With health and safety brought to the forefront of everyone’s minds by the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most sensible things people can do when considering a breakaway holiday under the current circumstances, is to think about travelling in a small bubble of trusted family and friends and choosing an “Exclusive-Use" accommodation option in order to minimise the risk of interacting with others.
So Wild Zambezi asked its travel network partners to tell us about their accommodation/activity options suitable for small family or friend groups requiring exclusive use.
Here's what they came up with:-
- RIVER GOD ADVENTURES - multi-day floating safaris along the Zambezi River, Chirundu to Kanyemba
It doesn’t get more remote than this! At River God Adventures, we believe that our product offers some of the most exclusive safaris on the Zambezi River — a quality that is has always been appreciated by our guests, particularly now during these difficult times.
We understand that it isn’t an easy time to think about traveling, but we also know that life must go on! Our boats only take a maximum of 8 guests, and we do not mix groups on our safaris, therefore, River God Adventures can offer you a truly isolated, safe, and private experience with your close friends and family.
The world may still be in a bit of turmoil, but on the Zambezi, life moves a bit slower, the sun shines a bit brighter, and river flows a bit quieter… Won’t you join us?
- BUMI HILLS SAFARI LODGE - African Bush Camps' iconic hilltop lodge with awesome views over Lake Kariba
It may be a while before safari travel gets back to its pre-pandemic pace in Africa, but the wilderness of the bush remains as untamed and beautiful as ever.
African Bush Camps (ABC) is inviting families, group travellers and couples to experience authentic safari adventures in a travel bubble with exclusive buyouts at its Bumi Hills Safari Lodge. Set on a range of remote hills in one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness locations, Bumi Hills Safari Lodge is utterly captivating. With the Zambezi escarpment as its backdrop, this haven of serenity overlooks the eternal shimmering waters of Lake Kariba below. Not only is Kariba’s shoreline wildlife-rich, but the lodge’s proximity to the Matusadona National Park allows for wildlife to freely move between the national park and Bumi Hill’s private concession, creating endless game-viewing opportunities, led by our passionate team of guides. Ten spacious suites are thoughtfully appointed with all the comforts you expect. Each is replete with air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, hairdryer, battery charging points, mini-bar and a private viewing deck extending spectacular views of the lake and its surrounds.
- ZAMBEZI CRUISE & SAFARIS - cruise on Lake Kariba with a choice of four different, spacious luxury houseboats.
There are very few times when a problem catches you well prepared, but with our cruiseboats on Lake Kariba, the small travel bubbles created to avoid interacting with people who are not part of their travelling group, are perfect. Our fleet of magnificent boats includes; Sovereign, The Shikra, Karabezi and Umbozha - all designed to provide exclusive holidays for those bubbles. While a lot of businesses are being forced to create social-distancing friendly spaces on their properties, our Zimbabwe cruiseboats have natural social-distancing friendly spaces, with open-fronted cabins, fabulous views and copious amounts of fresh air - ideal for travel over this period. Along with the spacious boats, all activities (game viewing, fishing, birding or just enjoying the sunset, drink in hand), are on tender boats, so no enclosed areas.
We adhere to all Government and WHO protocols on the boats, designed to keep you, and our staff safe.
KARIBA SAFARI LODGE - a luxury overnight stay in Kariba Town
You can always add a night before or after your Lake Kariba cruise at the ‘Best New Establishment 2019’, Kariba Safari Lodge which offers luxury at its finest. Lodges and suites are distributed over 33 acres of forested hillside, sloping down to the lake shore and beach area. The lodges are positioned on a hill with sweeping views across the eastern basin of Lake Kariba. Contact Zambezi Cruise & Safaris.
- HEARTVELD ADVENTURES - Wild Heritage self-catering family lodges at Charara, Lake Kariba.
We at Heartveld Adventures have some wonderful self-catering lodge options around Kariba Town that are great as Exclusive-Use accommodation for families or friend groups, who would like to travel in a bubble and minimise the risk of interacting with others. The Wild Heritage Lodges (pictured) are a collection of attractive, double-story, thatched units situated at Charara, on Lake Kariba with views over the lake and the Kariba Mountains. They are self-catering, serviced, and ideal for a wonderful, affordable holiday to relax and chill out. Pictured above are - top: Wild Heritage Lodge 10 (sleeps 9), bottom left: Lodge 17 (Nhoro Lodge - sleeps 8) and bottom right: Lodge 6 Acacia Lodge (sleeps 6). Contact us at Heartveld Adventures for booking details.
- RHINO SAFARI CAMP - an authentic bushcamp on the shores of Lake Kariba in the Matusadona National Park
Covid 19 has changed the way we live - keeping socially distant and being a great deal more aware of our health and hygiene. Amongst many effects, the impact of lockdown can lead to a need to break free - and what better than life in sync with nature on safari to rejuvenate body mind and soul? From another view point - an exclusive safari is something that very few people are able to experience in their lifetime.
Putting it all together Rhino Safari Camp are offering a maximum of
• three different couples or family groups,
• up to a maximum of 8 guests in the camp,
• the opportunity to seize the moment and enjoy a more personalised and exclusive safari.
The camp can accommodate up to 8 guests on an Exclusive-Use deal. Any additional family members or close friends wanting to join in with this group will be charged an additional fee per person per night (note that the camp has 14-beds maximum). Rates include accommodation, all meals, teas, coffees, snacks and two game viewing activities per day, but exclude drinks and park entry fees. Transfers are extra per person return to and from Kariba Town, with a minimum of 2 people.
WHY NOT JOIN US ON SAFARI ON THE SHORES OF LAKE KARIBA WITHIN THE MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK?
- AFRICAN DREAM CRUISBOAT - luxury cruising on Lake Kariba
Enjoy a relaxing fishing safari holiday on Lake Kariba with your whole family on board the luxury cruiseboat African Dream. We now offer exclusive use of the entire boat, which sleeps 16 in 8 twin/double en-suite cabins, for a 4-night get-away cruise around the Gordon's Bay, Fothergill and Spurwing area. Special rates are available for full board (including accommodation, all meals and fuel, but excluding drinks, ice & Park fees). No children under 12. Take in the sounds at night in the comfort of your air-conditioned cabin. On a windy day, put your feet up in the lounge, with the floor-ceiling windows allowing you to still see the beautiful scenery around you. Absorb the stunning and tranquil sunsets/sunrises from the open-air sun-deck - all while our 5-star crew care for you.
- OFF 2 AFRICA - expert travel planners - based in Harare and Victoria Falls
We at Off 2 Africa are not surprised to have had an increase in enquiries for “different and exclusive” places. As always we are here to help! There are truly some wonderful lesser-known spots in the Zambezi area and elsewhere in Zimbabwe.... like Romelda Lakeside Retreat. It is a gorgeous self-catering sole use lodge on Lake Kyle just 60km from the Great Zimbabwe Ruins! They have just welcomed a new arrival to the family, the tiniest baby rhino you ever did see! Take a look at our Facebook and Instagram pages for the post. Another unique gem,Sentinel Limpopo Eco Safaris gives you the opportunity see dinosaur fossils! Also a self-catering option, giving you the freedom to explore an area that offers breathtaking views along with a variety of wildlife - don’t forget the dinosaurs! If you would prefer to have all your catering needs taken care of, the luxury of the Private Hide in Hwange is a top pick. Their excellent staff and guides will see to all your needs and show you the beauty of Hwange National Park. There is so much to our incredible country, we can't wait to share all these hidden gems and more with you.
NATUREWAYS SAFARIS - tented safaris in Mana Pools, and mobile, guided canoe and walking safaris along the Zambezi River.
The tranquillity of Mana Pools National Park should be on the top of your post-pandemic bucket list, but we also understand your reluctance to want to have a shared safari especially during COVID.
For this reason, we at Natureways Safaris are now offering our Camp Zambezi on an Exclusive-Use Self-Catering Basis through to the 15th November 2021. This is a true bush camp, that offers a little rustic luxury giving you an authentic African Bush Experience. Our Camps are eco-friendly designed to be erected and dismantled within hours leaving no trace of ever being there.
The Camp will be erected for you and your travel party and you will have the exclusive use of this Camp for the duration of your trip, meaning you don’t have to share the space with people who aren’t in your “Travel Bubble”.
Our Team have had stringent COVID Protocol Training ensuring your safety at all times. All equipment, linen, tents and bedding are sanitized and laundered between each Safari – our Team will all practice social distancing and wear masks whenever they need to come into contact with guests.
We have partnered with a wonderful Professional Guide who can be hired the duration of your trip, at an exceptional daily rate – he will be able to conduct walks and canoeing whilst on your trip (please request canoeing as an activity when placing your booking).