Campfire Africa
Immersed in the wild
About
Campfire Africa curates and hosts safaris into premier wilderness areas in Africa.This is not a packaged tour. Rather based on years of experience, we create authentic, comfortable and unique safaris.
Our safaris are not: rushed checklist tours; mass-market lodge safaris; overdone high end luxury pampering; or a hardcore overland expedition.Instead, we create a highly immersive wilderness experiences built around: small groups (4–6 guests); exclusive 'mobile' camps set up in the best areas; supported by exceptional professional guide; authentic bush atmosphere; meaningful wildlife encounters; flexibility, comfort, and adventure.What Makes This DifferentThis unique offering balances the flexibility of a self-drive, with the comforts and safety of an up-market tented camp.Rather than large lodges, crowded sightings, and rigid schedules, or luxury small camps focused on thread count and 5 course meals, the focus is: comfortable camps, remote and exclusive locations; quieter wildlife areas; campfire evenings; walking safaris; flexible pacing; time spent genuinely immersed in nature.The experience combines fully serviced “mobile camps” and a dedicated local and professional Zimbabwean guide.
What is a Mobile Tented Camp
A mobile camp is a professionally operated tented camp that is set up for a specific party, in a desired and exclusive location. It is a temporary wilderness camp that moves while still providing many of the comforts and services people associate with safari travel.Unlike many permanent hotels or lodges, the camp is established directly within the wilderness areas being explored. This allows access to quieter, more remote locations and creates a far more immersive experience. It ensures you are sleeping in the wild. You are eating supper around a campfire, in the wild. You wake up to a warm coffee in the wild.These camps are considered 'up-market' and are very comfortable.A typical mobile camp setup may include:* large safari-style canvas tents
* mattresses and bedding
* camp chairs and dining areas
* showers and portable toilets
* lighting in common areas
* camp staff and cooks
Zimbabwe - Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Hwange and Victoria Falls
Highlights
Mana Pools - A UNESCO Heritage site, along the Zambezi river, with incredible landscapes, and opportunities for walking safaris, Mana Pools is a special place. 4 nights along the Zambezi River. Elephant, Eland, Buffalo, Wild Dog and Lion are likely. What makes Mana Pools special is the ability to start off on a game drive, and then with a guide, walk towards game or sites of interest.Lake Kariba - We will spend 3 nights on our own houseboat (with our guide, and a captain and cook). Sleeping in a cabin or on the deck under stars, the days will be spent fishing, viewing wildlife from a boat, and doing walking safaris in Matusadona NP. Rhinos have recently been re-introduced, and with our guide can track on foot.Hwange NP - known for is massive elephant population, Hwange is also home to large giraffe, lion, wild dog and antelope populations. 4 nights.Victoria Falls - ending in this incredible place, you will see the 'smoke that thunders' up close.
Day 1 — Arrival in Harare, ZimbabweGuests arrive in Harare and transfer to overnight accommodation.Depending on arrival times:relax after international flights
final gear organization
dinner and expedition briefing
opportunity to meet guide and staff
Overnight: Harare
Day 2 — Transfer to Mana Pools National ParkEarly departure from Harare toward Mana Pools.The drive itself becomes part of the experience as the landscape transitions from agricultural land into remote wilderness. Many people fly direct from Harare into Mana Pools. I don’t like this option - the drive allows you to experience ‘africa’ outside of the parks. You experience the people, the terrain, the landscape.Arrive in Mana Pools and settle into fully serviced mobile camp.Mana Pools is a special place. The Zambezi river flows on its northern edge, and across the river is the Zambian ‘Lower Zambezi National Park’. Mana is famous for its Ana and Baobab trees, massive elephants that reach high into trees on their hind feet. Huge herds of buffalo and eland (rare). And exceptional wild dog opportunities. What makes Mana special are two things: “Exclusive Campsites” where you own a remote and wild grid reference for your camp along the river; and walking - you can hop out of your vehicle anytime you want for better camera angles, or for a proper walking safari…this is not allowed in any other park in Africa.Afternoon:short introductory game drive
sunset on the Zambezi River
first evening around the fire
Overnight: Mana Pools Mobile Camp
Day 3 — Mana Pools National ParkFull safari day in Mana Pools.Activities may include:early morning game drive
walking safari with professional Zimbabwean guide
elephant viewing along the river
time in camp during midday heat
afternoon game drive and sundowners
Overnight: Mana Pools Mobile Camp
Day 4 and 5 — Mana Pools National ParkExploration of different sections of the park depending on wildlife activity and conditions.
Potential focus:elephants, lions and wild dogs
river systems and floodplains
incredible trees and ecosystem
photography opportunities
fishing from camp shoreline
vehicle and walking safariFlexible pacing with significant time spent simply experiencing camp and wilderness atmosphere.Overnight: Mana Pools Mobile Camp
TextDay 6 — Transfer to Lake Kariba / HouseboatDepart Mana Pools and transfer toward Lake Kariba.Board private houseboat and begin transition into water-based portion of expedition.Lake Kariba is a man-made lake, from when the Kariba Dam was built. It is massive. It has good fishing (Tiger Fishing and multiple catfish species), and on the north shore is Matusadona National Park, with its iconic flooded tree shoreline. Our guide will take us on walks in the park in the morning. We will fish and sun, in the afternoon, and photograph sunsets in the evening.Afternoon:cruise shoreline areas
wildlife viewing from water
sunset from deck
relaxed evening atmosphere
Overnight: Lake Kariba Houseboat
Day 7 and 8 — Lake Kariba & Matusadona RegionFull day exploring remote shoreline areas and islands by boat.Possible activities: fishing; photography; shoreline wildlife viewing; birding; exploring quieter inlets and bays.
Exploration of Matusadona National Park, including tracking of black rhino on foot!Relaxed pace emphasizing atmosphere and scenery.Overnight: Lake Kariba Houseboat
Day 9 — Transit Toward Hwange RegionDisembark houseboat and begin transfer toward Hwange region.Longer travel day with overnight accommodation en route. Vehicle transfer would be two days of driving - the advantage is seeing Africa outside the parks.Flying from Kariba to Hwange is also an option. Assume an extra 200-300USDs.Overnight: Transit Accommodation if driving, or direct in Hwange if flying.
Day 10 — Hwange National ParkArrival in Hwange and settle into mobile camp.Hwange is a premier African National Park. It’s up there with Serengeti, Masai Mara, Kruger and Chobe. It has massive elephant herds, great lion population and is one of the best places to see wild dog. What sets Hwange apart is the network of water holes which attract the wildlife.Afternoon game drive focused around: waterholes; elephant concentrations; predator activityEvening dinner around campfire.Overnight: Hwange Mobile Camp
Day 11, 12 and 13 — Hwange National ParkFlexible plans based on recent wildlife activity. Vehicle and walking safari.Overnight: Hwange Mobile Camp
Day 14 — Victoria FallsDepart Hwange and transfer to Victoria Falls.The final portion of the expedition shifts from remote wilderness to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes.Depending on timing and guest interests, activities may include:visiting Victoria Falls
sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
local markets and restaurants
helicopter flight options
Farewell dinner in Victoria Falls.Overnight: Victoria Falls - either a small boutique hotel, or for extra cost, a stunning luxury tented camp up river.
