Changa Safari Camp, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Changa Safari Camp

Changa Safari Camp is located on the banks of Lake Kariba in the Matusadona National Park. I felt that offers an authentic African safari feel with all the comforts you need without going over the top luxury.

The camp has 8 canvas rooms that are shaded by the mopane trees. All rooms overlook the lake and have the most stunning views. I loved going out onto my private little wooden deck in the morning with a cup of coffee, taking in all the sounds and smells of the lake.

How I got there

The staff from the camp picked me up from another camp, however, I departed from the local airstrip, which I got to by boat as well. So if you are travelling to the lake, just be prepared to do a lot of boat travelling!

On another boat ride at the lake it got quite a bumpy but depending on you feel about bumpy rides, I found it quite fun. 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.

If you arrive or depart by plane, then be prepared for some amazing views!

My room

The 6 double rooms and 2 sets of interconnecting family rooms are all tented with canvas walls and ceilings, giving off fabulous safari vibes. They overlook the lake and have their own personal outside deck with a hammock to relax in.

All rooms have an indoor shower as well as an outdoor shower and bath, so that you can enjoy some luxury and relaxation whilst surrounded by the mopane woodland. How amazing to be able to have a bubble bath whilst listening to birds and hippos….such a DREAM!!

The main area

The main area is so cute and has thatched roofs keeping it nice and cool. It is super colourful and comfortable with lots of places to relax in whilst in between activities.

But…the pool!! Wow the pool! The infinity pool overlooks the banks of the river and just the most amazing place to relax in. Around the pool there are lots of loungers, including a swinging double bed that you can sunbathe on. They also had floating pillows that you can take in the pool - which I has so much fun laying on and floating on in the pool! I did find that there was some bird poo on quite a lot of the seating as there are a lot of trees that shade the area, however, this is all part of the experience and being in the wild.

I just loved being in the water listening to and watching the hippos! I just love their noises so much!

Activities and wildlife

There is so much up at the lake to keep you busy, however, there is also plenty of opportunity to also sit back and relax and enjoy the sounds and smells of the bush. You can enjoy game drives, bush walks, boat cruises, birding and fishing! Lake Kariba is a lot more slower paced than other safari designations where it is less about chasing the larger game, but more about appreciating everything that you see and just enjoy being in the area and on the lake. I just felt so peaceful there and was just soaking in the atmosphere. If you are a big birder or are really into your fishing, then Lake Kariba is for YOU!!

One of my favourite things about Lake Kariba is the sunsets! Whilst I was staying at Changa, we went out on a boat trip to spot wildlife and birds at the waterfalls and was starting to head back to the lodge when our boat took a little detour. It pulled up to this beautiful little island with a sundowner set up ready for us! It was AMAAAZING! It was in the perfect location and as you know by now, I love a sunset, especially when there is amarula! It was the most perfect set up.

Being on safari and staying at camps, there are always little surprises like this and it is just what makes the experience so special.

My thoughts

Overall I loved my stay at Changa and I think it is in a wonderful location and allows you to make the most of being at the Lake. I think the style of the lodge is perfect without it being too basic or over the top luxury. The staff and the activities were incredible and I just loved all the little extra touches and personalised experiences.

Thank you so much for a wonderful stay and I hope to be back soon!

Rhino Safari Camp, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

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!

Bumi Hills, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Bumi Hills, Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Well…how do I even start with this place! Just stunning all round! From the moment I arrived I was blown away with the panoramic views as far as I could see. It’s so hard to believe that Lake Kariba is a lake….yes, I know how that sounds but it’s so huge that it looks like the sea! The lodge is one of the oldest lodges in the area and is now owned by the wonderful African Bush Camps Safari Company and since owning the lodge they have done a fantastic job in renovating it and making it the amazing place it is today. If you haven’t heard of African Bush Camps, head over to their website to see all of their other wonderful lodges they have in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia.

Also, fun fact for you…did you know that Lake Kariba was man made? When it was being built, there was a huge operation called ‘Operation Noah’ that lasted five years and was a wildlife rescue mission to relocate all animals in the area of where the dam was being built. Over 6,000 animals were re located, mainly to the Matusadona National Park. You can learn all about this whilst at the lodge!

On arrival at the lodge, I had a tour of the main area and just took in those views! I mean, look at it!!

How I got there

I arrived on a light aircraft flight from Hwange National Park and I know I have said it before, but I was blown away by the views as we got to the lake! You can drive up to the lake from Harare but the roads are not the best and it can take a long time, so flying up there is the best option. It is also super easy to combine lodges around the lake as you can just jump in a boat and travel across. I spent a lot of time in boats when I was there as I visited a lot of lodges!!

The room

The rooms are very stylish and slick with a hint of African influence. My favourite part of the room was the bath and all the products and of course, the incredible balcony overlooking the banks of the lake. I could have sat there for hours and hours watching the world go by with a coffee. The best part is that if you look close enough you can see elephants and hippos wandering along the banks. As the rooms are high up and amongst the trees, you are also visited by all the stunning birdlife.

The rooms are perfect for people who enjoy their comfort as they can shut away the bush and outside as soon as they step into their room. Although not the largest of rooms, they are extremely comfortable, have everything you need for a perfect stay, are very private and feel very safe. I personally felt like I was shutting out the smells and sounds of Africa (I love listening to it) but I know for a lot of people this is perfect! It has a more hotel style feel to it than some other lodges. But stunning and beautiful all round.

The main areas

Oh well….I am not quite sure what to say about the main areas. Perfect, amazing, stunning, breathtaking…anything else? The pool…WOW!!

As well as the main areas being stunning, they are spread out onto a few different levels and areas, which makes it feel like it has lots of lovely nooks and crannies to explore and chill out in. And the biggest bonus to it all, is that everywhere you look, you get those views over the lake. My personal favourites were the pool and the fire pit!

If you don’t feel like being outside all the time, then there are also plenty of inside places to chill out and relax too.

Anyone love the gym? Sorry let me ask again…anyone love the gym whilst they are on holiday? If your answer is yes to this (no judgement…well kind of), then there is a lovely little gym that you can use at the lodge. Again, the views are everywhere so if you are going to gym it, then why not do it with a view.

Now, coming to my favourite part…the treatments! And yes, I did take time out of working and treated myself to an hour long massage. I always find that the massages I get whilst at lodges are always THE BEST! I can’t help myself. So anytime I know that a lodge has a treatment room, I get waaaay too excited. If you want to know some of the best places to get massages, get in touch and I will help! Maybe I should do a post about this?

But anyway…this massage was amazing and well needed after all the travelling and early morning wake up calls for game drives in Hwange National Park. After my massage I went and chilled out around the pool and went for a little dip…perfect afternoon or what!!?

Wildlife and activities

Now getting to the best bit! An African safari lodge would be nothing without its wildlife and game drives. Our guide was wonderful and knew the area and all the wildlife like the back of his hand.

So the wildlife at Lake Kariba isn’t at the level at somewhere like Hwange National Park or the Okavango Delta as the concentration just isn’t there. If you are wanting to see the ‘Big 5’ this place isn’t for you, but it’s perfect if you just want to appreciate everything you see and go along for the adventure. It is a perfect addition to an itinerary with another safari destination - such as Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls.

That being said…I ended up seeing SO much wildlife and I wasn’t even there in peak season. There were so many elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffe antelope and bird life. Some of the photos I got were incredible. There are cats in the area but it can very difficult to see them.

Oh the sundowners….LOOK at those colours!!!!! I mean could it get more perfect than this? Amarula, wildlife and those sunsets!

Although I didn’t have time to do all the activities at this lodge, there is enough to keep you busy and exploring for a while! One of the best ways to explore the area is by heading out on a boat cruise. This way you can explore the lake and all the wildlife that lives on and around it. Another really popular activity is fishing! I did try this at another lodge and it is very good fun. If you are a first timer or a professional, it is such a great experience and a must whilst at the lake!

From the lodge you can also enjoy night drives, walking safaris and one of my favourites, star gazing!!

After our afternoon on safari from the lodge, our guide told us that something had happened and that we needed to go and investigate it. So we were a little confused about what was happening…after a little while, he turned the corner and we saw that a whole set up and been put up for us! All the staff were there with tables, chairs, a stove, a fire, beanbags…sooo much! We ended up having dinner out on the banks of the river under candle light with a camp fire - barefoot luxury (literally)! Omg…just PERFECT. One of the best nights I have had and so memorable. They said they love to do special things like this for guests as a surprise…so shhh…I said nothing. Such a wonderful memory and the food was incredible, as always!

My Thoughts

My stay at Bumi Hills was a short one, but extremely memorable. When I think of Lake Kariba, I think of Bumi Hills and that is saying a lot as I visited a lot of camps. Overall it is in a perfect location, with fantastic guides and ultimate luxury, so if this sounds like something you would enjoy…go to Bumi Hills! The staff couldn’t have done more for us if they tried and they made the experience what it was.

I would love to head back there and stay again to explore more. As I mentioned before, this is a perfect addition to a safari itinerary and African Bush Camps often have combo deals if you stay at more than one of their camps…so a great excuse for more safari…not that you need it.

Thank you to the Bumi Hills team for a wonderful stay and I will be back!

A wilderness of Granite - Amalinda Lodge, Zimbabwe

Amalinda Lodge

Have you ever wanted to stay somewhere in the middle of nowhere, where it feels like you are in another land but still feels so connected to the earth? Love luxury with a unique twist of nature? Then Amalinda Lodge is where you need to stay.

Amalinda Lodge is located in the Matopos Hills area in Zimbabwe! It is a stunning area filled with rocks and boulders which means the views are stunning! The area is rich in history and fantastic wildlife.

The Rooms

For this part, I can’t just write about ‘my’ room. Each room is unique so the style of your room is a complete surprise when you arrive. The layout is different, the bathrooms are different and the views are from different locations. Each room has its own special quirks and I loved exploring each and everyone of them!

The rooms are inspired by the rocks around it and this is where the rooms get their uniqueness. Some of the rooms have outside showers and baths, loos with a view, and one even has an ancient rock painting!! Imagine sleeping in a room with that much history!!?!

The main area

The main area of the lodge is just fantastic! It is built into the rocks and the views over the rocky landscape are to die for. There are so many cool nooks and crannies to discover when walking around so it is always best to keep an eye out.

The main lodge has a beautiful dining area with an impressive view and a bar at the top of some stone steps. Above the dining room, you will find a cosy but spacious fire pit where you can spent time before or after dinner with your favourite drink. I have spent many wonderful evenings around this fire, all cosy and wrapped up, listening to the crackling sounds. There is no better sound than the crackling of the fire, letting you know that you are in Africa and the knowledge that you are heading out on an adventure in the morning.

The walkways to each room stem off from the main area and they all lead to different directions.

Amazingly, there is only one spot for wifi and this is down in reception. This enables you to still be connected to the outside world but still with the ability to distance yourself from it everywhere else. So you know you can truly connect to the wild in the main area, rooms, and pool.

Talking of the pool….you haven’t seen a pool until you have seen Amalindas pool. This is just something else. The stunning infinity pool is large and overlooks the rest of the reserve, giving you lots of opportunities to spot wildlife as you relax and swim. To top it off…there is even a pool bar!!

The sound of baboons and zebras fills the air, making this area magical. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot their zonky!!

Wildlife and Activities

Amalinda is based on its own reserve which is next to the Matopos Hills National Park, which means that there is so much wildlife around the lodge to see and experience. Your guide will be with you for your entire stay, personalising it to suit your interests. This is such a great benefit as it allows them to get to know you, which means that you can maximise your time at the lodge.

One of the most unique activities in this area is rhino tracking. This is such a special experience and one that really brings you back to the reality and severity of these wonderful creatures’ situations. Your guide will get in contact with the rhino rangers to see when and where the rhinos were last spotted. After picking up your ranger and searching for the rhinos in your vehicle, they will give you a brief before heading out on foot. There is something so humbling about this experience as you slowly and quietly approach these giants. Standing just meters away from these white rhinos as they go about their business and listening to their sounds has got to be one of the most special experiences I have ever had…and to make it even more special, I have been able to do this twice, once in 2018 and again in 2019!

The rangers stay with and track the rhinos 24/7 to make sure that they are safe and are not in any danger. They dedicate their lives to protect the rhinos and are truly exceptional human beings. To thank them for their time and service, a tip is very much appreciated once they have returned you safely back to your vehicle.

As well as rhinos, there are plenty of other animals in the area! There are hippos, giraffe, antelope, zebra, and even leopards! You will head out on safari in the Matopos National Park and here you will experience the stunning scenery and incredible animals. It is not a highly populated park for animals but it is a great place to start or end your trip and take it at a nice slow pace to ensure that you can take it all in. The entrance to the gate is around a 30 minute drive from the lodge making it nice and easy to enter. The great benefit of this park is that there aren’t too many lodges in the area, meaning that there will not be too many other people there.

Sunset is one of my favourite times of day when I am in Africa. It means parking up somewhere beautiful, your favourite drink (Amarula obviously), soaking in the scenery, and listening to the sounds of the bush. This area is no exception to any of these things!

There is an incredible look out point where I’ve been a couple of times and even the second time was just as breathtaking as the first. it takes around 15 minutes to reach the top and you spend your sundowner resting on the edge of a rock, overlooking the park. You can see for miles and miles into the distance and if you look carefully you can even spot rhinos grazing in the distance.

The park is also the final resting place of Cecil John Rhodes. If you are interested in history then I am sure you will have heard of him and the influence he had over Southern Africa. His grave is in one of the most incredible spots and overlooks most of the reserve. This is a popular place to walk to for sundowners and we were extremely lucky to have it all to ourselves. It is definitely a must when you visit the park.

If you know me, you know I LOVE reptiles so when I had the opportunity to meet, feed, and hang out with the scaly friends below who live in the rocks and feed them biscuits! It made my night! :)

The area is also full of incredible ancient rock paintings and whilst staying at Amalinda I was lucky enough to go and see some of them and learn about the history and lives of the Bushmen who lived there and the stories on the walls. Our guide spent time explaining the stories behind the paintings and I felt like I had stepped back in time. It was incredible to imagine that many years ago, the cave was bustling and home to a tribe of bushmen.

The staff

The guides and staff at Amalinda are fantastic and you can tell that they truly love their jobs and are so passionate about what they do. The guides are so invested in their work and are committed to make sure that you have the best possible stay with them. The rest of the staff at the lodge are so welcoming and friendly and are always happy to help with a smile on their face. The food was always so delicious and the chefs catered to all the requested dietary requirements. Amalinda is owned by the most wonderful family who I have been lucky enough to meet and spend time with, and when you are guests at the lodge you feel as though you are part of it.

how to get there

It is very easy to get to Amalinda and the Matopos area in general. If you starting your trip at Amalinda, you can fly into Bulawayo airport which is very well connected with Johannesburg. The lodge is then just a 45 minute drive from the airport. You can either drive there yourself or the lodge can pick you up in their luxury transport ‘Driving You Wild’.

If your stay at Amalinda is in the middle of your stay or at the end, then you can also drive from Victoria Falls/Hwange National Park. It will take you around three hours to drive to/from Hwange so this is a great option.

My thoughts

I absolutely love Amalinda, as I am sure you can tell. I think the lodge is just so unique and really allows you to disconnect from the world and step back into nature. The rooms are wonderful and the pool is to die for! The staff are some of the nicest people I have ever met and the guides are so passionate about what they do. I would recommend this lodge to EVERYONE! It is a must on a trip to Zimbabwe, either at the start or end of any trip.