Curious to know what a day in paradise at Changa Safari Camp in Kariba is like? Well to begin with, each visit is perfectly suited to your individual needs, preferences and tastes, ensuring you have the most memorable stay with us. We have shared with you below a full day’s experience, so as to provide you with a glimpse of what you can look forward to on your next trip to Lake Kariba.
5.30am – Wakey-Wakey Rise and Shine, it’s Safari Time!
As the sunrises at dawn, you’ll be awoken by the chirping of birds outside your tent and the age-old “knock-knock” on your door, where a tray of hot tea, coffee and homemade biscuits will be delivered to you. What better way to start your day? Timings of the wake-up call may vary slightly due to seasons and timings of the sunrise.
We suggest dressing up in layers so you can shed them later, as mornings are typically cool but tend to get warmer once the sun is up.
6.00am – 9.00am Your First Activity of the Day
Your friendly guide will meet you in the lounge area before departing on your chosen morning activity. Whether it’s a game walk or drive, early morning fishing trip on the lake or a trip to the Sanyati Gorge, you are guaranteed an exciting few hours to begin your day in Kariba.
The best game viewing we find is often in the early morning as the animals begin their grazing and head to the closest water point before the heat of the day sets in. Expect to see elephants, zebra and buffalo along the lake shoreline or in the park itself. Before heading back to camp, we will stop for a relaxing tea break where you can enjoy a range of teas and coffees and freshly baked treats al fresco-style, while immersed in the African bush.
10am – Breakfast Time
By mid-morning as the heat begins to increase and having quenched their thirst, the animals will begin retreating into the shade and thick bush, which means it’s time for you to return to camp for a delicious and well-deserved breakfast prepared freshly by our team of expert chefs.
Now it’s your time to relax
As temperatures rise during the hottest hours of the day, we suggest you follow in the footsteps of the animals, and enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation back in camp. We invite you to make yourself at home in our comfortable lounge area which is the perfect spot to read a book or play a board game or recline back by the pool area on a sun lounger with an iced cold drink and panoramic views of the vast blue lake. Bliss!
With the lapping of the waters from the lake, the distant call of the famous African Fish Eagle, this little oasis of tranquillity is the ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
1pm – Lunchtime
Our gourmet cuisine will certainly be a highlight of your trip to Changa Safari Camp. Using only the freshest of ingredients, our chefs lovingly prepare a variety of delicious meals for you to enjoy throughout your stay. Lunch is served al fresco-style under our open-air thatched dining room or under the zig-zag Terminalia tree, overlooking our private beach and the Lake Kariba shoreline.
After lunch, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, catch-up on some light reading, document your birdlife and wildlife sightings from the morning activity or retreat to your tent for a well-deserved siesta.
3.30pm – Afternoon Tea Time
We invite you to join us for a tasty afternoon tea in our lounge area with your guide and the rest of the guests in camp. After a glass of homemade iced tea or freshly brewed local coffee, served with a range of baked goodies, you will venture out for your next chosen activity. Don’t forget to bring along a hat, sunglasses, sun cream, insect repellent and a camera to capture that iconic Lake Kariba sunset shot!
4.00pm– 7.00pm – Your Second Activity of the Day
With the heat from the afternoon slowly passing, the wildlife becomes a little more active. Your knowledgeable guide will ensure you visit the very best spots to view a variety of game and birdlife, as they emerge from the shaded bushveld.If this is your first trip to Lake Kariba, you are in for a treat with the sunsets being some of the most spectacular and breath-taking moments you will witness. Watching the warm colours surround you and reflect off the lake, paired with an ice-cold sundowner with no one else around you, is sure to be an ultimate part of your day.Make sure to have your camera at the ready to capture that frame-worthy photograph to remember for years to come.
As mosquitoes become most active from dusk, we recommend that you dress in long trousers and tops, and apply insect repellent to avoid attracting their attention.
7.30pm – Dinner Time
A candle-lit dinner is served with the beat of a drum sharply at 7.30pm and is held at a different location for each night of your stay. Expect to enjoy a traditional meal set around the campfire on the sandy beach, under starry African skies, or a fine-dining experience on our lovely deck area overlooking the lake. For those opting for a more personal and romantic setting or to celebrate a special occasion, private dining can be organised, and we love to make it as memorable as we can for you.
Our Chef will serve you a delicious 3-course dinner, of which a few favourites include our famous local fish and chips and our delectable Amarula Crème Brulee. Should you have any dietary requirements please do let us know at the time of your booking so we can ensure your meals are tailored around you.
Time for Bed
With our early wake-up calls, most guests are ready to wind-down for the day shortly after dinner. We invite you to soak up the sounds of the African bush as you enjoy a nightcap from the comfort of your private deck or a luxurious open-air bath.
For those not quite ready to say goodnight, we welcome you to enjoy an after-dinner tipple whilst stargazing under the night’s sky and sharing the adventures of the day with other guests or sitting back and listing to our guides fireside tales of Lake Kariba’s history and the legendary Nyami-Nyami – a firm favourite with guests!
If you are longing to have a taste of our little piece or paradise, we invite you to take advantage of our mid-season special rate now available at Changa Safari Camp for September and October which are also peak game viewing months. Find out more about our latest specials here.
The combination of fresh air in a relaxing African environment is food for the soul and we promise you will leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after your stay with us.
