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 Chevonne | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Exciting. Educating. Fun. Amazing experience!
Both our guides (James and E.G) had a wealth of knowledge. They were both so patient and were able to answer ANY question we had, from the vegetation, animals, land and the sky! We were all super impressed with the depth of their knowledge and their willingness to educate us about Africa.
Service at camp was above and beyond! All the guys knew exactly what they were doing and catered to us completely. We had 4-course dinners every night plus outstanding spreads for lunch. On top of that, our great breakfasts, freshly baked goods for morning and afternoon tea! When i think about camping, i definitely didn't think our stomachs would be so well kept. I was so impressed that our chef was able to cook and bake so much over an open fire. The guys also organised lovely warm showers for us every night which was another pleasant surprise, especially after our days of hiking and canoeing. But something that i really wanted to mention which was one of my favourite parts of camping at Mana was the CAMP FIRES! the guys would set them up every night for us to watch the sun go down as well as, every morning before the sun came up. We had lovely warm camp fire breakfasts, a perfect peaceful start to all our days!
I wouldn't describe myself as a camper. So when I was told i would be camping on this trip, I had set my expectation fairly low. This was also slightly tactical as I would've rather been surprised as opposed to disappointed about the whole camping experience. But this was definitely not necessary at all. I loved it. Our tents were so spacious we were able to stand and spread out compfortably. We also had two bed's in each tent which the guys had set up, along with the whole camp before we arrived back to camp each day. Our bed's were super cosy and i actually loved sleeping under the stars.
As a whole, I had an amazing experience and truly can't wait to return! Thanks to James, E.G and the Guys, everyone were so welcoming and hospitable i have nothing but amazing things to say about Nature Ways and Mana Pools!!!
Email Trevor and Lynn | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fish Eagle Safari......Fantastic!
Very hard to fault these guys.
They were extremely helpful right from the beginning and communication was very good despite the time differences.
From the start of the safari we were met at our accommodation by our senior guide Norman who explained how everything was going to work for the next 5 days in detail.
Once we got on the water the crew (Norman, KK & Kenneth) were all absolutely first class; very friendly and knowledgeable.
A special mention though for Norman who knew the river like the back of his hand and was extremely good at navigating us past the many hippo pods along the way...at no time did we feel in danger; fantastic!
The crew looked after us extremely well.
There was a bit of a mix up at the end with the connection to our accommodation for the final night but they worked through it calmly and got us on our way even though it meant they were going to be late back into town.
Would not hesitate to recommend this to anyone thinking about this trip.....fantastic; only regret was not doing the 10 day trip....next time!
NL
Email Wim and Ineke | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Everything very well organized. Very good guides, with tremendous knowledge, birds, hippo's safety.
This safari tour lived up to our expectations completely. Beautiful scenery. Fantastic weather, our best experience in years. Lovely hippos. Beautiful birds. The guides really helped us find more small and interesting plants and birds. The food was very good. Very nice tents with an open view to the stars and the moon. The safety was very good, always with lots of respect for all the animals we encountered. And the main thing for a succesful 10 day tour: the atmosphere between us and the guides was very good. With many nice stories about the guides previous and our adventures. We look back at a fantastic holiday. Thanks guides and organizers.
Email Lothar and Sheena Dunaiski | 65+ years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fisheagle Canoe Safari on the Zambezi
Natureways Safaris really know how to showcase the Zambezi River on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. We, two couples, booked a private 6 day Canoe Safari with them:
Their consultant, Kelly-Anne, orgnised everything smoothly and efficiently including our charter flights Victoria Falls to Kariba and from Chewore air strip (near Mana Pools) to Harare. Norman, our river guide of 20 years experience, his assistant Kenneth (KK) and his apprentice Kenneth the younger made sure we were well looked after. Hippo and elephant safety concerns soon eased as Norman safely guided us through many heart stopping moments. Heavy canoes loaded with camping gear, food and drink were home for the 6 days on the water with nights sleeping on islands where elephants browsed meters away from our camp... Let me say no more. I recommend you make the effort to experience this adventure yourself. You will not regret it. Natureways will provide all necessary info on what to bring. I suggest you add a foam cushion to sit on while paddling, plenty of SD cards and batteries for you camera and a healthy sense of adventure. Norman and his crew will deliver!
Email Sarah | under20 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kind and knowledgeable guides in a beautiful and wild setting
Prior to the camp communication was brilliant, and it continued to be clear and open during safari. The tours were varied and suited to the individual.
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.
DE
Email Barbara | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Should be on bucket list of everybody who loves the wild, the beauty, the silence. Simply fantastic.
I dreamt of a canoe tour on zambesi river for a long time and couldn't wait to do it. We did the 3-nights-tour and it was a fantastic experience. So different to everything we have seen in Zimbabwe and other African countries before. The beauty, the silence and the simpleness - nothing more is needed.
Accompanied by our wonderful guides with their inexhaustible knowledge we felt save every single minute. And also the team in the camp did a wonderful job. Everything was prepared once we came into the camp in the evenings. The food was fantastic and different every day.
We loved to take a bucket shower in the evening and we also loved to sit at the river listening to the sounds of the water and the bush. The simpleness was the real luxury.
One advice: take a sarong to cover your legs on the boat to avoid a sunburn. And then: breath in deeply, breath out deeply - and enjoy every single moment.
Email Christine | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Canoeing down the Zambezi was an experience I will not forget, exciting but nerve wracking too!
Our guides were excellent, very highly trained and I soon learned to trust them. I was very nervous, and was able to be in the canoe with the main guide. I do feel that there should be a guide in each canoe as the one that was without did struggle at times, especially when paddling past the hippo pods, an anxious time.
I was amazed to see a lot of the equipment is metal, which must add to the weight, and the chaps worked so hard loading and unloading, can these not be replaced with plastic tables, chairs and tent poles??
The food was really good, cooked and served really well. Bit sceptical about the hygiene - cloths very dirty, washing up in cold water, but we weren't ill thankfully.
It was an amazing trip, the guides kept us safe, and it was very beautiful, getting so close to the elephants was special.
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