Rhino Safari Camp

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Rhino Safari Camp is a permanent camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, WITHIN the Matusadona National Park, which caters for clients who have a passion for wildlife and nature. It is classified as a small luxury rustic safari camp, which is unfenced, enabling guests to have a very intimate experience with the wildlife. A huge effort has been made to ensure the camp is as much in harmony with the environment as possible, by using silent energy alternatives and local eco-friendly materials in the Tonga style buildings. The camp is best accessed by speedboat from either Kariba, The Marina (Old Marineland Harbour), this takes between an hour to 1 and a half hours, depending on lake conditions. Or from the nearby Tashinga or Kanjedza airstrips (roughly forty minutes). *Please note that a parking fee of $4/vehicle/night is charged by The Marina. Depending on the time of year the camp can be accessed by road, but a 4×4 vehicle is ESSENTIAL, along with plenty of fuel and spare tyres! During the rainy season this route is NOT recommended due to the fact many of the local rivers flood and become impassable.

The main entertainment area is called the Boma, and as well as the ground level area, there is a platform above with another lounge area perfectly situated to capture the breeze off the lake. Downstairs is where the bar and dining is done, but meals are sometimes laid out upstairs on the platform. A newly added deck on the lower lever at the front is one of the most popular features and the ideal spot to sit and watch the world go by. The camp has a small but practical selection of reference books and reading material on offer, and a selection of traditional games to keep you occupied.

Double/Twin Rooms x 8

These rooms are on stilts to take advantage of the lake breeze and allow for maximum airflow through, below and around the rooms. They are all open fronted with panoramic views of the lake, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, a small seating area with dressing table and open cupboard. Drinking water is also provided in the rooms.

En-suite bathrooms have open air showers, heated by gas geysers, flush toilet and hand basin.

Wholesome meals are prepared daily by the camp Chef. Breakfast is an early morning snack incorporating porridge, toast, cereals and fruit. Brunch comprises of a light main dish with salads, followed by a pudding. Afternoon tea is made up of either cakes and biscuits freshly baked. Dinner is a three-course affair with starter, main and dessert, usually set up under the stars. Tea, coffee and other beverages are available to guests throughout the day in the boma. We ask that vegetarians, vegans and those with allergies let us know about these requirements in advance so that we can let the camp know so they can plan their supply runs accordingly.

Clothing:

Colours should not be “light, white or bright”: bush green, brown, khaki, medium grey, all the colours of the bush which will help you to blend in while you are on activities are ideal. Broken patterns such as checks – floral designs and so on also help with blending in with the bush. BLACK and WHITE are the two extremes which will make you ultimately noticeable to the wildlife, which is what you really want to avoid.

Long sleeved shirt/s: to wear over a T-shirt or vest prevent shoulders necks and arms from getting burnt and from the majority of thorns and bushes that can scratch quite badly. These can also double up for warmth and insect protection at night.

Shorts and/or longs: for bush walks bearing in mind that you will be walking through jesse bush with lots of thorns, grass etc which may scratch your legs. Sunburnt knees can be agonizingly painful.
Shoes: for bush walks should be comfortable and have flexible soles of medium thickness (thorns) and preferably be worn in. Socks are suggested to prevent blisters.

For around camp, vests, T-shirts or cotton shirts, shorts and thongs or Teva rafting shoes. Hat or cap to protect your head, face back of your neck and ears from sunburn. There is a small splash pool, so remember to bring a swimming costume if you want to cool off in it. In winter a fleece can be useful for early morning and evening game drives. If you feel the cold bring gloves, wooly hat and scarf. But only in winter. In the rainy weather a waterproof jacket with a hood and a few heavier jerseys as it can get cool in the evenings and after the rains have fallen.

* Unfortunately, camouflage clothing is banned in Zimbabwe. To avoid what could be an embarrassing incident, please do not bring any with you.

Useful Information

The key to the safari is to have along exactly the items you need nothing more, and nothing less. Also, depending on where you’re coming from, you may have to bear in mind that there is a 10kg weight restriction on charter flights. There are also space constraints on boat transfers, and we ask that luggage is packed in a small soft gym type bag, preferably waterproof.

The camp is off the electrical grid, so lighting is provided by LED solar lamps. Camera and phone batteries can be charged through the solar 220–240V inverter system. If traveling from countries with different electrical ratings, please be sure to bring a suitable adaptor.

Don’t forget

  • Prescription medications and a spare pair of reading glasses, contact lenses and cleaning solution.
  • Camera with plenty of spare film or extra memory cards.
  • Torch or night light for reading.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Binoculars.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Your own other toiletries. A nail brush and grooming kit can be useful. (the camp does supply soap, shampoo and toilet paper.)

Included

  • Rates are per person per night sharing (min 2 people).
  • Accommodation, all meals, snacks, tea, coffee, laundry and 2 activities per night stayed (drives-walks, cruises with professional guide & fishing in our territorial waters.)
  • Local drinks (excluding premium wines & spirits).
  • Wi-fi (at the boma and in the bedrooms).
  • Emergency evacuation (the camp will still ask for a travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation).

Excluded

  • Excludes Zim Parks Wildlife Management Authority fees, which the camp management recover on their behalf.
  • Single Supplement applicable to people in a group who could share, but opt to have their own room.
  • Rhino Safari Camp reserve the right to change rates, parks fees and/or transfers costs with or without prior notification.
  • Lake usage fees are $12pp.

PLEASE NOTE

  • Due to the wild nature of the camp, they do not ordinarily accept children under 12 years of age, unless by prior arrangement at managements’ discretion.
  • Tips to be paid to management – who will then distribute it fairly between all the staff members.
  • An Information form will need to be completed and signed upon arrival. Most importantly on this will be your Medical Aid Insurance Details and next of kin contact number.
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