KELLY’S CAMP OPENS IN MANA POOLS, OFFERING WILDERNESS STAYS FROM MAY 2027

A new privately run camp is set to add to Zimbabwe’s premium safari offering, with the introduction of Kelly’s Camp in the exclusive wilderness of Ilala, Mana Pools.

Announced as the “new home” of its operators, Kelly’s Camp forms part of a wave of privately run, exclusive campsites opening in the Ilala area. Provisional bookings open in October 2026, for stays beginning in May 2027.

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi River, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest wilderness destinations. Its floodplains, riverine forests and permanent water attract large concentrations of elephant, buffalo, lion, hippo and wild dog, along with more than 380 recorded bird species. Unlike many parks, it allows visitors to explore on foot, giving guests an intimate and unfiltered encounter with the wild.

Ilala, within the Mana Pools landscape, is known for its remoteness and quiet. Exclusive campsites in the area are typically limited to a single party at a time, which means guests enjoy the surroundings without the crowds. For travellers seeking privacy, immersion in nature and a sense of being far from the ordinary, this style of camping is increasingly in demand.

The opening of Kelly’s Camp reflects growing appetite for small-scale, low-impact safari experiences. Privately run camps often emphasise personalised service, knowledgeable guiding and a light footprint on the environment, qualities that appeal to discerning local and international visitors alike. They also contribute to conservation and community livelihoods through park fees, employment and local procurement.

The timing of the announcement gives travellers ample room to plan. With provisional bookings opening in October 2026, prospective guests will be able to secure dates well ahead of the May 2027 start, a period that coincides with the beginning of the dry season, when game viewing along the Zambezi improves as animals gravitate to the river.

Tourism stakeholders say the addition of quality accommodation in Mana Pools strengthens Zimbabwe’s position as a leading destination for wildlife and adventure travel, and supports national efforts to grow tourist arrivals and earnings.

For safari enthusiasts, honeymooners and photographers looking for a secluded base in one of the continent’s great wild places, Kelly’s Camp promises a fresh option. Interested travellers are encouraged to follow the camp’s official channels for booking details, rates and availability as October approaches.