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
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!
US
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.
NZ
Email Marlina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Excellent! Friendly and knowledgeable and excellent cooks!
We had an amazing time on this trip! Our guides were super friendly and knowledgeable and great cooks!
Email Andrew & Di | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Well organized, great staff and lovely trip
A lovely trip from Chirundu to Mana Pools. The staff and service was excellent and the camps were comfortable.
PT
Email Paul Greener | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fantastic Canoe Safari!
My wife and I went on the Tamarind canoe safari from Chirundu to Mana in July this year as part of a group of oldies on a reunion of our high school class from many decades ago. The three guides, Kenneth, Manu and Richard, as well as Jenny in the back-up vehicle, were highly professional and amazing at multi-tasking - keeping us safe, imparting their rich knowledge of the area, entertaining us, putting up with our eccentricities, and last but not least rustling up terrific meals in the middle of the African bush. This experience should be on everyone's bucket list!
SG
Email Christian Rothenbuehler | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Africa at its best, memories that last a lifetime
We had a wonderful time at Mana Pools and Chitake Springs. It's a beautiful place and we had lots of wonderful interactions with the animals. Our guides, Jim and Kenny, were top class.