Luxury Zimbabwe Tailor-Made Holidays+Safaris

An online magazine by the experts at cazenove+loyd

Curious

Tracking wild dogs in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Written by Matthew Arrowsmith, Contributor

Matthew Arrowsmith encounters a family of African wild dogs in Mana Pools National Park.

Our Incredible experience in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

The following is a description of one of two incredible days at John’s Camp, Mana Pools, Zimbabwe: “If you had to describe heaven, as a place where humans and animals could come together, without confrontation, then it would be Mana Pools…”. David, my guide at John’s Camp.

Why should you travel with a specialist on safari?

cazenove+loyd was born in Africa and we believe that the African safari is a trip that everyone should take at least once in their lives. No two safaris are ever the same, but to ensure that the holiday is as memorable as it should be, you need an expert.

Safari Seasons: When is Right For You?

Nature’s cycles and rhythms can vary dramatically depending on when you travel and nowhere is this more apparent than in Africa. Our Destination Experts, who have lived, worked and travelled extensively around Africa, can advise you where to go when.

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Your Destination Expert will build a relationship with you and a nuanced understanding of what you want from your holiday.

Creating an Itinerary

Creating an Itinerary Once we know you, we can match our years of specialist knowledge to you and begin designing your extraordinary trip.

Continuously Tailoring

We will continue refining your itinerary adding in those special touches and leaving no stone unturned to make sure that every day is spectacular.

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Area in Foucs

At over 5,000 square kilometres, Gonarezhou is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe, but is still largely undiscovered by the outside world. Aptly translating as ‘ Land of the Elephants’, in this remote corner of Zimbabwe, you’ll find some of the largest in the country.

Testimonials

Stories from Zimbabwe

We had a wonderful trip. A huge thank you for putting together a fabulous itinerary. We enjoyed each and every day and all went without a hitch. From the moment we arrived at our first camp, Old Drift Lodge, we were taken off on an afternoon safari. The camp was outstanding, showcasing glamping at its finest, with each tent overlooking the magnificent Zambezi River and just a few kilometres upstream from the breathtaking Victoria Falls. The wildlife was extensive, especially since the camp was at the water’s edge. The highlight experience for us, was a very close encounter with a herd of elephants making their way to the river for an evening drink, which coincidently was exactly what we were doing when they approached. Our guide quickly and quietly ushered us back to the safety of our vehicle, where we were then held captive for a few minutes by a large and very curious female elephant who was clearly feeling a little peckish – because she began eating all the nibbles our guide had so beautifully set out for us to have with our gin and tonics. Terrifying and hilarious all at the same time!

Pamela Bowman

"I think my highlight was, overall, the quality of the people and the welcome and the intelligence/insight of the guides and the sense of being privileged to be in a place that's not in any way swamped. It's hard to pick a highlight. I loved Hwange for being in a world where elephants are in charge, and Mana Pools for the open landscape and the profusion of the wildlife, and Matetsi for the position of the camp and the lovely people who work there. Victoria Falls felt more mainstream by comparison though when we walked to the gorge at the end of the falls I felt very moved by the unbelievable beauty of the place. I cried twice in Zimbabwe - once watching elephants at very close quarters, so close I could hear them breathe and drink, and once in the place I just mentioned, listening to the gospel singing of some people on the Zambian side float across, and I am not easily moved to tears by such things!"

Lydia Bell

"I think my highlight was, overall, the quality of the people and the welcome and the intelligence/insight of the guides and the sense of being privileged to be in a place that's not in any way swamped. It's hard to pick a highlight. I loved Hwange for being in a world where elephants are in charge, and Mana Pools for the open landscape and the profusion of the wildlife, and Matetsi for the position of the camp and the lovely people who work there. Victoria Falls felt more mainstream by comparison though when we walked to the gorge at the end of the falls I felt very moved by the unbelievable beauty of the place. I cried twice in Zimbabwe - once watching elephants at very close quarters, so close I could hear them breathe and drink, and once in the place I just mentioned, listening to the gospel singing of some people on the Zambian side float across, and I am not easily moved to tears by such things!"

Lydia Bell

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Each of our dedicated experts has extensive knowledge of the destinations they specialise in. And they are continuously re-visiting, trying and testing everything so that they can offer you up to date and little-known insights into the regions they are so passionate about.