Zimbabwe, Mana Pools
Nestled beneath the canopy of towering trees and overlooking the Zambezi River floodplains, John’s Camp sits at the heart of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Known for its large populations of big game, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and hippos, Mana Pools offers a remarkable off-the-beaten-path safari experience that draws game year-round, ensuring exceptional wildlife viewing.
Accessible via fly-in, John’s Camp is a charming blend of simplicity and classic safari nostalgia, named after a renowned local guide. The camp consists of just six guest tents, each offering expansive views, solar lighting, and en suite bathrooms. The larger mess and lounge tents make up the main communal area, where guests can enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of the surroundings. With no fences around the camp, wildlife often roams freely, and children are welcome from the age of 12, unless the entire camp is booked for exclusive use.
Safari activities are centered around morning and afternoon game drives, where guests can spot a wide range of species, but John’s Camp also offers the opportunity to explore the park on foot with a knowledgeable guide. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, spend a night under the stars in a raised gauze dome, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness. Rugged yet comfortable, John’s Camp provides an intimate, personalized experience for seasoned safari-goers looking to immerse themselves in the heart of a pristine and remote wilderness.
Safari Tent
Set beneath a canopy of trees and thoughtfully spaced for privacy, each of the six tents at John’s Camp offers a spacious, walk-in design with a private outdoor seating area that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable double bed or twin beds, with the option for an additional bed to accommodate a child. The tents are equipped with ample storage space, ensuring a comfortable stay.
The eco-friendly solar-powered lighting adds convenience, while the attached bathroom features a bucket shower with hot water available on request, a basin with running water, and a flush toilet, providing all the necessary comforts in the heart of the African bush.
At the heart of John’s Camp are three large tents dedicated to the camp’s core functions: a kitchen, a dining room, and a lounge. These form the central hub of the camp, offering a simple yet comfortable atmosphere. Flanking either side of the central tents are the three accommodation suites, each providing a private and serene retreat. While the camp is deliberately modest, it offers essential amenities such as battery-recharging facilities for photographers eager to capture the safari experience.
Outside, a cozy campfire surrounded by chairs provides the perfect setting to share stories and reflect on the day’s adventures. For those seeking a truly unique experience, a raised pop-up gauze tent at the edge of the camp offers an unforgettable night under the stars, where guests can sleep on a platform with the vast African sky above them.
At John’s Camp, dining is a relaxed and immersive experience. While there is a dining tent, guests often prefer to enjoy their meals outdoors, whether under the shade of a tree or beneath the expansive African sky. Meals are freshly prepared in camp, with complimentary bottled water always available.
Each day begins early with a light breakfast of tea, coffee, rusks, and fresh fruit before heading out on a morning game drive. Afterward, a hearty mid-morning brunch is served, often in the bush, with freshly cooked bacon and eggs to order. Dinner is a more indulgent affair, beginning with drinks and canapés around the campfire, followed by a three-course meal. Guests may enjoy locally caught fish, game meat, and an array of fresh fruits and vegetables, making for a truly satisfying end to a day in the wilderness.
