Maabwe Bay & Camp Maabwe is ideally located between Mlibizi and Binga, on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Kariba, making it the perfect spot to stop for a few days when self-driving around Lake Kariba. Maabwe is 280kms from Victoria Falls and 400kms from Bulawayo, with Mlibizi 63kms away and Binga 62kms. S17 48.465 E27 09.365
Maabwe offers 3 different types of accommodation that are split between “Maabwe Bay” or “Camp Maabwe”. They are as below:
Maabwe Bay
Self-catering chalets
Unit #1
This is the most popular chalet and is located next door to the owners’ house, closest to the bay, along the bottom of the property. There are 2 en-suite bedrooms (the 2nd bedroom being accessed via an outside door) and both bedrooms have 2 x ¾ beds, aircon as well as overhead ceiling fans. The en-suite bathrooms have a toilet, shower and basin. Water is heated via a solar geyser.
The unit has an open-plan lounge and kitchen with all the amenities to self-cater, including a fridge/freezer and chest freezer, gas stove, microwave, kettle, toaster and storage cupboard. The lounge leads out on to the verandah which has a seating area that overlooks the bay. There is an outdoor shower and splash pool that are very popular with guests, and an additional one plate gas stove and charming firepit.
Unit #3
Located on the hill at the back of the property, Unit 3 is ideal for a couple travelling on a budget and wanting a break from camping. The unit is one bedroomed with twin beds with an en-suite bathroom with toilet, shower and basin. It has an overhead fan and aircon. The kitchenette on the front verandah has a gas cooker and small fridge and looks out over the property. Water is heated via solar and there is a firepit to add extra comfort to your stay.
The Old House
The Old House is so named as this is where the owners originally lived when they first moved to the area, and it is also set up on the hill at the back of the property. There are 2 bedrooms that are both en-suite. They each have twin ¾ beds with overhead fans (one of the bedrooms does also have aircon). The en-suite bathrooms both have a shower, toilet and basin. Water is heated via electricity.
Adjacent to the first bedroom is the large, fully equipped kitchen which includes fridge/freezer, gas stove, microwave, kettle, toaster and storage cupboard. Running along the entire front of the house is a beautiful wooden verandah and is the most popular morning coffee/sunset sundowners spot! A unique added feature is the small braai attached to the side of the verandah.
Chris Camp (Exclusive Camp Site)
The exclusive camp site is located just as you enter, on the right hand side, and looks towards the bottom of the bay. There is room for 2 x rooftop tents/ground tents and a max pax of 4 people. As well as the ablution block, there is also an outdoor shower which is a fun add. The running cold and hot water is provided by “donkey boilers.” There are round plug points for charging at the small covered area at the front of the ablution, as well as a braai area. For those who are enthusiastic “twitchers”, a little area has been cleared in the bush below the site that overlooks the bottom of the bay and is a great bird watching spot.
Main Camp Site
This main camp site can take up to 6 or 7 vehicles and a max pax of around 12-14 people. There is a central thatched “lapa” where the group can meet for meals, with a braai area. There are round plug points for charging, as well as a braai area (but please be aware of the thatch and take care not to let any embers go near it. The group then shares an ablution block up on the hill behind the site. Running water is provided, with the hot water being heated by “donkey boilers”.
Maabwe Bay is on the national grid when it comes to electricity, but there is a 3KVA generator as back up in case of power outages. The water is straight from the lake and therefore not drinkable, but the owners do provide containers of drinking water. All the units are serviced daily and hand soap, toilet paper and washing up liquid is also provided. Guests at Maabwe Bay also have access to the site’s Starlink for WiFi connection.
*Mosquito nets can be provided upon request
*Laundry can be provided upon request.
*Meals can also be provided so long as they are pre-ordered.
Camp Maabwe
A short 10 minute drive from Maabwe Bay (enclosed in the same fenced off property) is Camp Maabwe, that has both a Group Camp Site as well as a private camp site.
Group Camp Site
This main group camp site can take up to 6 vehicles and a max pax of around 12 people. There is a large covered main entertainment area where the group can meet for meals, with multiple round plug points for charging. There is a braai area and shared ablution block and a single outdoor shower. Running water is provided, with the hot water being heated by “donkey boilers”.
Keith’s Camp (Exclusive Camp Site)
This exclusive camp site is located past the Group Camp Site, and there is room for 2 x vehicles and a max pax of 4-8 people. Guests here have their own private ablution block. There is running cold and hot water is provided by “donkey boilers.” There is a braai area and electrical round plug points for charging items, as well as a braai area.
The entire property (being Maabwe Bay & Camp Maabwe) has a fence around it and is gated.
Please note all plug points are the “Round” ones from South Africa
Maabwe is an ideal place to spend a few days to relax and recharge your batteries, with lovely views of the lake to compliment it. The camp sites are well maintained and the chalets have everything you need.
**Please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure the details supplied above are correct, we cannot be held responsible in any way should an item mentioned above be missing or miss quoted
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