Family-Focused Safaris and the Ngwana Club

“Magical stay at Somalisa – fantastic guide 

We had a fantastic stay at Somalisa Camp, definitely one of our best ever safaris! Lovely setting in front of a waterhole (elephant herds and other animals frequently coming to drink – even drinking from the old swimming pool of the camp!), great location in Hwange National Park, great wildlife watching (including lions and leopards), attentive service and good food … but above all our guide (Godwin) was fantastic (best ever guide we have had) – managing to get the kids (and adults!) really into the mood of tracking animals and enjoying every single bit of our safari drives!”

“Feeling at home in Zimbabwe 

We just came back from a 3 days stay at Nyamatusi ABC in Mana Pools. Travelling with 3 kids, we had an amazing time.

Of course, the beauty of the Mana Pools Natural Reserve is breathtaking.
Of course, Nyamatusi camp is luxurious and comfortable, situated along the Zambeze River, with breathtaking views, private pools and decks in front of each tent, animals that pass through the camp at all hours and let themselves be admired peacefully,….
But what made our stay so special was the welcome we received from the entire camp team! Sheppard and his team pampered us. Zulu cooked us delicious dinners, taking care to please both parents and children. Finally, our guide Cliffy shared his immense knowledge of the park, his good humour and his patience with us. The football party he organised for the children in the savannah at sunset will live long in their memories! Thanks for everything!”

“Off the charts amazing Mana.  

Mana Pools is probably my favourite place in the world.
Nyamatusi Mahogany really do this stunning place justice.
We went as a family of 4 with kids aged 7 and 10. Both us and the kids were treated like family/royalty.
Nyamatusi is split in 2 with Mahogany being child friendly – way beyond friendly really.
The lodge setting is perfect, great views over the river floodplain with game a constant in camp and on the plain.
Activities were varied, not just game drives, and every one was as close to perfection as I have ever had.
We were guided by Nick who had a wealth of experience and knowledge but more that this he was amazing with the kids. Joyce hosted us and again nothing was too much for her. All the staff, Witness, Princess, Pamela and all the others made us so welcome and took a real interest in us – fantastic service and just made the stay perfect.
The wildlife was fantastic, great sightings every day, but for me Mana is about the landscape and the ‘feel’ and this can’t be beaten.”

I can’t rate this highly enough, my kids cried as we left and I might have had a bit of dust in my eye too.
This was a trip for my 50th and made my year. 

“Khwai Leadwood is an amazing, 5 star spot! 

Our extended family of 7 stayed at Khwai Leadwood in mid-June of 2023. We ranged in age from 4 to 76. The lodge and tents were comfortable and clean and right along the river. The views were beautiful and the sounds of the animals at night was like nothing we’ve ever heard before! The food was great and the service from Mimi, KG, and staff was 5 star. Sinkah was an amazing and knowledgeable guide. He was very patient with our four year old and also great with our 10 and 12 year olds. Khwai was definitely worth the work to get there. Two highlights were the helicopter ride of the area and a stop at the local school. I would highly recommend Khwai for a unique and exciting experience!”

“We really didn’t want to leave!!! 

We had the most amazing 5 days at Khwai Leadwood with our two boys (8 and 10 years)!!! Big thank you to our guide, DT, and our host Nico, for looking after us so well!! We didn’t want to leave and it was really sad for our boys to leave DT, Nico and all their friends at Khwai Leadwood behind. There were definitely tears when they had to say their farewells!!

It was not our first safari experience as a family, but it was truly a magical experience!! Even if its the wet season, there was still plenty of game in the concession and the Moremi Nature Reserve. We saw several prides of lions (very up close), a croc and lioness encounter, tracked for leopard, hippos on land, had morning teas/sundowners with elephants and next to busy waterholes! On top of that, this seaon was full of spectular natural lightning displays at night with the soundtrack of noisy frogs! It was incredible!

DT was an amazing guide and so fabulous with our boys – he was patient, knowledgeable and funny. He must have lazer sharp eyes and spotted wildlife miles ahead. When he finally found the leopard we were tracking, we couldn’t even see it until we were much closer! He listened to all our questions and answered them patiently. He stopped to teach us how to read the footprints/tracks, explained about the large elephant bones, taught us about animal behaviour and the flora and fauna around us.

Our family tents were just perfect for us – the kids tents were far enough away via a connected corridor while us parents had our own space and privacy as well. And do not be fooled by the word “tent” – they were luxurious and extremely comforable. With the full on activities, the comfy bed and surroundings were just want we needed.

Nico and his team were perfect hosts. From the singing welcome, and the uplifting choir, to attending to all our needs and for all our meals – they were just wonderful. They were also excellent with our boys, and catered to their tastes and needs. The boys loved the pizza making, full breakfast and all the treats during 3pm tea, not to mention the biltong, biscuits cupcakes during game tea breaks. We really were fed very well!

This was our second ABC experience (Thorntree) and we loved it what you do ABC! As our boys are a bit older this time, they will carry this memory with them for a long time! One of our boys made us promise him that we will take him back within 2 years….how could you say no to him when he’s crying on the flight back to Maun.”