In this article, read about this week’s featured accommodation: Changa Safari Camp in Matusadona National Park.
Having only recently opened its green, canvas doors to the public, Changa Safari Camp has, in such a short space of time, enlightened the safari world to the splendours of the Kariba. Zimbabwe’s famous man-made lake mirrors the Zambezi escarpment that bisects its liquid mass. Bare branches of trees extend themselves upwards, standing like scarecrows with their roots embedded in the sodden earth below. Such a magnificent sight to behold is the rippling effect that wading elephants have on the mill pond surface. Buffalo choosing the muddy auxiliary pools to cool off in and decadently cake their thick hides with the nutrient-rich soil from the lake floor. True to Zimbabwe’s game-rich reputation, Lake Kariba and the Matusadona National Park, situated on its southern lake shore, host every member of the Big Five, the endangered and protected black rhino, an almost unlimited variety of antelope, and rare nocturnal animals; such as, the night-ape, civet, honey badger, rusty-spotted genet, bushpig and caracal.
Now, an absolute wildlife treasure, this area of Zimbabwe was once the scene of destruction when, in the late 1950s, the Kariba Dam expelled its volume sending tonnes of thundering water into the valley below. The dam wall had buckled under the weight of its contained mass, and flooded an area that was comfortably occupied by a vast number of people. At the time that this disaster struck, 57000 people were relocated as part of “Operation Noah”, while thousands of animals were rescued and directed to safer areas. The calm after the storm revealed that the Kariba Dam had now become one of the world’s greatest man-made lakes, and over time, it laid its claim to fame in its extraordinariness and in the plethora of wildlife that flocked to this nourished, flourishing land. The valley’s prolific game was concentrated on its islands and southern shore, where Matusadona National Park was created. Taking a conservational step to protect the thriving population, Matusadona was declared a National Park in 1975.
The latest addition to this largely overlooked Zimbabwean safari destination is Changa Safari Camp. Directed at keen campers and wildlife enthusiasts, this beautifully-positioned tented camp caters for a small number of people at a time, retaining the stillness and tranquillity of the Kariba. The air is filled with birdsong, inviting ornithologists to bask in a spectacle of feathers and flocks, while lovers of terrestrial creatures will find that they are spoilt for choice as herbivores graze and bathe in abundance. An intimate environment, accommodating only twelve adults and six children at a time, this perfectly placed camp treats its fortunate guests to views over Hydro Bay in the east of Matusadona National Park.
East African-inspired canvas tents house the guests, as they effortlessly enjoy the vision that is Lake Kariba from the comfort of their private bush budoirs. En suite bathrooms are efficiently equipped with hot water showers and baths, which can be enjoyed conservatively within the canvas walls, or more adventurously, beneath the trees and the skies overhead. Convenience is key, as these comfortable safari bedrooms leave little to be desired, offering guests at Changa a rustic holiday, yet with the familiar amenities enjoyed at more luxurious lodges. There are also three inter-leading children’s rooms, offering families an effortless adventure with peace of mind.
A backdrop of the Matusadona Mountains and the seemingly endless stretch of water spilling toward the horizon place Changa Safari Camp in photographic utopia. Guests are invited to recline on the deck of the raised, wooden central area of the camp, where the majestic views require a camera and the humming treetops necessitate binoculars, so as to absorb every detail sufficiently. A peaceful lounge area houses an intriguing library of books, ranging from informative safari guides to fantastical novels. A delightful wooden bar serves chilled beverages and provides a convivial environment in which to relax and share the experiences enjoyed at Matusadona. In addition to the natural spectacular that surrounds the lodge, an infinity swimming pool that screams refreshment is perched on the very brim of the lake. The proverbial cherry on top is in the form of the tasty offerings from the camp kitchen that ensure the pleasurable work of a guest on a Zimbabwean safari is fulfilling in every way.
Watch this video for a a virtual tour of Changa Safari Camp and experience the splendour of Lake Kariba’s wilderness.
