Things to do in Zimbabwe

Enjoy views of the Zambezi from your tented suite at Nyamatusi

I love it here – I get to interact with elephants from my office and at lunch time I can enjoy the incredible birdlife from the river…

By Joyce Siyawareva

Assistant Manager

Nyamatusi Camp is set on the shores of the Zambezi river, in the heart of the untamed Mana wilderness. It looks out to an escarpment and a floodplain surrounded by mahogany and albida forest. The views are out of this world and from the six open-fronted guest ‘tents’ you can expect to see elephants, hippos and crocodiles wallowing in the Zambezi river.

The wildlife in Mana Pools National Park is extraordinary, with over 380 species of birds and aquatic birdlife, including Lillian’s lovebirds, cattle egrets, many types of dove, bee-eaters, African herons and the rare Pel’s fishing owl. Common birds at Nyamatusi include southern grey-headed sparrows, woodland kingfishers and Meves’s starlings. Mana Pools is formed from ancient river channels and is dotted with several islands – our activities reveal much more of this extraordinary environment, and bring sightings of zebra, herds of buffalo, lions and hyena.

I think Nyamatusi’s sustainable design is unique. Everything is built to blend in with the natural surroundings, including locally sourced thatch. The camp is fully solar-powered and the furniture is all hand-crafted by local talent. If the camp was picked up everything would return to its natural state.

Guests tell us that they come back for the warmth and friendliness of the staff, the intimate nature of the camp and comfort of the rooms, and for the tranquillity. When I joined Nyamatusi in 2019 I was a little apprehensive as I was returning to work in the bush after five years away. I love it here – I get to interact with elephants from my office and at lunch time I can enjoy the incredible birdlife from the river. People travel for thousands of miles to appreciate what I get to see every day.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Unsurpassed Zimbabwe
by Daniel Heatly

Length13 Days

Price range£9,495 - £14,895pp

Alfred & Joyce Siyawareva

Joyce started her career in hospitality and tourism in 2005 as a management trainee at a hotel. She has also worked in Botswana and spent a few years working as a travel consultant before joining the African Bush Camps group. When not working Joyce spends time with her family and two children.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Adele, who's travelled extensively in Zimbabwe. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember – the ranger who can show you the best game viewing and fishing spots on the Zambezi, the guide who’ll introduce you to ‘moonbows’ at Victoria Falls and the locals who’ll share their dinner with you.

Adele Jones

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Adele has been travelling for 21 years, with plenty of time in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. As a keen wildlife enthusiast she is fascinated by seeing wild animals in their natural environment, as well as understanding how landscape and topography drive their behavioural patterns. Her experience in Africa got off to a memorable start, with a sighting of a wild dog pack within 10-minutes of landing on her first ever safari trip!
Cloud Magondo

Professional Guide at Nyamatusi Camp

Cloud joined African Bush Camps after five years of experience working as a professional river guide. He has also recently achieved his Professional Guide licence, a highly regarded achievement within the safari industry. His passions are canoeing, star gazing, animal behaviour and birds while also recognising the importance of the smaller things like insects and flora. As a guide who canoes the Zambezi, he has plenty of respect for the resident hippo and crocodiles.
Mark Butcher

Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges

Mark Butcher is an eco-tourism professional with a passion for linking local communities directly to wildlife conservation. In the 80s, he was a ranger for the Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife and later, the Provincial Wildlife Officer in the Matabeleland North Province adjacent to Hwange National Park. Mark is now the Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, a selection of properties that directly benefit disenfranchised communities around Hwange.
Tich Tandi

Sales and marketing manager at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

During more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Tich Tandi has been everything from a waiter to a tours coordinator in a five-star hotel. Originally from Rusape in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, he now works for Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls as part of the sales and marketing team, a role he thoroughly enjoys.
Jane Msamba

Deputy General Manager, Ilala Lodge Hotel

Born in Zimbabwe, Jane began working with Ilala Lodge Hotel as a senior cashier in 1995. She has worked her way through the ranks from Junior Tours Consultant to Tours Manager and this year took up the role of Deputy General Manager of the hotel. Happily married with three children, Jane has recently become a proud grandmother. She lives in Victoria Falls with her husband and the couple is passionate about wildlife.
Francis Nyabadza

Guide at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

Francis Nyabadza grew up hearing the roar of the Victoria Falls, and familiarity has done nothing to diminish his sense of awe every time he takes guests to experience this natural wonder for themselves – something he’s been doing for Wild Horizons since 1997. When not at the Falls, his favourite place to take visitors is the village that hosts the company’s Meet the People cultural activity.