Planning a safari can be almost as exciting as the adventure itself, but we know it can also raise a few questions. Whether it’s your first time in the bush or you’re a seasoned traveller, we’ve put together our answers to a selection of some of the most frequently asked questions to help make your stay with us as stress-free as possible.
Planning a safari can be almost as exciting as the adventure itself, but we know it can also raise a few questions. Whether it’s your first time in the bush or you’re a seasoned traveller, we’ve put together our answers to a selection of some of the most frequently asked questions to help make your stay with us as stress-free as possible.
Getting here – timing is everything
While we appreciate you may be super excited to get to camp as soon as possible, we kindly ask that you keep as close as possible to our check-in (11am) and check-out (9am) times. As a small, intimate camp, we’re unfortunately unable to accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs. These create significant logistical challenges for us and can impact on the enjoyment of all guests in camp.
We have a 1,100m airstrip (FVRK –- Rukomechi) situated just 5km from camp on our concession. If you’re lucky enough to be flying to camp, please make sure your charter flights to and from Kavinga align with our check-in and check-out times. Please also make sure your flight lands at our airstrip, and not at any other airstrips in Mana Pools National Park.
Keen to fly to Kavinga but not sure how to arrange the flights? No problem, we’re happy to help you with charters from Harare or other locations in Zimbabwe.
If you don’t want to fly in, you can also travel to Kavinga by vehicle – either by driving yourself, or using a transfer. Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more about transfer options. We can help you plan your journey, whether from Harare, other cities in Zimbabwe, or other safari camps nearby.
100% wild
Kavinga Safari Camp is located within Mana Pools National Park in the Zambezi valley. There are no fences restricting the movement of animals anywhere in the valley – and the same is true for our concession and camp.
This makes your stay at Kavinga completely wild. But don’t worry, your room, built on a raised platform, is secure, and our trained team will help keep you safe; please just ensure you follow their guidance at all times.
Travelling with children
We’d love it if you could bring your children with you to camp. However, as Kavinga is located in a truly wild and remote part of the African bush and is unfenced, we’ve had to put some age restrictions in place to ensure we can keep all our guests safe and comfortable:
- Children under 10 are only allowed to visit Kavinga if they’re part of a group that is booking the entire camp (eight rooms).
- Children under 14 unfortunately cannot go on our guided bush walks.
- Each of our tents can comfortably accommodate two people, and we don’t currently have any family rooms.
Disconnect to reconnect
Mobile signal at camp is patchy at best – perfect for a digital detox! We do offer Wi-Fi in the main lounge area so you can stay connected if you need to. Otherwise, take the opportunity to embrace the stillness and listen to the sounds of the wild.
In terms of electricity, the camp is powered completely by solar power. We use type G plug points and we also have USB charging points. All our rooms are furnished with fans to keep you cool during the hotter months. As our camp runs on solar power, and our tents are built out of canvas and insect-repellant gauze, our rooms don’t have air conditioners.
Our recommended packing list
When packing for your safari at Kavinga, we suggest a practical and comfortable approach:
- Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing
- Warm layers for early mornings and evenings
- Walking shoes as well as some comfortable shoes for the evenings
- Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Binoculars and camera
- Swimwear for our beautiful pool overlooking the waterhole
We also offer a laundry service for clothes you wear while at camp, so no need to pack too much.
Tasty meals
You’ll enjoy delicious, freshly prepared meals and snacks throughout the day at Kavinga, plus sundowners with a view and three-course dinners under the stars.
All activities, food, and locally available soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are included in your package. However, if you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know well in advance of your trip. This will enable us to have all the right ingredients delivered to camp before you arrive.
It’s worth noting that our filtered borehole water is safe to drink – and we think it’s quite tasty.
Travel with peace of mind
Kavinga is in a malaria region, and there have been several cases in the area so far this year, so we encourage you to talk to your doctor about taking preventive medication. We also suggest bringing your preferred type of mosquito repellent along. All our tents have mosquito nets.
Tsetse flies may also be around, particularly in the hotter months. Wearing light, neutral-coloured clothing could reduce your chances of attracting them, but please bring antihistamines just in case you get bitten.
We recommend that you arrange travel and medical insurance for your safari, and that you bring all your personal or prescribed medication with you from home. Our team is trained in first aid, and you’ll be covered by HAC Medical and Air Rescue during your stay.
If you have other questions, our team is always happy to help.
Just get in touch – and we’ll take care of the rest.