Deka Drum & Msuna Island Explorations

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Our friend Nicky recently invited us to Msuna Island Resort, to view some of the accommodation options available here, namely Ndabiri and Tonga House.  Msuna Island is a very convenient two and a half hours from Victoria Falls, and even closer to Hwange – and therefore an ideal location for self-drive families who want to see the world-famous tourist attraction, Victoria Falls, as well as the wilds of Hwange National Park, and then end off with a home away from home stay at Msuna, where you can fish and relax to your hearts content.

Ndabiri is owned and managed by Jeff and Lin, and comprises of a complex made up of 4 individual self-catering open plan chalets, with either 1 or 2 bedrooms, surrounded by lush green lawns and thick green bushes, giving each chalet privacy from the others near by.  They all overlook the Zambezi River and the Zambian hills. The entertainment area is an absolute must, with a flat screen TV and decoder set up for those rugby matches that can’t be missed. 

Tonga House is  a double storey house with 5 bedrooms.  Nicky was very involved in the recent refurbishment of Tonga House and you can clearly see her artistic flair, a lot of love has gone in to the work done.  The house is owned by Larry and Judy, who also manage Msuna Island Resort itself.  It was so good to see the effort Larry, Judy and Nicky went to, to ensure that they sourced and used as many local materials for the refurbishment as possible, thereby supporting the local community.  My most favourite feature was the genuine clay hand basins in the bathrooms, very unique.

This whole little island community really pulled together to make us feel so welcome.  Even though Jeff and Lin didn’t know us, they made sure to include us in their sunset cruise, in honour of Nicky’s belated farewell.  Larry, Judy and Nicky organised a lovely dinner for us, overlooking the Zambezi River.

We are always up for checking out new places that we haven’t been to, so on our return home, we decided to stop in at the old Deka Drum Fishing Resort.  We had both been brought up with stories about this camp, and although we knew it was no longer operational, we decided to check it out anyway.  We took photos to show my parents (who are both VERY keen fisher people) and enjoyed a picnic lunch overlooking this gorgeous stretch of the Deka River.  We can just imagine how it must have looked years ago, with families milling around, and boats whizzing up and down, catching tiger fish on the famous ‘Tiger Mile.’

Luckily, although Deka Drum is no longer operating, both Ndabiri and Tonga House offer boats for hire that can take those keen fishermen up to the ‘Tiger Mile.’

I am so glad we took the time to go to Msuna Island, we had a very special time on the river with the lovely community there, and can’t wait to go back for a longer stay, and to get some actual fishing done too!
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We had a fantastic experience with Bryony and her team. Bryony is clearly knowledgeable about the region and guided us through our options and the Lake Kariba houseboat booking and choices. We had a fantastic time and I would thoroughly recommend using Heartveld.
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Denise Jackson
23 days ago
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What an incredible holiday we just had in Zimbabwe. Thanks Bryony & Heartveld Adventures. Camp Mana was definitely the highlight for us.
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Patrick Campbell
43 days ago
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We have just had an amazing 6 nights on Tambarara houseboat organised by Heartveld Adventures. The boat was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. The captain, Reg, was very professional and helpful, the chef cooked delicious meals, the barman kept our drinks flowing, the cleaners left animals made from our towels on our beds at night and the guys on the tender boat were so good with the boys aged 3, 5, 7 and 9 showing them what to do and putting on worms, for us as well. Highly recommended.
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Debbie Davies
421 days ago
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Good range of houseboats and friendly, helpful response
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Vicky Grant Bird
429 days ago
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The trip was all you could ask for when you want to relax and forget about the world. Captain Godrey and his team consisting Pilot, Chef Takesure and Silas made our stay comfortable and easy. The food was flavourful and filling. You couldn’t say no to Chef Takesure’s meals. Silas kept our cooler box ready every day because he knew we loved our drinks cold and first thing in the morning. Pilot and Captain Godfrey took us to amazing views, magical sunset cruises and helped me find all the crocodiles I was looking for. I totally recommend Heartveld Adventures for all your Kariba fantasies! ☀️⛴️🍹#February2025
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Ashleigh Chamboko
595 days ago
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Right from when I started researching the trip in November last year, Bryony has been an absolute star. Nothing was ever too much hassle, especially with the rigours of trying to effect payment then! Then the houseboat in Kariba! What an amazing trip we had on the Ponty, and once again Bryony organised transfers and things on the spot, awesome and a big thank you to you and Char, the Ponty was the highlight of our Zim Epic! I cannot recommend Bryony and Heartveld Adventures enough, was so good to meet you at Charara, Cheers and thanks again Glenn and Family.
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Glenn A Armstrong
741 days ago
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Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses
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Tatenda Antony Mhene
883 days ago
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Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙
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Wils Raubenheimer
904 days ago
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Heartveld Adventures really goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. They really think of everything that would be needed for a great holiday. We've been on Driftwood Houseboat twice and am going on the African Queen in September 24. Really is an amazing experience with amazing staff, very helpful and caring about your comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much 💖
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Magda Gillwald
924 days ago
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Came across Heartveld Adventures blog by chance whilst trying to plan a holiday adventure in Zimbabwe.Offloaded my thoughts to Bryony, and a well sorted package with more than I asked for was presented.Stopped looking all over the internet for any possible deals, as this was the DEAL.If your intention is to go to Zimbabwe and enjoy its hidden treasures whilst accommodated in places you wouldn't have thought of and known existed, then save yourself the trouble, and get hold of Heartveld Adventures. Their service is what makes the country keeps going.Well done Bryony
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gadgetsnzawesome
1048 days ago
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