Rhino Safari Camp, Lake Kariba
Rhino Safari Camp is located on the banks of Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe and I can honestly say I fell totally in love with it. I must say that it is NOT for everyone as it is definitely a little rustic, but these types of places I prefer so much more over the luxury accommodations. This camp is just me all over as it totally immersed me into the African bush.
It is a small camp, with just 14 en suite stilted rooms. All the rooms are open fronted and spaced along the banks of the river. The camp is unfenced so it is a truly wild experience.
How I got there
The staff from the camp picked me up from another camp and we had quite a bumpy but fun ride over. If you get sea sick or travel sick in anyway, travelling by boat between lodges might not be the best idea. We had to cover and lock all our luggage away and I started off by having my camera out but quickly put it away and opted for my go pro. I did get some quite funny and bumpy footage of the boat ride but I was mostly being thrown all over the place. So getting off the boat I was very wet…but I had a great time! I think it’s all part of the experience but it’s just something to keep in mind.
My room
So as you can see below, the room is TOTALLY open and i’m in love with it! Don’t get me wrong, at night I was a little nervous but I was taking it all in and loved every second. You are basically sleeping in the bush! There is a mozzie net for night time and I would recommend sleeping with it on, unless you want to get bitten. The outside shower again is basic but has everything you need…and its outside! If you know me, you know I love an outside shower…day or night! The room is on stilts so you are off the ground so nothing big can get in, but you might hear and see animals as the camp is unfenced! Ah I just loved it!
The main area
How cute is this little main area? The whole place just gave me such good vibes and feelings the whole time and I could have honestly stayed here for weeks! If you are used to luxury safaris and expect the high end service, this place probably isn’t for you, unless you are looking for something totally different. However, if you are happy to go with the flow, have good guides, friendly service and want to totally immerse yourself into the experience then you will love this place!!
Activities and Wildlife
There are so many activities to do at the lake. Obviously the main attraction is the lake so you have to take advantage of that whilst you are there. So the majority of the activities you do will be boat based.
I had never fished before I went to Lake Kariba and it is known for its fishing! So obviously I had to try it! The guide was very patient with me and I think enjoyed watching me struggle and fail. I did catch one fish! I did also drop the bait in my Amarula as well…so I can’t say that I have much skill. I think I was more interested in the sunset, which you will understand when you see the pictures. I have NEVER seen sunsets like it before. But going back to fishing…if you are a beginner or expert, you will have a great time. Some people come up to the lake just to fish…you can also stay on a house boat to focus purely on this too.
As you guessed it, the wildlife is fantastic. Hippos galore, especially when you are on the river. There are also so many elephants on the banks and they look even more incredible at sunset.
The area is also full of lots of other wildlife and as you are by the lake, you get to see of a lot of crocs in the water and on the banks. This area is also very well known for its birding and you can either just head out and see what you can spot, or you can go on specialist birding tours. I saw so many malachite and pied kingfishers hunting (I didn’t get many great pictures as they are so fast!) as well as bee eaters and much more!
Oh the sunsets…I mean do I even need to say anything more? I am obsessed with sunsets so I just couldn’t get over the Lake Kariba sunsets. However, the pictures below were taken whislt I was on a boat, sipping Amarula and eating snacks…LOOK at those colours!!
The trees just make all the difference and make the Lake Kariba sunsets so incredible. The trees are there from when the area was flooded with water when making the lake and they really remind me of the petrified trees at Deadvlei in Namibia.
You can head out on game drives in the Matusadona National Park in their open top vehicle! Make sure you wear a hat and suncream!
Lake Kariba doesn’t have the concentration of game that other national parks have , but you will definitely have some fantastic game viewing. You can also explore the park on foot and appreciate the smaller wildlife and appreciate the surroundings a little more.
My thoughts
As you can probably tell, I loved my time here at Rhino Safari Camp and I feel that my stay was such a special one. It is totally unique and I would recommend it to anyone wanting some adventure and something a little different. You can combine it with something a little more luxury afterwards if you want but I feel that this camp offers such. authentic safari experience. The staff, guides and activities were phenomenal and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
I hope this has inspired you to travel to Lake Kariba and stay at Rhino Safari Camp!