Standing on the edge of Victoria Falls doesn’t get much more real than this. Devil’s Pool is one of those bucket-list experiences I always talk guests through the thrilling, safe with the right guides, and surprisingly accessible activity even if you’re based on the Zimbabwe side. Timing matters though, as it’s only open when water levels drop from around mid-August to early January.

If you like your Mana Pools safari with a few extra dimensions, Mana Sands is worth a look. This brand-new luxury tented camp (opened 2025) sits in a private concession on the western edge of the park, allowing night drives, boat cruises and fishing alongside classic walks, canoeing and game drives. I see it working perfectly as a short, high-impact add-on to a main Mana Pools stay.

Gonarezhou still feels like real Africa; wild, raw and refreshingly untouched. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is all about being immersed in the landscape, not fussing over frills. Set above the Save River, this long-standing lodge delivers comfort, big views, rich wildlife experiences and genuine community connections, all with a light ecological footprint and plenty of character.

Step inside the magic of Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools, where epic Zambezi views, wild elephants on your doorstep, and laid-back safari vibes make every day unforgettable. I’ve been here and can’t wait to share the spots, stories and what makes this camp one of Africa’s hidden gems. Perfect for your next dream adventure!

Chikwenya Camp Mana Pools is a luxury experience, a private safari camp offering exclusive night drives and river activities. Discover Chikwenya Camp Mana Pools today!

Discover the beauty of Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. Perfect for wildlife lovers seeking solitude and stunning landscapes at Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe.

Gonarezhou is the gem of them all and I believe where you can still have a really genuine safari experience where the focus is really on the environment you are in and less on the thread count of the linen. This camp has all you need to be comfortable and with a very small ecological foot print unlike so many camps you see around Africa today.

We are now in the depths of winter here in Zimbabwe, so I have been forced to wear an extra layer in the mornings and I have even...