What a close encounter with nature!
In the later part of 2018, Woody and I ventured, by speedboat, 50km across the lake to Rhino Safari Camp. We felt very brave, because ofcourse our timing was impeccable, in that there was so much haze on the lake we could barely make out Antelope Island, never mind the Matusadona Mountain Range! And we were now going to have to self-navigate (with no GPS, I might add) our way across the lake using land marks (which we now couldn’t see) and a compass. To say I was a little nervous was an understatement, Woody of course was in his manly element! Anyway, as you can tell by the fact that I am writing this, we did indeed make it there and back without incident.
Peter, who is a pro-guide, and one of the family members to originally be involved in the designing and building of Rhino Camp, met us at the harbour in a game drive vehicle. He wasn’t the only one to meet us, as we were welcomed by the first of many elephant sightings. Woody and I were both a little nervous of how close the elephants got, having been to Gonarezhou National Park recently, where the elephants are VERY cheeky. But we needn’t have worried, the elephants in this area are pretty laid back, but you still have to be very aware and give them respect, as they happily go about their business while you watch from the game vehicle.
When we got to camp, the staff were waiting with a cold, damp cloth and a welcome drink – much needed after our lake crossing. Rhino Safari Camp is a permanent camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, WITHIN the Matusadona National Park, which caters for clients who have a passion for wildlife and nature. It is classified as a small luxury rustic safari camp, which is unfenced, enabling guests to have a very intimate experience with the wildlife. A huge effort has been made to ensure the camp is as much in harmony with the environment as possible, by using silent energy alternatives and local eco-friendly materials in the Tonga style buildings.
After settling in and taking a good look around, Peter escorted us to our room, which is built up on stilts to takeadvantage ofthe lake breeze and allow for maximum airflow through, below and around the rooms. They are all open fronted withpanoramic views of the lake, so you can literally look out over the lake from the comfort of your bed. You do not want to leave your room!The bathrooms are en-suite with open air showers, heated by classic Rhodesianstyleboilers, flush toilet and hand basin. I thoroughly enjoyed showering while looking up at the stars, very special.
After a lie down, followed by a scrumptious tea of homemade cakes and biscuits freshly baked, we were eager to test out the fishing in the territorial waters around Rhino Camp. The fishing guide is a chap by the name of Funnyboy, who has been doing fishing charters for many years, and knows all the good spots. Sadly, he was already booked with another group of guests, which clearly paid off, judging by the fish they returned with, compared to our miserly catch. But we still had a great time out on the boat, so much so that we went back the following day and had better luck, although still nothing like what the clients with Funnyboy caught.
After sunset drinks on the boat, we were driven back to camp in time for the three-course dinner in the Boma area. Peter kept everyone entertained with all sorts of stories from his many years of being a pro-guide. Following dinner, we all moved to the firepit for a nightcap, or a coffee. The guests all got on very well, with lots of joking and laughter. It was a shame to call it a night, but we needed to, because Peter had to escort all of us back to our rooms due to the fact there are no fences around camp, so all sorts of animals roam freely through camp. It sure makes you keep your eyes peeled. We got back to our room without a wildlife encounter, but the next morning Peter pointed out the hyena tracks all through camp, and one of the other guests was most unimpressed when he realised his precious travel mug, which he had left behind in error, had been munched to pieces by the hyena!
After a pleasant night’s sleep, waking to listen to the sounds of a hippopotamus under our room, we had a lie in due to the fact the other guests were leaving very early to catch a flight. There was no rush for us, so after getting up we went to the main area and entertained ourselves in the upstairs platform area that serves asthe lounge. There is a small but practical selection of reference books and reading material on offer, and a selection of traditional games, that we enjoyed going through. There is tea, coffee and other beverages available to guests throughout the day in the Boma, which we took advantage of before breakfast.
When Peter got back from taking the other guests to the airfield, we had a leisurely breakfast and a good personal chat. Peter is very knowledgeable, and a great entertainer, and we were sorry it was soon time to head back on the boat, before the lake got too rough. If you are looking for a truly wild and exciting holiday experience, then Rhino Safari Camp is just the place. If you aren’t hooked on African game when you get to camp, you most certainly will be by the time you leave.
My personal rating of:
- Best wildlife experience
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