Stretch Ferreira is one of Africa's top guides and has been operating safaris in Mana Pools for more than three decades. His knowledge of and interaction with the animals of the park is legendary.
Stretch Ferreira Safaris operates out of Goliath Camp, his luxury tented camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of Mana Pools National Park and World Heritage Site.
Reminiscent of an “Out of Africa” era the camp is powered entirely by solar energy. Accommodation consists of 8 East-African style tents, blending seamlessly into the bush whilst still offering guests a luxurious experience.
The beds have comfortable mattresses, high-quality linen and mosquitos nets. There are hot outdoor showers, flush toilets and running water in the basins. The entire camp area has soft river sand to walk on and guests can enjoy a casual and barefoot stay!
There is a covered public lounge area and an al-fresco dining room, as well as a large campfire area to enjoy stories under brightly-starred nights and braai (barbeque) nights with chef Stretch himself.
Exceptional wildlife experiences from the camp include guided walks, game drives, close encounters with wildlife, day canoe trips and fishing.
Related links:-
Mana Moments with Stretch & the Besties (Travel Blog March 2025)
FEATURE: Small Tented Safari Options in Mana Pools - (Travel Blog 2025)
Mana Moments with Stretch & the Besties (Guest Travel Blog March 2025
Bush Bathrooms (Travel Blog, Sept 2021)
Green Season Splendour (Feature Blog - Jan 2021)
What's UNIQUE about us? (Feature Blog - Aug 2020)
Meet our People (Feature Blog July 2020)
The Wild Zambezi Culinary Collection (Feature Blog May 2020)
Reviews 21
Tom Davis, USA
23 October 2024
I have been to Africa 15 or more times and must say that this camp, the guides and the staff are the best. Stretch's dedication to finding wildlife (without the crowds) is simply amazing and is the best. His grilling skills are also top notch! Can't say enough about the camp other than to say that I will be back!
Vicky & Ross Cattell (UK) , UK
30 September 2024
We have given up counting the times we've been here, but we always promise we will return for our “Stretch Moments”. The old muppets on great form, wonderful staff back and front of house. Thank you for giving us memories to cherish. Next time – green season!
Rachel McRobb and Matt Becker , Zambia & USA
25 September 2024
One of the most magical camps we have been to. Stretch, Al and the whole team have been truly fabulous. Outstanding vegetarian food and hospitality but above all the connection with the wildlife is surreal and our magical encounters were something! Will remember for ever, thank you and looking forward to coming back.
Russell Murfitt , USA
31 August 2024
I had high expectations coming here, and they were completely blown away! This was my first experience in Africa and I will be forever moved by the kindness, care and friendliness of the entire staff. And then there is the Stretch and Alister experience! How is it possible to feel such friendship so fast! My photos are going to be better than ever. Thanks for doing so much that you didn't have to do! Take care.
Liz, Cooper, Mason & Marlowe , Australia
29 August 2024
Dear Stretch & Family. Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime. This has been the most special experience for me and my family. We all fell in love with you, this place and all of the people who quickly felt like family. We don't want to leave! We will be back some day. Lots of love
Annie & Mike Sutcliffe , UK
28 August 2024
Thank you all for the best few days at Mana and Goliath. A magical place on the Zambezi and so much fun with Stretch and Adrienne and all the charming guides. Wonderful hospitality from the whole team but especially Jen & Hannah. Incredible life experience to sit with elephants and hunting lions in the bush! What and honour to share this – we will be back plus grand children. Much love.
Hugh & Bridget Bland , South Africa
22 August 2024
It's fifty years since I have been here and its heartwarming to see the care and love that Stretch, Adrienne and their team have put into retaining the magic that is Mana and the mighty Zambezi. This was a pilgrimage for me to one of the best places on this planet, but without the passion, attention and knowledge of the staff it's not the same. Thank you all for living up to my expectations. From the humor of Stretch, the incredible tracking skills, the food and all the experiences provided by the team, a huge thank you.
Arjun & Kavita Singh , India
28 July 2024
Wow!! What an absolutely stunning experience. Will stay with us all our lives. So much that we enjoyed, so much to remember. A fabulous mosaic of memories, especially walking with the elephants, searching for lions and of course Hazel!
Such a picturesque camp with amazing staff and unforgettable food. Thank you!
Aydee and Nita Dhar , India
24 July 2024
This has changed our perspective of what a safari means ….. and we can never go back to the “old way”. Thank you Stretch, Alistair, Rebecca, Jennifer, Reuben, Tor and the incredibly talented kitchen crew and cleaning staff. Your care and diligence has kept us coddled for 5 incredible days. Take care and hope to see you again for take 3!
James, Catherine, Hamish Abigail, Frederick Cox , Australia
30 June 2024
What a fantastic experience! Lion tracking, charged by elephants, both wild dogs and hyena pups. Not to forget Boswell and Hazel. We had a great time with wonderful staff and lodgings. Highly recommended.
Paula & Andrew Doig , Australia
26 June 2024
What can we say! Thank you just doesn't feel like enough to say how amazing our second visit has been but thank you to Stretch, Al, Bec, Jen, Thor, Reuben, Hilda, the amazing chefs (magicians with food) and the rest of the awesome team behind the scenes who go above and beyond to make this a truly special and unique experience. We love coming here and cant wait to visit again soon in 2025. A very big heartfelt thank you.
Jeff & Natacha Rochelle , USA/Switzerland
31 May 2024
We had a truly epic stay at Goliath Camp. We will never forget it. We loved everything about it, from the unforgettable walks with Stretch, to our intimate encounter with JD the Elephant bull, to meeting a lovely hyena and hanging out with gorgeous lionesses. The food was phenomenal – best meat, bream fish and pizza I've ever had. Adrienne, Stretch, Al, Rebecca, Tor, Reuben, Jen, Hilda and staff, a giant THANK YOU!
Nick & Laurie Selby , Zimbabwe
30 March 2024
What a treat to be a part of Strech Ferreira Safaris. Have loved every minute of incredible Mana – the freedom to walk with Stretch and his fantastic knowledge and passion for the bush and its animals. The camp – so peaceful and welcoming. All the staff – so wonderful. Tracking the lion for days and then finding the pride in the bush was a memory to treasure forever. Thank you.
Esme, Mary, Emily and Kent McGaughy, USA
12 July 2023
Dear Stretch and Al, It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and hangout with you and your animals here at Goliath. Thank you for your hospitality and friendship!
Fiona & Warrick Boustred, Australia
12 July 2023
What a wonderful, wonderful stay. We have loved every minute at this beautiful camp, with the excellent staff, the legend Stretch. Close encounters with Boswell, JD, Eric, and the lions, and the special Hazel. We hope to be back.
Lori Kraack, New Zealand
12 July 2023
For an African experience you've really set the bar too high! Exceeded too many expectations, and I fear I will never be able to safari anywhere else. Thank you Stretch, Al, Abby, Monique, Reuben, Forest, for such and incredible experience I'll never forget.
Jay Stewart and Norma Lozaro, USA
12 July 2023
This camp is everything it's cracked up to be and so much more! It's the people here who make the whole experience so wonderful and enjoyable. Our stay here was our best stay and safari ever. Thank you so much for your hospitality!
Geoff & Wendy Allen, USA
12 July 2023
Wow, Wow, Wow, WATCH OUT!! Oh those Legs!!! Wendy and I want to say THANK YOU – THANK YOU – THANK YOU!!! This was our last stop in Africa and the best! The team, the smiles, the unreal hospitality! Stretch and Alister's love for the wildlife and the bush, the animals WOW! Thanks so much – AMAZING. We will be back!
Lorenzo, Gaia and Jacopo Tonelli, Italy
30 June 2023
After 20 years we are back to our Zimbabwe where our lives started together. We arrived in this paradise surrounded by wonderful people. What can we say….. Stretch you made us see Africa with your eyes and your heart. It has been the most emotional and sensational experience for us!! Meeting the man that talks to the elephants! Forest, Abby and Monique complete with you this paradise called Goliath Camp! Thank you and Grazie!
Garry and Linda Rattray, Indonesia
6 March 2019
If you have the opportunity in life to visit Africa even once to view and photograph the vast array of animals in the wild, then your first reservation should be to spend some time with Stretch. I can tell you photographs you see on his website in no way do justice to the reality of "bum crawling" up to male lions or almost sitting under the front legs of Boswell one of the most iconic bull elephants in all of Africa.
That is part of a normal day with Stretch and Alister Hull who are both iconic figures in the African Safari Guide community and to spend time in their company is not just and experience but a privilege. Don't think about it, just do it, this is a once in a lifetime experience but you will want to visit again.
Thanks very much for your very kind review. The old "Muppets" are delighted that you had an enjoyable safari and we look forward to you returning for more "treatment"!
Lin Barrie, zimbabwe
6 March 2019
Well done on re-branding, Stretch, you deserve every success!
Thanks very much Lin, look forward to seeing you in Mana!