Tucked away in a grove of old-growth mahogany and sausage trees, Nyamatusi is one of Mana Pools National Park’s most extravagant camps. But while the air conditioning in every room, private plunge pools for every suite, and carefully curated wine cellar offer a rare level of luxury in this part of Zimbabwe, they are all tempered with an unshakeable dedication to the principles of sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Each of the six spacious suites has an outdoor deck and shower, all constructed from timber to blend in with the classic miombo woodland that surrounds the camp. This complex ecosystem supports a wealth of game, including cheetahs, wild dogs, lions, and leopards (rhinos and giraffes are the noted exceptions; rhinos because of conservation efforts and giraffes because the topography is unsuitable for them). The miombo is fed by the meandering Zambezi River, whose banks bulge and swell during the summer rains. This makes Nyamatusi a seasonal camp that is open from April to November. Because the animals in the region seldom encounter humans or vehicles for up to six months of the year, they retain much of their ‘wildness’, sometimes making for thrilling encounters.

A large solar farm takes advantage of Zimbabwe’s average of 300 ‘sun hours’ a month, which peak during the dry winter high season. Nyamatusi is completely solar-powered, with full in-room charging facilities. When you have powered up your devices, head to the double-story main area to enjoy the library, viewing deck, or splash pool while you sort your photos and enjoy a chilled drink.

Highlights

• Just six luxurious suites in Mana Pools
• All rooms have air conditioning, private pools, outdoor showers and decks
• Beautiful views of the passing Zambezi River
• Walking, canoeing, boating, and game drives
• Solar-powered with in-room charging facilities
• Private wine cellar

Activities

• CANOEING
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS

Excellent camp for a full variety of Mana Pools activities including canoeing, authentic in its ethos and incredible in its wildlife and guiding experience.

Rooms

Standard Tent

The six large suites all have views of the Zambezi River, en suite bathrooms with bathtubs and both indoor and outdoor showers, and full solar charging facilities. From your bedroom, stroll to your viewing deck and private plunge pool, perhaps helping yourself to a drink or snack from the mini-bar.

Facilities

Nyamatusi Camp consists of a main area with a library, viewing deck, sunken fire pit, wine cellar, and communal splash pool. The solar farm provides power for the lodge.

Children are well taken care of by the caring staff of the Ngwana Club, which means 'explorer' in the Tswana language. Their creativity gets a workout with jewelry crafting and DIY pizza making while the adventure is taken care of with guided school visits in the nearby village, supervised nature walks, and boating excursions.

Dining

Dining follows the traditional safari rhythm of refreshments on your morning game drive, brunch or lunch back in camp, and late afternoon high tea before your final game drive. No safari is complete without sundowners out in the bush and a multi-course meal back at camp, savored with a bottle from the wine cellar.