Preserving the wilderness of Mana Pools
At Kavinga, our mission is simple: to help preserve a small part of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, so that it can be enjoyed by current and future generations.
Our journey
Kavinga Safaris started life in the 1990s as a mobile tented camp. Run by some of our original shareholders, guests from around the world joined us to experience the famous Chitake Spring and other wildlife spots along the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe.
Through their time spent running the mobile camp and helping out with the Mana Pools Game Count, these shareholders ‘discovered’ a very special location in Mana Pools. They promised themselves that, if they could, they’d find a way to preserve it. So when the location came up for tender as a private concession from Zimbabwe National Parks in 2012, they jumped at the opportunity (and found a few more like-minded shareholders).
After many years’ hard work building the camp from scratch, Kavinga Safari Camp as we now know it opened to its first guests in April 2016.
Consisting of +/- 2,500 hectares of unfenced, pristine wilderness, Kavinga is the culmination of our shareholders’ lifelong love of the African bush and their passion for conservation. Through Kavinga, they’ve realised their dream of creating somewhere where everyone can enjoy the untamed wilderness, today and long into the future.
Did you know?
‘Kavinga’ is the name of a Shona spirit medium from the area, and also the name that Steve Pope, a well-known guide, gave to a huge male lion that used to roam the lands around Chitake.
“As we sit looking out over the beautiful plains and the watering hole, we’re reminded of the beauty of this incredible country, the importance of preserving nature, and that we’re merely visitors on this earth.
The manager, staff and guides at Kavinga could not have been nicer and more accommodating. The food was stupendous. The pool and hides – bonuses. And the room and views from the entire camp were so peaceful.
We leave recharged, relaxed and ready… perhaps ready to return!!”
In pictures: Building Kavinga
Striving for sustainability
We believe in treading lightly and aim to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
Our camp runs completely on solar power: all hot water and electricity is supplied through our extensive solar power system.
Our water comes from deep within the Rukomechi riverbed, and passes through an extensive filtration system. Therefore, it’s tasty, pure and safe to drink.
Core to our purpose is helping to conserve this special piece of pristine wilderness for future generations. As part of this, we support various local conservation and anti-poaching initiatives, including Zavaru, Tashinga, and the Zambezi Elephant Fund.
Mesmerizing and breathtaking !! Such amazing facilities and staff, couldn’t have asked for a better trip in the bush – perfect balance between nature and luxury!