Kazuma Safari Camp –

a unique experience in real African wilderness

Are you longing to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Or do you want a unique experience of unspoilt, pristine Africa? Kazuma Safari Camp is definitely the place for you and your family to kick back and relax.

It’s situated in the northwest of Zimbabwe – off the beaten track and away from the usual tourist hype. It’s on the border between Zimbabwe and Botswana so can be incorporated into a tour of the region, or a one-stop break on its own. It’s also roughly halfway between Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park so could be a great stopover if you’re planning to visit either of these tourist spots – but it’s a very special experience.

It’s within the Kazuma Pan National Park, which is a small National Park of approximately 300sq km, on the eastern edge of the Kazuma depression. It overlooks Tsessebe Pan which is fed with solar-powered borehole water to accommodate and encourage the local wildlife.

You can expect to see a broad range of wildlife – some quite rare and seldom seen. Just a few of the animals you might have the privilege to observe include Roan Antelope, Tsessebe, Sable, Eland, Oribi (quite rare and endangered), Reedbuck, Zebra, Wildebeest, Giraffe and Buffalo. You might also see Lions, Leopards and even Cheetahs. Kazuma is also a birders paradise with over 400 species noted.

Just a few of the species you can see are the Copper Sunbird, Scrub Robin, Black Coucal, Blue Cheeked Bee-eater, Violet-eared waxbill, Collared and Black-winged Pratincole, Ground Hornbill, Crowned Crane, Corn Crake, Crimson Breasted Shrike, Violet-backed Starling, Red-backed Shrike, Wattled Starling, Secretary Bird, Ostrich, Bateleur Eagles, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures, Kori and Red-crested and Black-bellied Bustards.

It’s important to note that Kazuma National Park is very seasonal with clear wet and dry times of the year. According to the migration and movement of the animals, sightings can be vastly different throughout the ever-changing conditions.  Similarly, bird sightings vary with the birds’ migration patterns at various times of the year.

Kazuma Safari Camp is self-drive and self-catering, so visitors need to bring all their own food and drinks. Borehole water is available throughout the camp and is very clean and pure. It’s also pretty much off-grid running on solar and LPG gas.  Less power problems than in the cities and towns!

Accommodation is offered in four elevated tents. Each tent is comfortably appointed with a simple and elegant design. There are two twin or double options as well as two family options which have a twin/double bed and two single beds. The family tents provide an unforgettable group experience. All the tents have ensuite bathrooms with hot or cold showers and a separate private WC. Bed linens and bathroom towels (as well as toilet paper) are provided and the tents are serviced every day.

The tent suites have stacking doors opening out to private decks and a view of the Tsessebe pan. It’s a great way to wake up every morning as a variety of animals and birdlife can usually be seen in the early hours while you enjoy coffee from your balcony.  The tents have floor-to-ceiling windows with insect-proof screens and zip-up canvas blinds. Each tent has a pedestal fan as well as solar lighting (and bedside reading lamps) and universal power points and USB connections.

The communal kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary pots and pans and utensils. Cutlery and crockery are supplied. There are two 250lt fridge freezers for your food and drinks (and limited amounts of ice). There are gas-powered stoves and hobs so two groups can prepare their meals at the same time. LPG gas is supplied. The kitchens are well-ventilated and there are screens to prevent unwanted visitors like baboons, insects and rodents. A kettle and toaster are provided and there’s ample prep space as well as a washing-up space with hot water. Attached to the communal kitchen is a comfortable covered communal lounge and dining area for socialising and just chilling. Wi-Fi is available.

There’s an 8 metre viewing platform above the water tank that feeds the pan with spectacular 360-degree views. It’s perfect for early morning, evening or nighttime viewing of the game and the environment. The viewing platform is accessed by a cat ladder – so although its safe it’s not for the faint-hearted!

Other outdoor facilities include a plunge pool, with loungers and umbrellas (to cool down after a hot day of game viewing) outside dining furniture, a braai area and braai equipment including a skottel braai and a grill. There’s a wood-fired brazier and director’s chairs to sit around in the evenings enjoying a sun downer and talking about the day’s adventures. Firewood should be purchased from Kazuma Parks HQ. There are no shops at Kazuma Safari Camp or nearby so visitors need to be well prepared and bring everything needed.

Guests need to bring their food and drinks – alcoholic as well as soft drinks and bottled water if they prefer, although the borehole water is available and safe. Visitors must ensure they have adequate petrol or diesel for their vehicles and purchase firewood at the National Parks HQ. Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Anti-malaria tablets like Chloroquine are advised for a while before and after their visit. A simple emergency first aid kit containing plasters, bandages and antiseptic creams is a good idea.

A good pair of binoculars will enhance your viewing experience, and a decent camera will ensure you can enjoy your memories for years to come. Bring swimming towels and personal toiletries like soap, shampoo and body lotion. Although it’s warm during the daytime winter evenings can be cool so a jacket or jersey is advised and a cap and sunglasses are a good idea. Bring dustbin bags as no rubbish is allowed to be left at the Camp. For self-drive tours, you’ll need a map of the area which is available in digital form, as well as sensible guidance about driving around interacting with wild animals.

Access to the Kazuma Safari Camp is self-drive : 3 hours from Victoria Falls, via Panda Masuie Forest Reserve, 2 hours from Nantwich Entrance, Hwange National Park (via Pandamatenga border post), or 1 hour from Pandamatenga border post. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended or even travelling in a convoy is a good idea as the area is quite remote.

The camp is open during the dry season from April to November as the roads can be a bit difficult in the rainy season. National Parks in the surrounding area are closed during the rains. There is no fuel available in Kazuma National Park so visitors are advised to carry adequate fuel for the journey. The nearest fuel stations are in Hwange Town or Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Pandamatenga town in neighbouring Botswana.

Expect excellent and unique game and bird viewing and a relaxing and comfortable stay far off the beaten track and away from gimmicky tourist attractions. There’s a minimum of a two-night stay but you’ll be tempted to stay longer. Enjoy!

-text by Michael Nott

From Destination Zw Issue 15