Mana Pools is located in northern Zimbabwe, on the southern banks of the Zambezi River. It is a wildlife-rich, exceptionally biodiverse region, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chikwenya is situated next door in a private wildlife area, part of an important buffer zone for Mana Pools.

What can I do between game drives at Chikwenya?

Relax. Have a cooling dip in the swimming pool, or simply sunbathe with a book on the pool deck. Take in the sounds of the surrounding bush, identifying the calls and plumage of resident birds. Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi, famous for its feisty tigerfish.

What wildlife can I expect to see at Chikwenya?

Expect to see elephants, buffalo and a host of predators on a safari at Chikwenya. It is not uncommon to spot lions, wild dogs and leopards on game drives, and an array of other interesting wildlife like eland, zebra, waterbuck, warthogs, monkeys and baboons.

What to pack for a safari in Zimbabwe?

Morning and evening game drives can be cool, but the afternoons are usually warm so it’s best to dress in layers. A hat is essential, and bring closed shoes if you intend to go on walks. Travellers are urged not to pack or wear any camouflage or military-inspired clothing while travelling in Africa.

When is the best time to visit Chikwenya?

Wildlife-viewing is good all year round, but the best time to visit Chikwenya is between April and November, when the days are sunny and the temperatures milder. Chikwenya is closed between December and March.

Zimbabwe

Chikwenya

Life-filled valley

A dynamic Zimbabwean safari experience along the pulsing riverine belt of the iconic Mana Pools.

Home Africa Zimbabwe Mana Pools National Park Chikwenya Camp

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Chikwenya

Tranquil luxury in wild Zimbabwe.

At the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, sublime tranquillity meets exceptional wilderness at Chikwenya. This private conservation area on Mana Pools’ eastern boundary is wild, exclusive, and bristling with iconic African wildlife with an air of untamed adventure. Come explore.

Mana Pools elephants stand on their back legs for food

ZIMBABWE

Wilderness Chikwenya Zimbabwe Private Dining

Chikwenya moments

Positioned at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, Wilderness Chikwenya offers an exclusive Zimbabwean safari experience within Mana Pools National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools teems with wildlife and begs to be explored. By foot, by boat or by land, you’ll soak in all the magic of this iconic area. .

Elephant in the trees at Wilderness Chikwenya

Nile crocodile on the Zambezi river at Mana Pools

Lioness and cub at Wilderness Chikwenya Zimbabwe

Hippo with head out of water at Wilderness Chikwenya

Chikwenya moments

Positioned at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, Wilderness Chikwenya offers an exclusive Zimbabwean safari experience within Mana Pools National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools teems with wildlife and begs to be explored. By foot, by boat or by land, you’ll soak in all the magic of this iconic area. .

Accommodation

Exquisitely peaceful, Chikwenya’s seven elegant tented suites (including two family units with private pools) rest in a grove of shady indigenous trees, inviting elephants, stately eland, and an array of birds to the camp. In light tones of cream and beige, Chikwenya exudes tranquillity, an elegant space blending into the pristine wilderness.

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Cuisine

Enjoy brunch under the sprawling shade of a Natal mahogany, to the chatter of monkeys and birds in the canopy above. Cold drink in hand, watch the wide Zambezi turn pink, reflecting the warm colours of the setting sun. The menu at Chikwenya heroes local Zimbabwean ingredients, cooked in the traditional way; over the coals, under the stars.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Chikwenya

This sublime seasonal Zimbabwean safari camp rests in a shady grove of albida trees, a favourite amongst Mana Pools’ elephants. Chikwenya is situated in a private wilderness area, on the eastern side of the national park, with views over the Zambezi River and across to the magnificent Rift Valley mountains. Wildlife wanders freely between Chikwenya’s seven suites, open from April to November.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Sacred Chikwenya

Looking around Mana Pools, it’s not hard to see why UNESCO declared this magnificent national park a World Heritage Site. Exquisitely tranquil, it is a privilege to behold the pure wilderness and knockout wildlife sightings found in this remarkable corner of Africa. Revered by locals, listen to stories of Chikwenya, named for a beloved female ruler buried beneath a nearby baobab.

Family room

Share unforgettable memories with your loved ones on a family safari.

Pool

Cool off between game drives in the riverside swimming pool.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family and share your safari sightings.

Magical Mana Pools

Renowned for its scenic beauty, Chikwenya plays a crucial role in helping to conserve wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Acacia-dotted plains, indigenous forests and the mighty Zambezi make this biodiverse region of Zimbabwe an Eden for iconic African wildlife, and a paradise for those lucky enough to visit.

Purpose

Sacred Chikwenya

Looking around Mana Pools, it’s not hard to see why UNESCO declared this magnificent national park a World Heritage Site. Exquisitely tranquil, it is a privilege to behold the pure wilderness and knockout wildlife sightings found in this remarkable corner of Africa. Revered by locals, listen to stories of Chikwenya, named for a beloved female ruler buried beneath a nearby baobab.

Facilities

Family room

Share unforgettable memories with your loved ones on a family safari.

Pool

Cool off between game drives in the riverside swimming pool.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family and share your safari sightings.

Wildlife

Area

Magical Mana Pools

Renowned for its scenic beauty, Chikwenya plays a crucial role in helping to conserve wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Acacia-dotted plains, indigenous forests and the mighty Zambezi make this biodiverse region of Zimbabwe an Eden for iconic African wildlife, and a paradise for those lucky enough to visit.

Activities

EXPERIENCES

Chikwenya experiences

Chikwenya delivers thrills aplenty. Feel your heart quicken as you catch sight of a movement in the bush from a game drive: the flick of an ear, the swish of a tail. Scan the treeline for hundreds of birds, hear their calls early in the morning. Feel the tug of a tiger fish pulling on your line. Reel it in, admire it and set it free as you navigate the Zambezi waters.

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Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Fishing

Cast your line into Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe’s iconic rivers, for exceptional catch-and-release fishing on safari.

Fishing

Botswana, Zambia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Wilderness Experiences Canoe Zimbabwe Zambezi River

Canoeing

Channel your inner explorer on a canoe safari at Mana Pools, paddling down the iconic Zambezi River.

Canoeing

Zimbabwe

Guided walking safaris

Slow down and pay attention to the smaller details of the safari experience on a walking safari with our professional guides.

Guided Walking Safaris

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Private safari

Create treasured memories with family and friends on an exclusive private safari across Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Private Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

MAP

Explore camps in Mana Pools

Chikwenya borders north-eastern Mana Pools, along a productive riverine belt, known for high concentrations of wildlife. Chikwenya sits at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers, with magnificent views over Chikwenya Island and the breath-taking Rift Valley escarpment across the river in the background.

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Chikwenya

Standard Season

From USD 1,140 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 1,140 per person, per night

TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

Explore Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools and navigate the mighty Zambezi by canoe. Or get up close to plains game in wildlife-rich Hwange National Park. Wherever you go with Wilderness, expect a journey beyond your wildest dreams.

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GUEST EXPERIENCES

Testimonials from fellow safari-goers

With a perfect 5 star rating from 14 reviews, guests consistently praise Chikwenya's exceptional wildlife viewing, dedicated guides, and luxurious accommodations. Read what fellow safari-goers have to say about their unforgettable experiences at Wilderness Chikwenya. Read more reviews on TripAdvisor.

Beautiful landscape

"This is a high-end accommodation in a very interesting landscape. The tents are very well-appointed and wild life encounters can be very up-close. We found the staff very accommodating - working out afternoon fishing trips for us two days in a row (thanks Calvin and Elias!) The food was very nice - almost too much. In addition to regular game drives, we also were able to go on guided walks. We have been on many safaris and this place is quite different. I would say that if you're looking to relax in beautiful surroundings, then this is your place. Game is hit or miss wherever you go. Luckily it was a hit for us but I would come here for the scenery alone."

Clh6262 | USA

★★★★★

Hospitality, Game and River: All great

"The hospitality of the staff is unbelievable! Totally custom experience. The food is divine! The location is gorgeous. Game drives allowed us to see elephants, lions, waterbucks and even the rare PAINTED DOGS among others! Our Professional Guide Joshua Magaya was the BEST. Ask for him as he is knowledgeable, personal and FUN - terrific sense of humor which made our trip so special The tents are spacious and luxurious. Bottom line is that this is a personalized experience that ticks all the boxes. We loved it!"

16pvl | USA

★★★★★

Unique Chikwenya

"Chikwenya is uniquely located on a pristine stretch of the Zambezi River with the mystical beauty of the Ana Tree forests on their concession. The forests provide for the very unique Mana Pools experience of ancient trees creating mystical forests teaming with wildlife from elephants, lions, leopards, herds of emend, impala and buffalo. This creates a magical opportunity unique in Africa and only found in this small part of Africa. We did a host of game drives in the forests, had superb wildlife sightings and also experienced a boat cruise on the Zambezi River. A wonderful place and the lodge is superb. Very comfortable rooms, amazing food and brilliant attention to detail and all aspects catered for by Brad, Ev, Joann and Brandon. We had a superb stay and highly recommend this lodge for a relaxing getaway with a unique wildlife setting and experience."

Liz Hart | South Africa

★★★★★

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FAQs

General

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Journal

Chikwenya featured stories

From its legendary tip-toeing elephants to pioneering packs of wild dogs, Mana Pools is home to the ultimate Zimbabwean safari. Enjoy a collection of stories from this wild, wonderful and unforgettable safari destination.

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