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 Stuart and Anita Skyrme-Jones | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Superb - Knowledgeable, safe experienced guides. Natural wonderland. Comfortable. Great food. Fun
Anita and I did the same 3 night canoe safari 22 years ago with Shearwater, and enjoyed it so much that we returned with our children - Sam(21), Lucy(19), Tom (16). We did the Tamarind safari with Zera and Manu, both incredible guides - so well informed about the river and its flora and fauna, and we felt safe and well looked after in a wild environment. Both are lovely people who are a pleasure to spend time with. The natural beauty of this part of the river is astounding, and canoeing through the river/island channels is an extraordinary experience. We were very pleased to be active in our camping role, tents very adequate, though a main zip problem with one. Manu created simple but delicious meals. We saw lots, learnt lots, and as a family had a terrific experience. Sad to finish it - would like to do safari further downstream another time. Hornbill lodge is lovely and thank you for your great cooking Sunny and hospitality. Our 2 days at Mana Zambezi camp were Excellent - nice drives and walks and lovely to be on the river. Mark van Z great value. Thank you for a lovely 6 days, its a very professionally run operation - would love to come back.
Best river trip ever!
I've paddled-canoe, Kayak, raft- many North American rivers and worked many summers as a raft guide. The 8 day Zambezi classic was as good a trip as any I've ever had. Paddling the Zambezi amid hippo pods and crocs, I felt completely security under the excellent leadership of our guide Norman, accomanied by the the skilled assistant, Ranga. THey were clearly very experienced, knowledgeable, and, importantly, FUN to be with. We saw a lot of wildlife on the shores, heard wonderful African wildlife sounds at night under a night sky, unpolluted by light and filled with stars. The days were filled with paddling the river with its unique inhabitants, wildlife spotting on the shores. We stopped for breakfast, lunch and, when there was time, a siesta. Our campsites were on islands. We had plenty of good food, the tents were roomy and easy to set up with a couple of sets of hands, and the sleeping set up quite comfortable.
This was a truely memorable experience that could not be duplicated anywhere else.
US
Email Tom | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Special & Spectacular
Canoeing down the Zambezi with Natureways was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were treated royally the whole time, but were able to engage in long, thought-provoking conversations. Our guides Marc & Manu knew the Mana Pools like the backs of their hands. They knew it so well I wondered if they could canoe down it blindfolded. They spotted innumerable wildlife we wouldn't have seen on our own. When we arrived at camp, it was set up spectacularly and we seamlessly transferred into full relaxation. I highly recommend Natureways for a unique and spectacular safari experience.
Email Dave (from Cape Town) | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
An excellent safari experience put on by the highly skilled and courteous Natureways team.
Natureways proved to be excellent in all aspects of nature safari presentation and delivery. From initial booking right through to completion of the safari, every step was clearly explained and also executed. Both our nature guides (Zera and Mark) were extremely well informed and knew the environment well. They were well supported by an ever helpful Kenny. All the meals provided were plentiful and tasteful. Thanks to the entire Natureways team for a great safari.
Email BdP | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Excellent friendly and professional guided canoe safari
Natureways provided an extremely professional safari experience. I messed the Natureways office around a lot with dates and logistics and they took it all in their stride and were in no way put out with my constantly changing plans and disorganisation, but were always willing to work around my plans. Their safari staff are true gentlemen that go out of their way all day to make sure that you are enjoying your time with them. In our case, we canoed from Chirundu to Mana Pools, and I spent the majority of the time on land fishing, while the guides set up camp and cooked amazing meals, and brought me cold beers. The guides were also very concerned for our safety, which is an important aspect of bush living with zero access to medical care. The guides were very interested and engaged and we had great fireside conversations where I learnt a lot from them. The equipment that we used was well maintained and good quality. Canoeing down the Zambezi River is definitely one of the best ways to experience the bush, drifting quietly past all kinds of animals that were aware of but unconcerned with our presence. I much preferred this to bouncing around in the back of a dusty truck. It was a dream safari for me, and I would not hesitate recommending it to anyone who has even the slightest interest in the bush.
Email Gary Cobbledick | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
The guides were exceptionally good and the trip was very well organised. Highly recommended
Natureways exceeded our expectations in every way. The quality of the guides was a real highlight. The entire team was superb, from river guides to cooks and others at camp.
Email Julia Morgan | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Organised, professional and responsive
I was so impressed with Natureways. Communication and responsiveness leading up to the safari was always timely and professional. The actual safari was very well organised with the guide being exceptionally knowledgeable and personable.
I will definitely use Naturways again for future African adventures.
Email James | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent experience and guides
4 day canoe trip was a brilliant experience. It was well organised and the 2 guides were fantastic. Overall very big enjoyment
SG
Email Michael Clements | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Great safari
An all round good service was provided and a great safari experience was had by all.
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Email Ron | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
8-day canoe trip from Chirundu to Kanyemba paddling & camping for nearly 100 miles.
8 of us friends, from Alaska, spent 8 days in late October 2019, canoeing & camping on the lower Zambezi River from Chirundu, Zimbabwe, to Kanyemba, near the Mozambique border.
The guides were awesome. The wildlife incredible. The weather was hotter than expected & the winds a bit challenging. But the wildlife viewing & the knowledge & proficiency of the guides was beyond comprehension.
My only complaint was the tents were well worn, in need of replacement. Zeta, our head guide, locally known as “Crocodile Man” was also a hippo whisperer. Which saved the day a couple times!
Omega, our assistant guide, although more serious than Zeta, was extremely knowledgeable & openly shared his knowledge of the birds, plants , animals & ecology of this great Zambezi region with all of us.
Overall this was an unforgettable experience, with knowledgeable, competent guides, run by a capable, trustworthy company that has a long history in the lower Zambezi region.