May Newsletter

by Maha Doppelfeld

To do a canoeing safari has always been a dream of mine, since my father told me of his canoeing adventure when I was a young girl.  Now twenty years later, Natureways offered me the opportunity to join their Tamarind Explorer Canoeing Safari from Chirundu to Mana Pools and I jumped at it. 

We drove to Kariba for our first night, in order for us to get to Chirundu at a reasonable hour the next day, to start our adventure.  We stayed at Kushinga Lodges, which offers private and comfortable self catering lodges with a terrific Lake View and beautiful camping grounds with lovely trees.  Kushinga also has a pool and beach style volleyball court and are able to arrange various activities such as fishing, boat rides, sun set cruises, game drives etc

Natureways gave us a tour of Kariba's sightseeing spots including the dam wall, the Operation Noah Memorial and Lookout Point.  We returned to Kushinga to have a fantastic 3 course meal prepared by the Natureways Chefs. 

After a good nights sleep we travelled to Chirundu, where the canoeing safari would start. Once the canoes were unloaded and repacked, we were given a thorough safety talk.  Then we were off on the mighty Zambezi River for 4 magical days drifting and paddling along the Zimbabwe shoreline.  Zimbabwe has had a fantastic rainy season and the bush was lush and green.  This meant that animals were a bit harder to spot than usual but the birdlife was exceptional.  Especially the days along the Mana Pools shoreline are unforgettable. 

As this is a participatory trip everyone had to lend a helping hand when setting up camp for the night and preparing meals.  Nights were spent in 2-man dome tents with view of the stars weather permitting.  Tendai, the guide and chef of our trip, prepared delicious meals on a 2 plate cooker and with only a few utensils - very impressive.  Your shower consisted of a bucket and cup and your toilet of a spade (affectionately called Douglas) and a loo paper roll behind a beautiful African tree of bush - the biggest and best bathroom with a view!

The most memorable experience on the whole trip had to be the night of the storm.  I am sure no one else on the trip will forget this night!  A huge torrential rain storm flooded all the tents, soaked mattresses, sleeping bags, clothes and us.  I have to admit it must have been the most uncomfortable night I have ever spent in my life but the whole group managed the night with the best sense of humour and I am sure the laughter that night and the next morning could be heard for a few kilometres.

This was a trip of a life time that I will never forget - a big thank you to Hayley, Tendai, Gus and the rest of the Natureways Team.  I remember sitting in the back of the car on our way to Harare, feeling relaxed and content.  I had been taken out of my comfort zone (during the storm), "survived" and felt a sense of achievement and happiness!  While dreaming of my hot shower at home that evening and with a smile on my face I was thinking of my next adventure... a Mana Shoreline Walking Safari with Natureways in May!  I can’t wait! 

Quote From: Zambezi Safaris, UK (Clients : Keith and Karen Middlemass)

Thank you for your email. Yes, we are safely back home. We had the most marvellous time in Zimbabwe and Zambia and thank you so much for organising a smooth and unforgettable trip. The Natureways Safari in Mana Pools exceeded expectations and while we have canoed on the Zambezi before, this was by far our favourite experience. Our guide, Gus, and his phenomenal team, could not have treated us better and we received “6-star service” from the moment we landed at Mana Pools. Gus is incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable and no question or request was ever too much. We cannot rate the trip highly enough and yearn to be back on the banks of the mighty Zambezi under the shade of a Natal Mahogany!!!

Regards
Keith and Karen Middlemass

Contact Us

The specialists in canoeing, walking and camping safaris.

Tel/Fax: (+263) 4 744159
Fax: (+263) 4 2916 907
Address: P.O. Box BW 1714, Borrowdale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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