Changa Safari Camp

Personalised camp on the unspoilt shores of Lake Kariba, offering a unique safari experience and a range of activities, different to that of the other popular national parks.

Introduction

On the shores of Lake Kariba in a private concession in the heart of the Matusadona National Park lies this secluded and private luxury safari camp, offering a unique and authentic safari experience. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, from the vast lake to the rugged mountains to the open floodplains.

Eight luxury safari tents have been discreetly positioned amongst the trees along the shoreline, each one with an outstanding unspoilt view across the Lake and its game rich shoreline. Two of the tents are family suites whilst the remaining six sleep two people in each. More than generous in size and beautifully decorated each tent has been mosquito proofed with specialized netting, to keep the mozzies out and allow the cool breeze in, without taking way from the breathtaking view. Indoor and outdoor bathrooms with quirky tile features complete these very comfortable classic tents.

Each room has a private deck to relax and enjoy the views, plus a series of small sprinklers hidden amongst the trees that when turned on, invite a flurry of birdlife to your doorstep as they dart in and out the spray, cooling off from the Kariba heat, which is a really nice little touch.

The open-air lounge area is comfortably furnished with inviting leather chairs and sofas, shaded by a thatch roof with bursts of colour from the individually designed mosaic tiles. It is a lovely area where you can relax on your own, taking in the beautiful surroundings, or to socialize with others and share stories about your day. Wi-Fi is available in this area along with a central charging station. The friendly barmen warmly invite you to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink at any time in the bar which is well stocked with a wide range of soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits and a wine list including a selection of South African wines.

Of special interest is the infinity pool and decked area where one can really chill out, cool off and enjoy the magnificent scenery. A white sandy beach in front of the lodge is great to get the sand between your toes, whilst sitting around the campfire, telling stories.

Being both land and water based, Changa has a diverse range of activities. Game drives and walking safaris on Changa's private concession and in the Matusadona National Park are often very rewarding. Boat cruises are scenic and also offer tremendous bird-watching and game viewing opportunities, as the nutritious grasses that grow on the shoreline attract large quantities of animals. Fishing is an additional option - Kariba is famed for it's excellent waters which hold a variety of fish species including the ferocious fighting tiger fish.

Access to Changa is mostly by air charter to the nearby Fothergill Airstrip. Boats transfers are available from Kariba town but getting to Kariba is not easy, so doesn't help most people. Fothergill is en-route from Hwange to Mana Pools so this route is serviced regularly by air charter companies. Pairing Changa with its sister camp in Hwange, called The Hide makes a great combination.

Our Opinion

Changa is a real gem of a lodge, located in a beautiful part of Lake Kariba surrounded by the Matusadona National Park, which has good game viewing and excellent bird watching. Kariba offers a unique safari, different to most other national parks and should not be missed, it is also more reasonably priced than the more well known parks.

This camp has a very nice feel, set in the bush and very tastefully done, with exquisite views to completely relax the soul. The management, staff and guides are crucial for any camp and this team seems to go above and beyond, to ensure that you have a really personalised and special time here.

We like Changa a lot, it has enough variety and quality wildlife to be a stand alone Safari Holiday, but it is quite far away from other centres like Victoria Falls, so we generally recommend that its is added on to a couple of nights at either Hwange or Mana pools, this dilutes the cost of charter flights and completes your overall experience.

An ideal combination is with its sister camp The Hide, which is one of the top camps in Hwange. This combination gives you the rawness of Hwange with its huge concentrations of elephants at certain times of the year, along with beauty, serenity and relaxation of the water based activities in Lake Kariba. It's ideal for couples and families, first time and seasoned safari goers. Contact us about fully inclusive specially priced packages with Changa and The Hide.

If you haven't already done so, please read our Essential Safari Tips webpage, which also includes a wide range of Safari trip ideas.

Summary

• Luxury safari camp on the shores of Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park
• Superb views from each tent and main area
• Good game viewing, excellent bird watching and fishing
• Kariba offers a unique Safari experience different to most other national parks
• Open-air communal facilities such as lounge, bar, pool and dining areas
• Emphasis on personalised service on quality guiding
• Various activities including, game walks and drives, scenic and game viewing boat cruises, fishing
• Access is mostly by air charter, although boat transfers can be arranged
• Ideally combined with The Hide in Hwange National Park

Accommodation at Changa Safari Camp

• 6 Standard tents
• 2 Family tents

All tents have:
• Private deck with views of the surrounding bush
• En-suite bathroom with vanity basins and separate toilet and shower
• Outdoor shower and bathtub
• Hammock under the trees
• Sprinkler system to attract birdlife
• Storage space
• Lockable safety bag
• Netted openings to deter insects
• Overhead fans

Dining

• Early morning tea/coffee delivered to the tent
• Breakfast and lunch served al fresco on the main deck's open-air dining area or beneath the canopy of the trees, with views across the lake
• Afternoon tea and coffee, with a selection of tasty treats prior to your afternoon activity
• Fine-dining dinner options, served in a different location for each night of your stay.

Facilities and Services

• Laundry service
• Solar and generator
• Wireless internet, in lounge only
• Limited mobile phone service
• Infinity Pool, surrounded by deck loungers and day beds
• Main communal area with lounge, library, bar, dining area, and open deck which leads to the beach
• Fire pit on the beach
• Curio shop
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives; Walking safaris; Boat cruises both scenic and game; Fishing; Bird watching; Scenic trips to Sanyati Gorge

Fully Inclusive Rates Include

• Accommodation
• All meals, snacks and local brand drinks
• Laundry
• Two shared activities per day (see list above)

Fully Inclusive Rates Exclude

• All premium imported spirits & champagne
• National Parks fees and conservation fees
• Transfers

Children

• Children are welcome at Changa Safari Camp
• Children under the age of 2 years stay free of charge, while those aged between 3 and 12 years pay a special child rate
• Family tents are available at Changa, although a child under 12 may be accommodated in the standard tents if requested

How to Get to Changa Safari Camp

• Self-drivers can drive to Kariba town, park their vehicles at Marineland Harbour, and a take a boat transfer to Changa. Guests with boats can use their own.
• The fastest and easiest access is by scheduled  daily air charter from Victoria Falls, Mana Pools or Hwange National Park. From Harare it would most likely be a private air charter as this is not a scheduled route. The nearest airstrip is at Fothergill island, from there it is a short boat transfer.
 

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