River camps. Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts seeking intimate bush experiences; photographers wanting prolific animal encounters; travelers combining multiple safari destinations through African Bush Camps' network.

Accommodation & Rooms

Kanga Camp comprises six Meru-style canvas tents elevated on wooden platforms, providing elevated views over the Kanga Pan. Each tent features floor-to-ceiling mesh windows for natural ventilation and light, en-suite bathroom facilities with flushing toilets, hot running water, and secluded verandas. A dedicated family tent offers wraparound terraces facing the pan with private seating and dining areas, accommodating families with children aged 7 and above. The honeymoon tent includes a distinctive rolltop outdoor bath. All accommodations feature standing fans, mosquito nets with repellent, and direct waterhole views. Room capacity is typically 2 guests per tent, with the family option accommodating larger groups.

Dining & Cuisine

The camp offers fully inclusive dining with all meals and selected beverages provided. Guests dine by the waterhole, creating opportunities to observe wildlife while eating. The upper deck lounge beneath a mahogany tree and the lower deck near the splash pool provide shaded dining and relaxation areas with uninterrupted Kanga Pan views. The camp facilitates "armchair safaris"—wildlife observation from camp facilities without requiring active game drives—making dining a primary wildlife-viewing activity.

Wildlife & Activities

The Kanga Pan's year-round water source attracts prolific wildlife, particularly during the May-November dry season. Guests can expect sightings of all Big Five species: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros, along with numerous antelope species, hippos, and exceptional bird life. Primary activities include guided bush walks with qualified guides emphasizing foot-tracking of animals, twice-daily game drives within the private concession and linked national park areas, and stationary wildlife observation from camp decks. The camp partners with sister operation Zambezi Expeditions for canoeing safaris and catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi River, located many miles away. Night drives and bird-watching are available activities. Children aged 7 and above are welcome on game drives with six guests per safari vehicle.

Location & How to Get There

Kanga Camp is situated in the remote inland Kanga Pan area of Mana Pools National Park, approximately 1 hour's game drive from the national park boundary. The camp is accessed via air transfer to the closest airport, Harare International Airport, followed by charter flight to an airstrip near the camp, then a final game drive transfer. The camp's remote location, away from the Zambezi River shoreline and more traveled areas, requires air access for most guests. Precise coordinates place the camp within the park's interior concession, offering true wilderness seclusion.

Best Time to Visit

Kanga Camp operates seasonally from April through December, aligning with Zimbabwe's dry season when wildlife congregates around the Kanga Pan. April-May represents the shoulder season with moderate prices (approximately $680 per person per night) and excellent wildlife activity. June-October constitutes peak season with highest prices (approximately $1,000 per person per night) and maximum dry season water stress, driving intense wildlife concentrations at the pan. November represents another shoulder period as rains begin. The camp closes January-March during the rainy season when wildlife disperses across the broader landscape.

Conservation & Community

Kanga Camp operates as part of African Bush Camps, a conservation-focused operator managed by Zimbabwean guide Beks Ndlovu. The camp's positioning within a private concession linked to Mana Pools National Park supports the park's conservation mandate. The operation emphasizes authentic guide-led experiences and sustainable tourism practices. Partnership with Zambezi Expeditions for mobile camping and canoeing safaris extends conservation-oriented tourism throughout the region. The camp's seasonal operation (April-December) aligns with wildlife patterns and ecosystem recovery periods.

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