My mom and I (58 and 30 years old respectively) just returned from a trip to Mana Pools, and stayed at Vundu, and had the best time there!

We had Simeon as our private guide, who was so knowledgable about all the animals, their behaviors, as well as the tree/plant life in the area. He did a great job at listening to what we wanted to get out of our vacation to Mana Pools -- for us it wasn't about seeing a particular animal and "checking it off the list"...we were more interested in seeing an animal and watching its behavior and how it interacts with other animals/its environment. We tracked a young bull elephant for a few hours one morning while it was feeding, another morning we came across 2 female lions -- we were only a few feet away when one of them started to roar right in front of us! It was nice to be able to do some walking tours, rather than sitting in a vehicle all day. At night, we did a few night drives, and at times we would turn off the vehicle and all lights, to just

Sundowners each night was one of our favorite parts of the day. Spending a few hours just relaxing with a drink of choice, watching the sun go down over the mountains and Zambezi River was so peaceful.

On our last morning, along with Nick (owner), we were able to track down Tusker, one of their famed elephants. Tusker was resting/sleeping near a bushed area, and we watched as Nick approached Tusker and sat with him while he slept. To our surprise, Nick motioned for us to come and sit with him and Tusker! I had the opportunity to sit within 2-3 feet of the bull elephant, which will forever be imprinted in our memories. It was incredible to be so close to such a magestic animal, and to simply sit and watch him, & take in his beauty.

I would also recommend doing one of the afternoon canoe trips, which gave us an entirely different perspective of the river and the wildlife within it. We got lucky, and Tusker (elephant that we saw that morning), ended up crossing the river right in front of our canoe's that afternoon!

The tents were a little rustic, but comfortable. Staff would put down the mosquito nets each night. Would recommend a slightly larger curtain near the shower, as it didn't cover the entire screen window. Food was alright, and served as large family meal -- which was great to hear about everyone's adventure for the day. Drinks were plentiful, and I fell in love with the Amarula liquor that Africa is known for. The manager, Nats, surprised me with a bottle to bring home, as they don't sell it in the States!

Overall, it was an amazing stay, and would recommend Vundu to anyone considering a trip to Zim. We are actually already planning a trip to return to Vundu to show our husbands what an magical place Mana Pools can be!

An excellent camp, well organized. Every time I guide for Bushlife it is a pleasure and clients are always with satisfied with a unique experience. Game driving, walking a big part of the experience, canoeing, birding etc
Good facilities, safe and very comfortable accommodation in a pristine part of Mana Pools

If you want a trip of a lifetime with experience’s that words just aren’t enough to describe then visit Mana Pools and stay with Bushlife Safaris at Vundu Camp. The intensity of the experiences was phenomenal and the team at the lodge are very knowledgeable and experienced. You become part of the family. Wild dogs and elephants were the main ‘attraction’ and boy did the Bushlife team over deliver. You see wildlife from trucks, on foot and in kayaks. The wildlife is fantastic and Mana Pools is a very beautiful place, even at the height of the dry season. The lodge is located next to the beautiful Zambezi river. I can’t recommend this place enough. It is not a cheap place to visit but you will not regret spending the money. You really do get up close to the wildlife and get to observe amazing behaviour. My trip feels like a dream as I could never have envisaged the wildlife experiences I had. The Vunu Bushlife Team really understand and care for the wildlife and this adds to an already very special place.