Mana Pools is one of our best loved National Parks in Zimbabwe and as we are based in Kariba, we are lucky not to be too far away to sneak off for a long weekend when the chance arises. A couple of weeks ago we were invited to the recently opened Ingwe Pan, part of the Machaba Portfolio, which is located not on the typical Mana Pools shoreline where most camps are based, but situated in the Wilderness Area of Mana Pools National Park. Ingwe Pan is named after one of the largest pans in the area, which the camp overlooks – with the word Ingwe actually meaning Leopard in the Zulu language.
The dirt road to Mana has been graded since our last trip in April, which made a huge and pleasant change. It only took us three and a half hours as opposed to the five hours it took us in April. One of our favourite things to look out for on our drive in is the flocks of Crested Guinea-fowls usually seen in the thick jesse bush and we were not disappointed on this trip, as once again they were one of the first bird sightings we had.
Upon arrival we were met by the Camp Manageress – Mani, a charming and energetic young lady. After the standard COVID protocols were followed she showed us around camp. The main entertainment area is set-up under a magnificent fig tree, overlooking the actual pan. It is the perfect location to watch game come down to drink, and although we were a little early in the season to have fantastic sightings, last season guests were privileged enough to have seen elephants, leopards, lion, brown hyaena, buffalo, nyala and even the endangered wild dogs coming down to drink at the pan.
Blended into this environment and surrounding the southern side of the pan are 8 large Meru style accommodation tents. Mani showed us to our tent, which was beautifully decorated and comfortably fitted out. One of the most commented on features of the tents are the outdoor showers, with guests loving the concept of being able to look up at the beautiful night skies and stars while having a steaming hot shower in the dead of winter, or a nice cold one in summer.
After settling into camp, we met our guide for the duration of our stay, Edwin. Having experience all around Zimbabwe, Edwin was new to the Mana Pools area and was loving finding out all the secrets the park has to offer. We had two memorable experiences with Edwin. The first, tracking a lion on foot. We heard him/her calling while on a game drive and Edwin immediately pulled over and out we jumped to attempt to find it. Sadly, we never managed to catch up with the lion but it sure was an exhilarating experience being on foot while following the calls of a retreating lion! The other memory that stands out on our trip was sighting the new wild dog pups at their den. We had bumped into Thomas, of the Painted Dog Conservation group, while walking where the dogs had been sighted and he showed us to the den. Under his professional guidance we viewed the pack from a distance while he made his notes and studies for the day. He is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about this job and is currently studying for a doctorate, we learned a lot about the wild dogs while talking to him.
Back in camp we were thoroughly looked after by Howard, who coincidently comes from Kariba. He was great at his job and we never had to ask for anything, it felt like he could read our minds and drinks and meals appeared at just the right times. We must also comment on the camp chef, who has a reputation for making the most delicious cakes; we got to experience this for ourselves when he made a chocolate cake on the second afternoon of our trip. Woody’s eyes nearly popped out of this head when he saw the cake, and truth be told, he had more than 1 piece!
Ingwe Pan is a charming camp and for those wanting to see a completely different side of Mana Pools we highly recommend it. Another appealing factor is the privacy of the camp in comparison to some of the camps on the flood plain where the traffic can get a bit much. So next time you feel like getting out in the bush, do give Ingwe Pan a visit.
Contact Us
Package Deals
For package deals that include accommodation, as well as other lodges, activities and annual event participation in and around the Eastern Highlands, Matopos, Kariba & Vic Falls area.
