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
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Email Christopher Goebel | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Phenomenal wildlife experience. Absolutely the best!
My wife and I have had the pleasure and privilege of traveling to Mana Pools with Natureways on 5 different occasions spanning 20 years. While we have traveled throughout southern and east Africa, we’ve made multiple repeat visits with Natureways as they have consistently provided exceptional and unique safari experiences. Our times with Natureways have resulted in some of the most astonishing wildlife encounters. While timing and luck have a lot to do with what a tourist is able to experience – we chalk up our streak of successful safaris with Natureways to the superior guiding we’ve been lucky enough to have. Our most recent trip in October 2019, our pro guide was Mark Van Zuydam, and our exceptional soon to be pro guide Ranga. Mark’s uncanny ability to anticipate and predict unusual spottings was impressive. On a morning walk, he believed a pack of wild dogs would make there way to the river for a drink – while proceeding through the bush, Mark halted, and slowly crouched down with binos scanning the landscape. There! By the fallen tree – a leopard has just captured an impala… As we watched through our binos, we could see a large male impala struggling. The leopard was a large male and was on the cusp of seizing the impala – however, just then, a monkey called. Mark shifted and scanned to his left and calmly said – “hmmmm this will be interesting, the dogs are on the move” As we watched the dogs proceeding in the direction of the leopard, the leopard released the impala which much to our amazement stood up and darted off… the Leopard vanished as well. We carefully and methodically proceeded to the river in a parallel path to position ourselves for a better sighting of the dogs… Arriving at the river, two hippos were fighting (a serious fight) – the dogs proceeded down to the waters edge (downstream from the fighting hippos). A crocodile leaped out of the water onto the shore making a go for the dogs. The dogs jumped back – but proceeded to antagonize the crocodile until it slipped back into the river and swam away… Mark again suggested we reposition under some trees (providing shade and cover) anticipating the dogs would come up from the river’s edge and lay down for a nap… Like clockwork, the pack of dogs chose to lie down under a group of adjacent trees (~100 feet away) – where we watched and observed them for +45 mins at which point we made our quiet exit. That same day we spent our late afternoon fishing for Tiger fish. While fishing, Mark spotted two hyena in the distance and said – “I expect it will be a noisy night…” further clarifying he said there was a newly formed pride of lions who were in the process of establishing their territory in the vicinity… “The lions won’t be happy with these hyenas in the area… “ At dusk we witnessed the lions organize to ambush the hyenas – the chase was on! The lions successfully ran the hyenas off… That night (mid-night) the lions began to roar not more than 100 fee from our tent. They roared and paced throughout the night in ~10 min increments – so intense, my wife and I were nearly shaken out of our bed… We were lucky enough to record several roaring episodes… Absolutely one of the most amazing nights – albeit sleepless. These our just two examples from countless unforgettable time spent with the Natureways group.
Accommodations:
Not only does Natureways provide world class guiding, they also provide well appointed camps (mobile) that are managed by a top notch crew. The tents are remarkably large (considering they are broken down and moved each night.) The dinning table is adorned with fine locally made table cloths and napkins. Beverages and other refreshments are abundant with a wide range of top shelf spirits, South African wine and locally made beer. The staff make every effort to ensure their guests are safe, comfortable, informed, entertained and depart with lifelong memories..
Food:
The chef, Isiah, if he hasn’t already, he should be a recipient of the “best bush chef in the world” award. Everything is seared, poached, roasted and cooked over an open fire. The quality and variety of food is extraordinary and only second to Isiah’s ability bake some of the best rolls you’ll ever have – yes baked over an open fire – perfectly proofed, fluffy and golden brown – fresh everyday!
Overall – For anyone looking for a truly unique and “adventurous” experience in one of Africa’s most fascinating game parks – Natureways will exceed your expectations on all levels. Cannot recommend Natureways and the experiences they offer enough.
Professional, efficient, comfortable and an all round wonderful experience with this tour operator
The communication was good from the moment we arrived at Mana Pools airstrip and we were met by the two guides. They made a great effort to explain the processes, daily routine and to share their huge knowledge of the trees, birds and animals of the African bush with us.
The service over the four days was excellent - especially in terms of our comfort - setting up the tents with chemical toilets for night use, warm water for daily evening showers and warm water washes in the morning. food was delicious and all cooked over the fire - including chocolate cake for afternoon tea. Good coffee in the morning.
All drinks were included and there was always ice cold soft drinks and water available during the super hot days we experienced.
We participated in the Mana Shoreline trip - 4 nights - pleasant mix of paddling in canoes, bush walks and game drives. We had two camps with two nights in each which made for a far more relaxed tour than changing location every night.
The trip more than lived up to our expectations and we would highly recommend this operator.
Email Asher Williams | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Best.experience.EVER!
There aren’t really words to say how much we loved our canoe safari. Except to say I wish my every day looked like those three days. Immersed in the silence and symphonies of the bush, surrounded by indescribable beauty and wildlife. Our guides were AMAZING. I wanted to cry when we left them. They felt like friends by the end. Friends who know every flora and fauna in this piece of paradise and whose entire existence is to make you feel safe and comfortable. They were outstanding. It was Worth every penny and more. I hope we can do it again.
Email Mike & Luke Flax | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Professional operation with quality guides
This was my 3rd Zambezi river canoe safari and the first with Natureways. I was a bit apprehensive at first as we travelling with our sons on a dad:son trip and had experienced a dangerous encounter previously with a hippo on the river.
However, Kenny, our main guide was super professional and conservative ensuring that we never came close to any harm and that everyone had a fantastic time.
The trip is a "must do" in one of the last untamed outbacks of the world. The proliferation of elephants, crocs, hippos, lions as well a myriad of bird life makes this trip amazing and a joy for all.
Natureways provided a great experience: beautifully positioned camp-sites on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, hearty food and ice-cold drinks at all times. I would highly recommend using them as they know the terrain well and will keep you safe.
An Unforgettable Experience
My wife and I did the 4 day, 3 night Tamarind canoe trip, starting in Chirundu, and finishing at Mana Pools main camp. We had an amazing time, which is largely a testament to our two fantastic guides, Kenneth and Mano.
Because we went during the height of the rainy season (summer), the scenery was so green, and the clouds framing the zambezi escarpement were beautiful. The season made for great birding, even if wildlife was a bit harder to see (as it always is during summer/wet season). Only exception – hippos galore! Kenneth and Mano did a fantastic job of navigating my wife and I, novice canoeists, through the hippos. Nice to see, but not too close! One of the highlights on the river was navigating through the narrower river channels to put our canoe steering skills to work and where the bird life was really prevalent.
Both guides were very keen on safety, one always leading, and one always behind our canoe. They did a great job along the way of pointing out wildlife and plants and were very knowledgeable about both the scientific aspects of the surroundings as well as cultural relevance. They were very good about stopping for breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery. The long post-lunch siesta on day 3 under the extraordinary mahogany tree on the riverbank was unforgettable – what could be better than a post lunch nap under the shade of a mahogany, with views of a river/hills on one side, and the woodlands on the other, teeming with impala.
For each meal, Kenneth and Mano did a fantastic job – very accommodating to our vegetarian/pescatarian diets. In fact, a rogue tiger fish jumped and landed in his canoe – he kept it, filleted it, and it became more dinner! The meals were more than sufficient for the physical work of canoeing and leisurely post-canoe evenings in camp. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner time conversations with Kenneth and Mano before turning in for well-deserved rest each night. One night, when we started off without a rain fly, Kenneth and Mano came to the rescue in the middle of the night to help us put it on the tent before the rains really came down! Its also worth mentioning that each night at camp, they provided helpful reminders about camp safety, given that we were on the rivers edge, close to where hippos may be wandering.
All in all, an amazing trip. We were really lucky to have Kenneth and Mano as guides – they made the trip go off without a hitch and it ended up being the perfect balance of hard work (canoeing), rest (afternoon siestas), learning, and appreciating the amazing scenery in the lower zambezi valley. Highly recommended!
Email Trish Scaife | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best Canoe Guides on the Zambezi!
Kenny and Manu were out guides and they were without doubt superb guides. From a knowledge perspective and a safety perspective we couldn't have asked for better.
It was the most fantastic, magical experience and we can't wait to canoe the Lower Zambezi next!
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Email Austin | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
amazing
we love nature ways! the staff is great, the food is wonderful and the mobile camps allow us to always be on the move
Email Pippa Solomon | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Brilliant opportunity to explore the wild Zambezi with guides that provide excellent safety.
My family and I, two teenage girls (17 and 16 years old) and my husband, went on a 3-day Tamarind canoe safari on the Zambezi and then spent 2 nights in Camp Zambezi. It was an absolutely brilliant, powerful and exhilirating adventure that left me deeply grateful. The food was absolutely excellent, the nature was so beautiful it took my breath away and the connection and viewing of wild animals was outstanding. The canoes made it especially easy to get close to elephants and wildlife from the water, including hippos and crocodiles that kept my adrenaline pumping.
The accomodation was simple, safe and very comfortable both on the river and especially at the tented camp where we had hot showers, duvets and other luxury items which where wonderful after being on the river. The staff and river guides where phenomenal human beings that made the trip fun and safe. For people who love adventure and wildness and want to feel alive, this 5-day trip is incredible and highly recommended!
Fantastic 3 night trip down the Zambezi. Wonderful, skilled well informed guides - Inspirational.
The Tamarind 3 night canoe safari was done in a school reunion group. I’d done the same trip 3 times previously, most recently in 2019 with family - my wife and 3 teenage children, with Natureways. The previous trip had been magnificent, and I made sure that I did it again (July ‘22) with a group of old school chums. Again it was a fantastic experience. The Zambezi river is a mighty waterway, and the canoeing down from Chirundu to Mana showcases raw, natural Africa at its best. The guides are exceptionally well qualified, knowledgeable and escort the canoes through a wild habitat in a very professional and measured way. The scenery, flora and fauna are spectacular. Camping on the islands in the river at night is a treat, after a full day of canoeing, accompanied by tasty hot dinners rustled up by the guides, with accompanying wine.
A very real, very natural African experience done with comfort and excellent guidance.
Email Nigel | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Reliable and well organised.
Great to deal with, excellent communication and helpful advice. They delivered - and exceeded - expectations and we had a wonderful, memorable trip. All the staff are great. Would use again without hesitation. Highly recommended.