Little Vundu is a few kilometers away from the main Vundu Camp. It is a bit smaller and during our 3 nights - we were the only 2 in camp. Our guide Mitch met us at the air strip and drove us to the lodge. We had already been to Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana where we had seen the big 5 many times over. On our way to the camp, Mitch saw some buffalo, hippos and baboons so we got out of the jeep and walked for a bit - which is not allowed in most of the parks. Our camp was beautiful - overlooking the mountains and the Zambezi River. The tent was huge with an on suite and running water. The beds were incredibly comfortable and the linens were perfect for the cooler nights. The food was excellent and the service unreal. The 2 of us were very spoiled! We visited the Vundu Camp to use one of the boats and met the manager Natalie who could not have been nicer. She kept checking with us (as did Mitch) to make sure everything was to our liking. Natalie saw we were going out on the boat without hats and quickly went to get us a couple to borrow. She was very thoughtful! This is one exceptional camp and if you are in Zimbabwe - you MUST come here. Mana Pools turned out to be one of our favorite of the entire trip and the camp cannot be beat. Thank you Natalie for the wonderful service and Mitch Riley - thank you - you are one outstanding guide!!!

This was our fifth trip to Southern Africa and by far the best. What Nick and his staff at Vundu Camp is able to provide is simply so much above what you get with a "typical" vehicle based safari that there is simply no comparison. At Vundu Camp the truck is just a way to get to your starting point. It's when the engine shuts off that the adventure begins. From tracking lions (and finding them) on foot, walking with a pack of wild dogs, getting close enough to elephants to count their eyelashes or dodging hippos while canoeing the Zambezi; a trip to Vundu Camp is a fully interactive few days of sensory overload in the bush. We were extremely fortunate to have the owner and lead guide Nick as our private guide. He has a reputation for getting "extremely close" and did not disappoint as we were able to walk with elephants, lions, hyenas and wild dogs; all at very close range. This is not your "typical" safari where you are driven from sighting to sighting. At Vundu camp you are as much participant as observer and that brings everything to another level.

Of the many highlights we had was spending an evening with one of Nick's favorite elephants, Tusker. The relationship he has with some of these bull elephants and Tusker in particular truly amazing.

The camp itself is an amazing touch of luxury in an exceptionally remote location. The main dining area is gorgeous with a beautiful view over the Zambezi and the chalets are spacious and comfortable. Natalie, the camp manager, keeps everything running like clock work with amazing service and great food prepared by head chef Lloyd.

We cannot thank Nick, Natalie and their team enough for making sure everything was perfect. I once read a review from an Africa Travel Guide that said the only bad thing about Vundu Camp and Mana Pools is that it's "just too good" and will ruin you for every thing else. They could not have been more right and we will definitely be back on our next trip in 2021.

Joe & Deb James

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!