As we count down the final weeks before re-opening camp in April, we relive just a few of the unforgettable experiences that shaped our 2025 season.
What a time it has been since we closed camp in December: the Rukomechi river has run full, the escarpment has turned green, and Mana Pools National Park has been rejuvenated with all the rain.
Our preparations for this year are already well underway, and our excitement for the 2026 season and what it may have in store for us is building. Here are some of the team’s favourite moments from last year.
Nash’s heart‑pounding lion and buffalo drama
For Nash, the season’s top moment involved a mix of calm and chaos – how typical of the wild!
One evening on a game drive, Nash and his guests were watching a group of lion cubs playing in the sand on the Rukomechi riverbed. Everything suddenly changed when the deep contact calls of the adult lionesses echoed through the valley.
As the cubs trotted towards the sound, Nash and his guests followed (at a safe distance so as not to disturb the lions) – only to find several lionesses positioned perfectly for an ambush on a large herd of buffalo.
But, within seconds, the buffalo turned the tables on the lionesses and charged towards them…and the vehicle. They stopped just metres away before retreating, leaving dust and a lot of adrenaline hanging in the air! The lionesses calmly regrouped beside the vehicle, and were soon joined by their curious cubs.
Jade’s close encounter with Ushingi the leopard
More often than not, the most magical moments happen right in camp.
One afternoon, while all the guests were out on a drive, Jade spotted Ushingi – one of our oldest female resident leopards – strolling through our camp’s main area as though she owned it. Watching her move with effortless beauty through the heart of camp is one of Jade’s favourite 2025 memories.
Beyond the wildlife, Jade also cherished experimenting with new dishes with the team in the kitchen – trying new recipes, learning from mistakes, and sharing laughter with them: “It is such a creative, warm space” she says.
Blade’s walking safari adventures
For Blade, exploring the escarpment on foot delivered some of the most exhilarating moments of the year.
Walking along the well trodden elephant trails revealed breathtaking views over the Zambezi Valley and quiet pockets of wilderness untouched by vehicles.
One standout experience came while tracking a female leopard. After following fresh tracks and listening to escalating alarm calls, Blade and his guests finally spotted her moving up a steep cliff. “Seeing a leopard on foot is such privilege and always such a special experience,” says Blade.
Owen’s perfect evening: dinner under the stars and wild dogs
Owen’s favourite memory is from a spectacular bush dinner under the stars. He explains that he really enjoyed cooking out in the bush, meeting with guests from different countries, sharing stories and talking about dishes from their home cultures.
On the drive back to camp, the group encountered a pack of African wild dogs. Owen says: “They’re my favourite animal and they were just lying on the road and we could spend so much time with them – it was definitely one of my top moments of 2025.”
Boyd’s night of lion territory thrills
Boyd experienced one of the season’s most dramatic moments while guests were in the hide photographing a leopard drinking peacefully at the waterhole.
Suddenly, the leopard bolted into the darkness. Seconds later, the roars began. Lions erupted into a territorial confrontation right behind the hide.
The intruding male quickly realised he was outnumbered and fled into the night.
A powerful, adrenaline-inducing display of lion behaviour that Boyd won’t forget in a hurry.
A new season awaits – and so do new stories!
We can’t wait to see what adventures await us in the 2026 season – and we hope that you will join us for the experience.
To find out more, or to start planning your Kavinga Safari Camp adventure, get in contact with Kimi on +263 78 836 9199 or bookings@kavingasafaricamp.com