Natureways Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1987)
- Member Of:
- ZTA & SOAZ
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range canoe safaris
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $286 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email David Perkins | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic Canoe Safari - Mana Pools to Chewore
Our experience with Natureways safaris began with our overnight stay at Hornbill Lodge in Kariba. The welcome, service, food and accommodation were all exemplary and set us up well for the long road journey to Mana Pools and the start of the canoe safari. We were treated to a buffet lunch before we set off and while we were eating the joker in our group said "Guys, I don't want to worry you but there's an elephant behind you!". When he became more insistent we turned around to see an elephant walking towards our vehicle. An amazing start to an amazing trip on the river. The first leg of our journey involved a large number of changes of direction to avoid the numerous hippo we encountered before we made our first overnight stop. This was repeated each day with the hippo without doubt the most numerous of the animals we saw, always of course from a comfortable distance!
On our first morning we were greeted by the sight of buffalo and elephant in the distance to accompany the hippos grunting in the river. A quick coffee and biscuits set us on our way with the promise of more substantial sustenance when we stopped for lunch, shade and rest. This was the pattern for each of the following days.
We saw an amazing array of birdlife which was probably the surprise of the trip and we weren't disappointed with the bigger game either. We managed to get great photo opportunities from our canoes as well during our stops. There seemed to be ever-present yellow-billed Kites in attendance looking for the chance to pick up left-overs.
Despite having a slight headwind on a couple of mornings we didn't find the journey too strenuous and would imagine many people could undertake this trip.
Finally, our two guides TK and Manu looked after us perfectly, from their careful navigation of the potential dangers on the river to their culinary expertise and their knowledge of the wildlife and eco-system. We never imagined we'd eat as well as we did.
Our journey was over all too soon but has left us with indelible memories of a brilliant holiday touring Zimbabwe. Hope to be back again!
US
Email Sally | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
canoe the Zambezi!
The guides were extremely professional, on time, safe, and knowledgable. I would go on another trip with Natureways in a heartbeat.
US
Email Keith | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
No Better Way To Experience The Wild (and Beauty) of Africa
Natureways came recommended from fellow English travelers two years ago when we were exploring Easter Island off the coast of Chile. Having traveled the world over, the couple fondly recalled canoeing up the Zambezi River when asked of their favorite travels.
They definitely didn’t disappoint since this trip ranks up with one of our top favorites too! The reason is the access you get to wildlife is unlike any other. You’re venturing along/into the Mana Pools National Park via the river proving incredible front-row views to nature. Whereas I find game parks a bit contrived, this was pure raw.
Safety is of utmost concern with the knowledgeable Natureways guides. Their insight and undertstanding of the animals created a renewed appreciation of these sometime misunderstood and feared animals. Mutual respect is paramount, which at times, afforded us extremely close interactions.
We did the 3-day canoe safari which was the right amount of roughing it for us. Over the four days, we canoed over 50 miles -- lots of time into strong headwinds although we went with the water flow. Lots of breaks and incredible early evening light make the 3/4PM trips magical as we searched out wildlife in their habitat.
I strongly recommend Natureways and have included a video below with highlights to give you a better sense of this once-in-a-lifetime excursion.
Trip Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzdz5aT86kE
Note the Natureways canoe safari starts at 1:23
Keith & Kevin
Email Patrick Baron | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Walking in the wilderness, with experienced guide, relaxed and exciting. Unforgettable and privilege
The guides and staff were knowledgeable, conscientious, helpful. We moved to a new place which was different and had other animals. The service was attentive. Good, easy atmosphere. Good food and drinks. We were taken care of and they aimed at making us feel fulfilled.
DE
Email Barbara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Should be on bucket list of everybody who loves the wild, the beauty, the silence. Simply fantastic.
I dreamt of a canoe tour on zambesi river for a long time and couldn't wait to do it. We did the 3-nights-tour and it was a fantastic experience. So different to everything we have seen in Zimbabwe and other African countries before. The beauty, the silence and the simpleness - nothing more is needed.
Accompanied by our wonderful guides with their inexhaustible knowledge we felt save every single minute. And also the team in the camp did a wonderful job. Everything was prepared once we came into the camp in the evenings. The food was fantastic and different every day.
We loved to take a bucket shower in the evening and we also loved to sit at the river listening to the sounds of the water and the bush. The simpleness was the real luxury.
One advice: take a sarong to cover your legs on the boat to avoid a sunburn. And then: breath in deeply, breath out deeply - and enjoy every single moment.
CH
Email Lukas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
we came for the safari but wanted to stay for the guides.
all top notch - especially the guides, who with their whit, knowledge and humor made our trip super fun and interesting on top of the already spectacular scenery.
Email Sarah | under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kind and knowledgeable guides in a beautiful and wild setting
Prior to the camp communication was brilliant, and it continued to be clear and open during safari. The tours were varied and suited to the individual.
Email Lothar and Sheena Dunaiski | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fisheagle Canoe Safari on the Zambezi
Natureways Safaris really know how to showcase the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. We, two couples, booked a private 6 day Canoe Safari with them:
Their consultant, Kelly-Anne, orgnised everything smoothly and efficiently including our charter flights Victoria Falls to Kariba and from Chewore air strip (near Mana Pools) to Harare. Norman, our river guide of 20 years experience, his assistant Kenneth (KK) and his apprentice Kenneth the younger made sure we were well looked after. Hippo and elephant safety concerns soon eased as Norman safely guided us through many heart stopping moments. Heavy canoes loaded with camping gear, food and drink were home for the 6 days on the water with nights sleeping on islands where elephants browsed meters away from our camp... Let me say no more. I recommend you make the effort to experience this adventure yourself. You will not regret it. Natureways will provide all necessary info on what to bring. I suggest you add a foam cushion to sit on while paddling, plenty of SD cards and batteries for you camera and a healthy sense of adventure. Norman and his crew will deliver!
NL
Email Wim and Ineke | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything very well organized. Very good guides, with tremendous knowledge, birds, hippo's safety.
This safari tour lived up to our expectations completely. Beautiful scenery. Fantastic weather, our best experience in years. Lovely hippos. Beautiful birds. The guides really helped us find more small and interesting plants and birds. The food was very good. Very nice tents with an open view to the stars and the moon. The safety was very good, always with lots of respect for all the animals we encountered. And the main thing for a succesful 10 day tour: the atmosphere between us and the guides was very good. With many nice stories about the guides previous and our adventures. We look back at a fantastic holiday. Thanks guides and organizers.
Email Trevor and Lynn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fish Eagle Safari......Fantastic!
Very hard to fault these guys.
They were extremely helpful right from the beginning and communication was very good despite the time differences.
From the start of the safari we were met at our accommodation by our senior guide Norman who explained how everything was going to work for the next 5 days in detail.
Once we got on the water the crew (Norman, KK & Kenneth) were all absolutely first class; very friendly and knowledgeable.
A special mention though for Norman who knew the river like the back of his hand and was extremely good at navigating us past the many hippo pods along the way...at no time did we feel in danger; fantastic!
The crew looked after us extremely well.
There was a bit of a mix up at the end with the connection to our accommodation for the final night but they worked through it calmly and got us on our way even though it meant they were going to be late back into town.
Would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone thinking about this trip.....fantastic; only regret was not doing the 10 day trip....next time!