We have just spent the most glorious twelve days in a little piece of paradise on the lower Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, where Andrew and Heidi Dawson, are doing a major re-vamp of their beautiful fishing camp - Tafika Zambezi.
Tafika is not a new name on the Lower Zambezi, and has a great reputation, for fun fishing times.
Andrew and Heidi, brought their cooks on a training course with us in town. We then put into practice, on-site, with guests in camp, all they had learnt.
They produced packed lunches, continental breakfasts, picnic teas... gosh how adaptable you become in the bush! They were preparing beautiful three course dinners, happily accommodating the vegan and celiac guests that were with us. All a great new experience for them all.
One group of guests flew into Chikwenya Airstrip, where they were collected by vehicle with a short road trip to the water’s edge.
Here the boats met them and they were able to start their fishing trip straight away – what a treat for the foreign guests.
Speak to your agents to get other options, depending where you are coming from. Other guests did self-drive and if you want a feel of the real African bush – this drive is hard to beat. The pans still had water in April, and the flora and fauna are just beautiful. Untouched wilderness. Definite soul food.
Fishing was a highlight and the guests were blown away by the boat captains and their hospitality and fishing skills. Very comfortable boats and so much so, that most guests wanted to be on the water by 6.30 a.m. with packed breakfasts as well as lunches, after having a light continental breakfast before they left. What a treat to be on the mighty Zambezi river the whole day!
Fishing is all catch and release in the most ethical manner. The boat captains are amazing with the children that were on board and the camp itself is very child friendly as long as they remember they are in the bush in a bush camp. So much to see and so much to learn.
The spacious and comfortable chalets with their own decks, are in the midst of a complete make-over (here's a sneak peak at one of the newly refurbished ones!).
Wonderful views of the river, fans in each room and lovely hot showers. The whole camp is now run off a newly-installed solar energy system.
We, as very keen birders, loved the variety. We even got to see the Narina Trogan whilst having our lunch – what a treat!
The spacious, newly-decked main living area is beautifully-located under shady trees and thatch, with comfortable open-air sitting and bar areas, a pool and lovely views overlooking the Zambezi.
There is a Professional guide in camp who can do bush walks around the area, spectacular trees, flora, fauna, birds, butterflies and of course the wildlife.
Please pop Tafika-Zambezi on your holiday wish-list. It really is worth a visit and have your true un-touched bush experience in the most idyllic and comfortable spot of the Lower Zambezi.