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 Phil Youdale | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
an amazing canoe safari along the Zambezi
My wife and I joined Natureways Safaris for their 3 day Canoe Safari along the Zambezi in mid-June. There was one other person on our tour - along with our two guides, Mark and Takesure, we were an intimate group of 5.
First stop after pick up at Mana Pools Park HQ was the campsite for the first night where we were provided with a light lunch and some initial instruction, then off to the starting point further upstream for the first day of canoeing. Final instructions and safety briefing and then into it! My wife and I were in one canoe, Michelle (the other "tourist" and Mark in the "lead" canoe, and Takesure brought up the rear with the non-paddling "Sally" (the Esky - or cooler box).
Both our guides were clearly very experienced, and safety (particularly around the hippos and crocs) was paramount. Both had a good sense and were pretty much able to second guess the movements of the hippos (on most occasions). They were both very enthusiastic about their job and it was easy to see that they enjoyed what they were doing.
Mark is a guide with many years experience - his knowledge of the birds and animals could not be faulted. He was continually pointing out the various birds we encountered along the way, and the many animals on the river banks. On the many land based walks we undertook, he we also knowledgeable about the animals we were encountering along the way. One of the memories we have taken away is the joint effort of Mark and Takesure tracking a male lion through the bush on our final morning of the trip. While somewhat younger than Mark, Takesure has a big future in front of him - he is a fully qualified canoe guide, and is very close to completing his final exams to enable him to lead walking tours.
The camp sites were well run by the camp manager - each evening we would arrive at a fully functioning camp - camp fire burning, tents were up and our bags already waiting for us, the kitchen area was already humming with the preparation of food, the shower was ready (just call for the water) and the long drop loo was set up waiting for use. Meals were great - amazing what the cooks were able to put together each day - not only for dinner, but also our lunches and breakfasts.
Note that this is not a luxury camping trip - the camp accommodation is basic, although you do have a camp stretcher to sleep on. The camp as clean as you would expect for something which is set up each day on the river bank.
The canoe safari can really be undertaken by any person who is capable of paddling a canoe. We certainly did not find the trip onerous - my wife had never previously paddled a canoe (to any extent) and she had no problems at all - the pace is set to allow you to get from start to finish each day, and still be able to enjoy the trip, the scenery, and to have to have some fun. We made one or more extended trips into the bush on foot each day - sometimes for 2 hours or more - in search of wildlife. All were interesting, and Mark always checked to make sure that we were comfortable doing the walk before proceeding. If we were close to animals, he would always check to be sure that we were comfortable with our proximity to those animals.
We would highly recommend the canoe safari to anyone wishing to do something just a little bit different to the average safari in Africa - we loved it! At no time did we feel unsafe. Maybe next time we could try the longer 10 day safari and really test our ability.
US
Email CJ | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic trip!
I loved everything about this trip . The company is great to work with, very very helpful. The trip itself was fantastic. I would have liked to continue on for several more days. The trip I took was 4 days, 3 nights--from Chirundu to Mana Pools. The scenery was beautiful and we saw lots of wildlife--mostly hippos, but also crocodiles, elephants and a wide variety of birds. The nights spent camping on islands were wonderful. Tons of stars overhead. The tents and sleeping gear were very comfortable and the food was great. The guides were terrific as well--very knowledgeable and personable. I would highly recommend this trip! The paddling was not strenuous and it's a remarkable way to experience a very beautiful part of Zimbabwe.
BE
Email lander | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
amazing trip
We had an amazing experience with natureways safari's. The guides were very professional and the environment was perfect. the food was good and communications were fluently.
DE
Email Britta | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Magnificent Tamarind Canoe Safari
Just returning from a Tamarind Canoe safari with Natureways, my only regret is that it was too short. Our guides Takesure and Elijah were absolutely excellent - highly knowledgable, very professional (navigating us safely around all the hippos), super friendly and accommodating, multi-skilled (even cooking delicious meals in semi-darkness), very patient and with a great sense of humor. The Zambezi water level was low which required a bit of pushing and pulling our canoes to get through the most shallow areas - all part of an unforgettable experience though. Setting up camp on an island with an elephant watching from the opposite river bank and sleeping under the stars with bush sounds all around is beyond words. Thanks a lot also to Kelly-Anne who helped get everything organized, even though I joined at short notice. Overall highly recommendable!!!
unforgettable, amazing cano-safari
We left for a 3 days-2 nights cano-safari, known as the Marula-safari. Our guides, Takesure and Elijah, were very adequate and professional. They explained everything very carefully and knew everything about the flora and fauna we encountered. Meals prepared during the trip were delicious and after a day on the water the night started with some exciting bed-time stories. Both guides had a good sense of humor. Everything was perfect. We felt safe during the whole trip.
FR
Email Stan & Vic | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a life African adventure
Magic Honey moon trip down the Zambezi River, surrounded by the amazing landscape of the Zambezi valley and his extraordinarily rich wide-life. Unforgettable journey guided by Gus and his assistant Campell. Timeless days canoeing slowly passing between hippos and giants crocodile, watching groups of elephants drinking, and walking into the wild to track and to approach lions. Memorable camp on the edge, having diner under the starry sky in the light of the campfire, with the background noise of lions roaring and hyenas laughter. Thanks Gus and Campell for theses amazing days and long conversation on the campfire sharing your passion, knowledge and experience of the bush - it will fuel us with exciting memories for a long time
Email Tristan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Magical experience down the Zambezi
My friend an I found the overall experience uniquely african and supremely enjoyable. We found ourselves in the heart of the african wilderness, enjoying the sights and sounds of Africa, while always feeling safe and being made to feel comfortable by our experienced and knowledgable guides. I was also continually amazed at the five star food that our guides produced with the basic tools they had at their disposal.
Overall we had an amazing time and are definitely considering other tours by natureways upon our return to Africa.
US
Email Lynn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Wonderful 3 night "Mopane" Canoe Camping Safari with Natureways along the Zambezi in Mana Pools.
I used Natureways 20 years ago in Mana Pools and always wanted to return. In Sept 2015 I did Everything about the canoe safari was great thanks to Guide Norman and Assistant Takesure. They were very safety conscious and great wildlife spotters. They really love the river and it shows. The tents, mat, and sleeping bag provided were of excellent quality. The food was good. The secluded island campsites were a highlight of the trip.
The whole big report with photos is linked here:
http://safaritalk.net/topic/15504-natureways-70-km-mopane-canoe-trip-sept-4-7-mana-pools-sapi-chewore/
Email Madeleine | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fantastic! Incredible experience, far exceeded my expectations.
Wonderful trip, incredible location, scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities. The camping locations were perfect, and we were treated to incredible sunrises and sunsets over the Zambezi every day. Paddling in the canoes was relaxing, rejuvenating and exhilarating. The staff on the trip went beyond my expectations and their service was fantastic. Same can be said for those organising the booking prior to departure - really went above and beyond to help me. Cannot recommend highly enough, the week I spent on the Zambezi was definitely one of the highlights of my two month Africa tour!
NZ
Email Pat Hill | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trekking on foot and canoeing was absolutely the right trip for me.
This was the trip of a lifetime for me. My friends who have done safaris entirely by truck saw more animals and in greater numbers but did not gain the same knowledge of the bushvelt or experience the thrill of tracking and finding and following a herd of painted dogs or lions sleeping on the other side of a bush or mistakenly canoeing over a hippos head! I have pages of the names of all the birds we saw and photographed and can name so many of the trees and bushes and their traditional uses. I am still getting requests to tell friends about the thrill of it all. James and Tacksure were the most excellent guides and despite the hippo incident, or perhaps because of it, I was never afraid of their ability to keep us all safe. I have imagined this trip for over 30 years and it was so much better than I imagined. We were looked after so well and fed like royalty. Each morning I made a point of being one of the first ready to go trekking but on our day of leaving I was so sorry it was over I was last to jumble my stuff together and get on the truck. I didn't want to leave. Thank you so much for such a memorable experience.