Stretch Ferreira Safaris which operates out of Goliath Camp in Mana Pools National Park is owned and run by Stretch Ferreira – a professional safari guide who has over 35 years of experience and his wife Adrienne. Stretch has the reputation as one of the finest guides in Africa. Described as a “living legend” Stretch has been guiding walking safaris in Mana Pools for most of his life, and has a special affinity with the animals of the area. All safaris are tailor-made to suit the guests in camp. There are no set routines, only wish-lists fulfilled. The camp sleeps a maximum of 12 guests in 8 luxury East African tents with ensuite facilities, all nestled amongst the trees on the banks of the Zambezi River. All meals are lovingly prepared in house using home grown produce from Stretch's own garden. Activities include walks, game drives, afternoon canoeing and fishing. Goliath Camp and Stretch have guests returning time and time again to experience the magic that is Mana Pools...
This was the best safari ever (19th. stay in Africa). We're staying for 7 nights and it was not enough. All the team is passionate to give you the best safari experience. The Camp itselve is wonderfull, after the refurbishment 4*+ with well decorated communal areas right in front of the Zambezi. The tents have good beds, mosquito nets, outside bathroom with flushing loo, a basin and hot shower and everything is clean. The tents stand a little to close together so you can hear your neighbours snoring and the the bathroom noise. The meals are really good, different drinks available. The sandwiches at bushbreakfast are to die for. Stretchs slogan: you must eat, you must drink. Many animals wander through the camp. Walking with Stretch is amazing, he is a ledgend. You can get so close to some bull elephants and we're sitting in front of male lions ca. 10 m. away 3 times and we felt comfortable, unbelievable. Sometimes when you’re walking you were mock charged by an bull elephant but Stretch whispers and the elie goes away. We were so lucky to be right inside lions hunting buffalos and to see the buffalos fighting back, this was an unusual experience also for Stretch and Alistair. We had so much fun with them. The only difficulty for me was that both were really fast walking in the bush. We hope our fotos and videos can preserve a little bit of our experiences. Thanks to all of the Stretch Ferreira Team for this great memorable trip. Mana Pools is a very special place on earth.
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Date of stay: September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our best safari stay (20th. stay in Africa) after last year (7 nights) by Stretch. This time we've being here for 14 nights. The Camp is wonderfull with well decorated communal areas right in front of the Zambezi the new wooden deck is verry nice for the sundowner and chatting with the other guests, Stretch and Al. The tents have good beds, mosquito nets, outside bathroom with flushing loo, a basin and hot shower and everything is clean. They have a new chef and the meals are really good like last year, different drinks are available. A highlight ist the bushbreakfast after a long walk. Many animals wander through the camp day and night. On the game drives/walks we are sitting close to Boswell, Fred Astair, Paul Newman and some other bull elephants it's amazing. We saw mating lions on foot, sat in front of young male lions, were mock charged by a bull elephant and saw the wild dogs several times, sleeping in front of us, charged by elephants and starting to go for hunting. Thanks to all of the Stretch Ferreira Team for this great stay again. Sorry for cleaning my boots again this time. Mana Pools is a very special place on earth we don't want to leave and we hope to come back here again next year. If you've been with Stretch you will not go to a regular safari anymore.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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Zimbabwe is well known for the quality of the guiding and the focus in many camps on walking safaris, not just drives, but Stretch and his team are unique. We had heard a lot about how close Stretch can get to some of the animals thanks to his many years as a guide and his knowledge of the animals. We had been watching some video clips on the internet, so we thought we had some idea of what to expect if we were very lucky. However, nothing can prepare you for the experience of being able to sit on the ground and just watch and wait as a bull elephant slowly strolls towards you, waves its trunk close to you and then having checked you out just wanders off into the distance.
From the moment we landed at the airstrip and were met by Liam, a learner guide and were asked if we wanted to go and see some wild dogs that Stretch, and the other guests were watching we knew we were in for an amazing experience. Having driven close to where the dogs were, we got out of the vehicle and were met by Alistair, who like Stretch has been guiding in Mana Pools for decades, and we were then walking briskly through the bush to where the others were sat under some trees quietly watching the dogs. What a start!
The feel in the camp is very relaxed, the tents are very comfortable, and the food is delicious. Like the man himself the camp is friendly, welcoming and a little eccentric. When we arrived at the camp we were met by Nicola and Natalie who though both fairly new to camp life couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful.
The main breakfast was served in the bush, where we would find Canaan, Nicola or Liam waiting with bacon and egg, or cheese and tomato toasted sandwiches and biscuits and cake. By then we would often have been walking for a couple of hours, so it was a great way to re-charge the batteries, ready for the rest of the morning adventures.
Our first afternoon encounter with the dogs set the scene for the next four days of our stay. We had four very close encounters with some bull elephants including Paul Newman and Toothpick, we saw Boswell who is famous for the way he stands up on his back legs to reach the highest branches, followed Fred Astaire on a morning stroll and were charged by Donald Trump and JD…………
His intention is always to give his guests a chance of a unique experience but without disturbing the animals. We had an amazing experience watching an elephant settling in for a snooze, leaning up against a fallen tree. He didn’t seem bothered at all by this small group of people sat at his feet and staring up at him in awe.
We not only had close encounters with elephants, and a second encounter with the wild dogs but we also saw a pride of eight lions, first when they were relaxing in the morning sun and then shortly after when they stole a kill from a pack of hyenas. Sitting on the ground watching a pride of lions on a kill, listening to them snarling and growling as they tried to get the best spot was amazing, and also slightly scary.
This was an incredible and unique experience, even though it was our eighth safari, and we’re planning to return here soon.
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Date of stay: September 2022
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Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Still struggling to come to terms with being back in the UK after far too short a stay with Stretch, Al, Adrienne and the rest of the awesome team! We had the most fantastic and surreal time, and will treasure our experiences until our next visit. We walked amongst hyenas, we were breathed on by a very relaxed Eric the elephant (back leg crossed over and trunk dangling over his tusk as he stared down at us at sunset), we were growled at by a lion in a knee-weakening but super-exciting moment, we saw the most incredible bird life, and watched indescribable sunrises and sunsets that have to be seen to be believed. The icing on the cake for me was the leopard call on our last morning - wow! The food was extremely delicious and plentiful, and we were looked after so very well by the friendliest people. I feel that we arrived as clients and left as friends, and can't wait to return. We miss you all! Thank you so much for everything.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our group of 11 were pampered by Stretch and Adrienne and their staff. The food was absolutely amazing and the experiences were more so. Being serenaded daily by the hippos, seeing Hyena, baboons and elephants in camp and hearing that elusive leopard was unbelievable! Liam was so knowledgeable on many topics, but especially informative on the wildlife we encountered. The girls were so kind and attentive, very professional and just fun to be around! We enjoyed ourselves immensely and did not want to leave our new friends. Stretch and Al put in the hard work that enabled us to get up close to 2 lioness, the infamous ele Boswell-getting up on his hind legs to get branches, and painted dogs near their kill. Sundowners at breathtaking spots were a highlight. Hope to one day return, but will forever smile big every time I think of this amazing place!
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Date of stay: July 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’ve just spent 3 soul-replenishing nights at Stretch Ferreira’s Mana Pools camp.
What makes this camp different – and more special – than any other I have ever experienced is the personal sense of being included in a big adventure – a feeling of sharing the enthusiasm and passion of Stretch, Alistair and all the staff. From the moment you arrive, you are not just another tourist. You’re a unique part of this immersive experience and every day brings new encounters with a range of wildlife unlike anywhere else on earth.
Among the many highlights for me were:
Walking through the bush with Stretch and Al, as they tracked for wild dogs and lion; up close and personal encounters with elephants Boswell and Eric, while they pulled down great acacia branches, canoeing silently past hippos and crocodiles; sitting with a gin & tonic watching the sun sink behind the Zambian escarpment, while hippos wallowed in the sunset glow; and the laughter – Stretch’s unique sense of humour and fun!
The camp is top class – luxuriously comfortable tents with ensuite bathrooms, outstanding meals (Adrienne has taken the cuisine to a new level!) and attentive and helpful staff.
My only regret is that I didn’t book 5 nights instead of 3 – but I’m about to do so for next year. I can’t wait!
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Date of stay: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am a passionate photographer and Mana Pools was on my list since several years.
Finally I was able to be there this year for a photographic safari with Carole and met Stretch as a unique and special guide.
I was definitely not expecting to be so close (~10 m) to free lions, lying on the ground while making photographs with other people.
But Mana Pools is not only Lions. It is also great scenery (Zambesi river, the forest) and of course Mana Pools Elephants. Stretch know them by name and behaviour. With "Paul Newman" you can get very close (less than 2m) and you are relaxed and quite. "Donald Trump"... better to pay attention. He is a little bit agressive.
And "Boswell" is the specialist of staying on two feet to get the best leafs from the trees.
I am already missing the bush and the ultimate safari in Mana Pools.
Will definitely get back in the future.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Cleanliness
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Room Tip:Tent number 7 is the honey moon larger tent and has a great view on the Zambesi River
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Most amazing up close safari you’ll experience. Stretch brings you next to the animals as he has a very special relationship with them. Beautifully decorated and elegant. I would want to live here!! If. you have the chance to go do it you will not be disappointed. Amenities were clean, food was excellent, lying in the zambezi river, watching hippos, elephants coming into camp, the lovely birds that feed from your hand. An exceptional experience and one we will ever forget. We hope to return soon for a longer stay in the cooler months.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Four magical days on the river, far away from the madness of this world. This camp is ideally situated, well thought out and very comfortable. In fact, the beds are too comfortable for the early morning rises out of snug duvets! Food was top class, thank goodness for the walking! Stretch is a legend, what an amazing guy, so full of knowledge, so patient in answering the myriad of questions. I certainly had "my moment", more than one in fact, and this trip will forever live in my thoughts. Thanks to the whole team for going above and beyond to make us so comfortable. Makorokoto!
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Date of stay: July 2020
Location
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Service
Room Tip:Tent 4 of course!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stretch Ferreira is an elephant whisperer and master tracker. If you want a true bush experience with attention to detail this Safari is for you. Stretch and his team provide a 5 star personal authentic experience . The accommodations and food are first class. Stretch’s wife Adrian handles the menus and ambience. She is amazing. Every person on the staff makes you feel a part of the family. The setting is what I would have expected the Garden of Eden to look like . You will awake to a blazing sunrise and might have an elephant hanging out around your tent at bedtime. It’s not easy to get there and worth the effort. This was our second visit and I will be back.
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Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Make sure you allow ample time to get from your charter flight to your connection. Take clothes...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would be happy to help.
Yes, there are baboons and zebras, as well as elephants, hippos, crocs, lions, leopards, buffalo, hyenas, and wild dogs.
Unfortunately, there are no giraffes or rhinos.
I would highly recommend a visit.
Hi Chrissie.
Thank you for for your interest in Goliath. You will need to get a private charter into Mana Pools from Harare Airport. We can supply you with their details.
Best regards.
Hi Dhlamini. Apologies for my delay in replying, we have been in Mana documenting the first rains. I'm afraid that we only open at the beginning of May due to the rains. Would that suit you?
Best regards
Flo
There are more places to choose from in the Mana Pools National Park area.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Goliath Safaris Luxury Tented Camp
LOCATION
ZimbabweMashonaland Central ProvinceMana Pools National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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