Rhino Safari Camp is a small luxury rustic safari camp set in a wild and remote area within the Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba. Hosting a maximum of fourteen guests in seven twin bedded rooms, our guests are offered a highly personalised safari experience that blends comfort and wildness. We are a permanent camp open year round.
Respecting that we are the visitors in this wild environment, Rhino Safari Camp is unfenced and the wildlife roams freely on its established game trails. We encourage our guests to relax and feel at home in the bush – with simplicity and classic hospitality, focussing on living in harmony with our environment and utilising silent energy alternatives as much as possible to create a peaceful environment to experience the sounds, sights and smells of nature.
Spacious stilted open fronted rooms all have breathtaking panoramic views. Comfortable beds with walk-in mosquito nets – private open air shower and bathroom facilities with loads of hot water – freshly prepared home-style meals – and game viewing activities that bring it alive. Induge in the African ‘sundowner’ and experience the legendary Kariba sunsets. Enjoy conversation and cool drinks by the fire at night, and the magical experience of dining outdoors beneath the canopy of the night sky.
Room Types
Each of our six twin bedded rooms nestles within the Jesse bush along the lake shore line. The spacious room offers superbly comfortable twin beds, a wardrobe, seating area and dressing table. And of course magnificent views of the lake. At the back of each room at a slightly lower level is the en suite open air shower, flush toilet and hand basin.
Twin Bedded Rooms
Each of our six twin bedded rooms nestles within the jesse bush along the lake shore line. The emphasis is providing our guests with their creature comforts without losing touch with the natural surroundings. Rooms are elevated wooden platforms with extended thatched roofs. Reed half walls at the sides and back allow for natural ventilation. The open fronts are screened with drop down reed mats which are opened or closed according to requirements.
Dining Area
Downstairs is a discreet bar and buffet area with a dining area and camp seating area. Upstairs is a comfortable living area and alternative dining area with magnificent views of the lake and the animals as they wander along the shoreline. We have a small but practical selection of reference books and reading material on offer, and a selection of traditional games to keep you occupied.
Things to do at Rhino Camp
Our safaris are not just about photographic encounters with the Big Five. Each is an adventure and a deeply moving learning experience. All activities take place in the care of professional guides who are there to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the animals and trees, plants, insects, history and geography of this wilderness area. There is also plenty of time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the African bush.
Game Drives
A typical safari day starts with the rising of the sun. We meet in the main boma for a light breakfast before setting off in our open safari vehicle. Your professional guide will be looking for the signs of nocturnal activity – Vultures circling – telling of a possible Lion or Leopard kill, Rhino making their way to the water to drink.
Bird Watching
Fish Eagles making their way to the shoreline to commence their day’s hunting. No two days are the same and there is always something different and exciting to see.
River Cruises
Fishing
Serious fishermen can also take advantage of the lake waters to try their hand at catching Tiger, Niloticus (known locally as Bream) Cornish Jack or Vundu. We have a limited supply of fishing tackle, so please include a specialized rod or let us know about your passion for fishing before you travel.
Wildlife In Matusadonha National Park
The Matusadona National Park covers an area of 1 407 square kilometres. Its boundaries are natural : the Ume River to the west, the Sanyati River to the east, Lake Kariba to the north, and the Matusdona Mountain range to the South. Loosely translated, “Matuzwi-ah- dona” means falling dung – evidence of its abundant wild animal population.
The remote nature of the park, its impressive natural boundaries and plentiful year round water supply have made the Matusadona National Park an ideal Intensive Protection Zone for the endangered Black Rhino. Conservation efforts have ensured that a small but strong population of them exists here in the wild. Some were in the area already, some were relocated as part of the Intensive Protection project, and others are here as a result of a captive breeding programme. As well as Black Rhino, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Elephant populations are also healthy in the area.
Our fully inclusive rates are not just about the level of accommodation or the thread count of the linen. They encompass elements that cannot be counted or measured, such as exclusive access to more than nearly 4,5 kilometers of Lakeshore frontage, within Kariba’s best wildlife areas. This private land per guest, creates a unique sense of seclusion, comfort, privacy and space. In turn, your presence helps us in the conservation of these areas.
Rhino Safari Camp can be booked on a fully-inclusive basis.
Our rates include:
Our rates exclude: