Natureways has been running for nearly 3 decades and specializes in mobile canoeing and walking safaris for small groups of between 6 and 8 guests.
Our core product is canoeing down the mighty Zambezi River. We have different canoe safari packages for different tastes and budgets.
We also offer very popular mobile tented camps in Mana Pools National Park (our camps are put up and down exclusively for your trip).
Visitors staying in Kariba Town, can stay at the delightful, intimate 12-bed thatched Hornbill Lodge, located on top of a hill with magnificent views over the lake.
Natureways also offers fixed departure seat-rate road transfers between Kariba and Mana Pools, as well as ground handling and tour operation services covering the whole of Zimbabwe.
Our services are especially suitable for foreign independent travellers who are looking for something extra special.
Also on offer for adventurers: a 10-night Horse & Hippo Safari, combining 7 nights' horseriding with Ride Zimbabwe in Hwange National Park, and 3 nights' canoeing, walking and gamedriving with Natureways in Mana Pools National Park. This is available on selected dates for small groups up to 8 guests only, who have strong intermediate to advanced riding skill. All safaris are accompanied by experienced professional guides. Comfortable, fully-catered, permanent and mobile tented accommodation provided during the safari.
Related links:-
Exclusive Use travel options for family and friends (Feature Blog, Feb 2021)
Meet our People (Feature Blog July 2020)
Tales Around the Campfire (Feature Blog June 2020)
The Wild Zambezi Culinary Collection (Feature Blog May 2020)
Kariba Transfer Schedule for sharing air-road-boat transfers - April 2018
A river adventure with Natureways Safaris - Sept 2016
Zambezi zvakanaka - Sept 2013
Tails from the river - Aug 2013
Reviews 6
Ulla, Germany
28 August 2023
Best safari I experienced in Southern Africa! We booked 5 night safari with Natureways with our family of 5 adults, age-range 22-56. Started in Chitake with 2 nights Odyssey Safari followed by a 3 night canoe safari starting at Mana Pools. For us, this has been a perfect mix of a walking safari with spectacular game viewing covering lions, antelope, buffalo, elephant, enormous range of birds, insects and plants followed by fantastic scenery from the canoe on the Zambezi river. The guides have all been extremely knowledgeable, keen to share their knowledge and very eager to make the safari special for all their guests. Food and tents have been very luxurious (from our point of view) in the mobile camp of the Odyssey |Safari, on the river it had been basic, which has been expected, but it has been absolutely sufficient. Camp sites along the river have been well chosen and wonderfully idyllic. Every minute has been worth its while. Thank you.
Clive Klugman, Australia
31 July 2023
An experience of a lifetime. One of the last, hidden, untouched treasures of the world. If you love the outdoors - this is a must.
You just need to turn up and Natureways does the rest - very professional, friendly and caring. If you are having doubt - don't, just do it.
Brett, Zimbabwe
10 January 2022
My wife and I did the 4 day, 3 night Tamarind canoe trip, starting in Chirundu, and finishing at Mana Pools main camp. We had an amazing time, which is largely a testament to our two fantastic guides, Kenneth and Mano. Because we went during the height of the rainy season (summer), the scenery was so green, and the clouds framing the Zambezi escarpment were beautiful. The season made for great birding, even if wildlife was a bit harder to see (as it always is during summer/wet season). Only exception – hippos galore! Kenneth and Mano did a fantastic job of navigating my wife and I, novice canoeists, through the hippos. Nice to see, but not too close! One of the highlights on the river was navigating through the narrower river channels.... Both guides were very keen on safety, one always leading, and one always behind our canoe. They did a great job along the way of pointing out wildlife and plants and were very knowledgeable about both the scientific aspects of the surroundings as well as cultural relevance. They were very good about stopping for breaks to rest and enjoy the scenery. For each meal, Kenneth and Mano did a fantastic job – very accommodating to our vegetarian/pescatarian diets. In fact, a rogue tiger fish jumped and landed in his canoe – he kept it, filleted it, and it became more dinner!...All in all, an amazing trip. We were really lucky to have Kenneth and Mano as guides – they made the trip go off without a hitch and it ended up being the perfect balance of hard work (canoeing), rest (afternoon siestas), learning, and appreciating the amazing scenery in the lower Zambezi valley. Highly recommended!
Mike & Luke Flax, South Africa
13 October 2021
This was my 3rd Zambezi river canoe safari and the first with Natureways. I was a bit apprehensive at first as we travelling with our sons on a dad:son trip and had experienced a dangerous encounter previously with a hippo on the river. However, Kenny, our main guide was super professional and conservative ensuring that we never came close to any harm and that everyone had a fantastic time. The trip is a "must do" in one of the last untamed outbacks of the world. The proliferation of elephants, crocs, hippos, lions as well a myriad of bird life makes this trip amazing and a joy for all. Natureways provided a great experience: beautifully positioned camp-sites on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, hearty food and ice-cold drinks at all times. I would highly recommend using them as they know the terrain well and will keep you safe.
Asher Williams , Zimbabwe
1 November 2020
Best experience EVER! There aren't really words to say how much we loved our canoe safari. Except to say I wish my every day looked like those three days. Immersed in the silence and symphonies of the bush, surrounded by indescribable beauty and wildlife. Our guides were AMAZING. I wanted to cry when we left them. They felt like friends by the end. Friends who know every flora and fauna in this piece of paradise and whose entire existence is to make you feel safe and comfortable. They were outstanding. It was worth every penny and more. I hope we can do it again.
Peter & Purdy Wight, Australia
7 December 2019
Natureways, thank you for a truly magnificent safari, it exceeded all our expectations - from the prompt and detailed email and skype replies, the flexibility with the bookings, the professional conduct of the guides and camp staff to the excellent condition of the canoes and camping equipment. We could not fault anything and without doubt would highly recommend your company. Our guides Mark and Norman, were extremely knowledgeable, considerate and had our best interests at heart, they are certainly good value. The camp staff were also amazing, totally anticipating our needs each day. The cook worked his magic with dishes that you just had to have more of. What an unbelievable feat - luxury on the banks of the Zambezi. Game viewing was second to none with close encounters of all kinds. Don't waste your time looking for other tour operators, just book your trip with these guys - they really know what they are doing and I am pretty sure you will not regret it. Ours was a trip of a lifetime! Thank you.