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
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 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.
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 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!
Email Kate and family | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The experience of a lifetime. Magical, thrilling, wonderful. The closeness to nature unparalleled
The 3 night 4 day Explorer canoe safari was extremely well organised. We did the safari in the dry season with temperatures of 40 degrees the norm but the guides managed our schedule to cope with the heat and the benefit is that you get the very best game viewing. It is a very special experience to set off in your 2 man Canadian canoes with everything packed aboard for the trip and paddle down the Zambezi. It's an adrenaline rush at times as there is the very real danger from hippos and crocs but the guides are superbly trained and take no risks. By canoe you have access up small tributaries which no one else can get to and to paddle among grazing elephants, buffaloes, zebra and endless amazing bird life is incredible. We had lions jump across the river right in front of us.Each night we pitched camp on a deserted sandy island, safe from lions( although elephants would often join us) then the guides cooked a delicious hot supper which we ate as the sun set and the stars came out. No luxury safari lodge could ever match what we did. Once in Mana Pools park we saw no other people , boats or vehicles, it was just us and the wildlife. So special.
You do need to be fit enough to sit and paddle a canoe for around 7 hours and happy to camp in a simple but comfortable tent. You will get up at dawn and be in bed at dusk and be completely immersed in nature.
DE
Email Gunther | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Zambezi canoe Safari with Natureways was one of the greatest experiences I ever had!
The Fisheagle canoe trail on the Zambezi River with Natureways exceeded all my expectations. It was a mind-blowing trip through the wilderness of the Zambezi River, perfectly organized and performed by Natureways Safaris. Our guides Zera, Kenneth and Kuzi probably were the most professional and passionate ones in Zimbabwe, with an amazing knowledge of nature, geography, animal life and local history. With great commitment and patience they responded to all personal needs of the customers. I felt safe and comfortable at any time. The food was excellent, tents and equipment were well maintained, all whishes fulfilled. I would travel with Natureways again at any time! Thank you so much for this unforgettable trip!
US
Email Judy | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
wonderful canoe safari adventure
We took a Naturways explorer safari by canoe from Chirundu to Mana Pools. It was magical and thrilling paddling the Zambezi and tranquil side passages, and camping under the stars on sandy islands at night. The communication and organization prior to the safari, and the canoe trip itself were outstanding. Our guides were friendly and supremely competent, taking the best care of us as we navigated amongst hippos and other wildlife. Although the tent camping was basic, the equipment was comfortable and the food very good. We had a great time. Definitely recommended!!
FR
Email Colette | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great!
I booked the Mopane tour (4 days/3nights canoeing) with a friend. It was a private tour and everything was very well organised. The team is very professional, everything is perfectly orchestrated. We also particularly have appreciated their great knowledge about flora and fauna, their kindness, and the food was excellent!
A great tour, with wonderful landscapes and unforgettable sunsets.
Thank you for these wonderful moments!
Email Robyn Hocking | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A fantastic experience, amazing qualified guides both on and off the water, 100% enjoyable.
I recently had three days canoeing the Zambezi River at Mana Pools, it was definitely a highlight of my African Safari experience. The two guides were amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly, great company and both provided a wonderful service in the canoes, during the walks and around the camp. Their experience and manner made me feel 100% at ease during all animal encounters, I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys adventure! This safari experience was everything and more than I had expected, I thoroughly enjoyed the ability to see the animals up close and have experienced guides who were able to point out the animals, big and small with an informative commentary. Thank you Natureways for an exciting and 100% enjoyable adventure.
Email Dorothy Jayne Robinson | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Canoeing on and walking by the great Zambezi River
I had a wonderful time on my Safari with Andy and TK as guides. I always felt completely safe and they were very professional and informative. The service and food was exceptional and all staff were great. We canoed down the Zambezi River for 3 days covering 80km. It was exhilarating at times but I loved every minute. The campsite was ready for us every day when we arrived in camp with smiling faces all around, a warm shower and a very comfortable bed. I would definitely recommend this to my friends. Thanks for helping to make the first leg of our Zimbabwe trip memorable.