Tashinga Camp: A Wild Lake Kariba Escape Worth The Drive

Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe is bordered by huge areas of protected land, and the Tashinga camp on the southern shore is becoming increasingly popular. The stunning wilderness area struggled with a decline in wildlife, but more recently, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZPWMA) teamed up with African Parks.

There is not just an improvement in the protection of the animals and environment, but also renewed interest in accommodation facilities.

Getting There

Recently, we caught up with Melinda Wolvaardt and her family, who visited Tashinga in August. Their experience exceeded their expectations when it came to activities and accommodation options offered by the Matusadona Conservation Trust.

The park sits on the edge of the Ume River estuary. Getting there comes with several options. From the town of Kariba on the northern shore, visitors can travel directly to Tashinga by boat. For those with a bigger budget, there is also an airstrip at Tashinga for private and charter aircraft.

Taking A Road Trip

For those traveling by road from Harare as Melinda’s family did, it’s an adventure in its own right. Melinda’s family used a 4×4, which is essential because the road isn’t in good condition. She noted that in places, “the road is very sandy.” 

They took the recommended route via the road to Kariba/Chirundu, with roadside stops available at Lion’s Den and near Karoi. Top up your fuel before you turn off the main road. Look out for the Magunje-Binga turnoff, which takes you to the Chifudze Gate at the park.

Prepare for approximately ten hours on the road from Harare to Tashinga, including about three hours between Chifudze Gate and the camp.

It is important to carry a phone and have access to GPS. If you are not traveling in convoy, spare tyres, a toolbox and someone with basic mechanical skills could prove invaluable. The Coordinates are -16.813071, 28.446178.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation options listed by Heartveld Adventures range from ordinary camping and hired tents to self-catering cottages and the more luxurious Albida Camp.

Basic furnishings are available in the hired tents, while the cottages and Albida Camp provide more facilities. However, visitors should take their food and other essential supplies with them.

You can see the full range of options on the website.

Melinda opted for a small unit that came with two beds and options for extra bedding for a child. It was situated in the Mopane/Mahogany area. They had some privacy because of the space between camps, but what struck them was that the price was affordable for her, her husband, and their six-year-old daughter.

Wildlife and Activities

It should be noted that the camp is unfenced, and young children should be supervised at all times. The unit has a separate kitchenette equipped with everything visitors might need for self-catering.

Animals wander freely through the unfenced camp, so it is important to keep doors and windows closed when the accommodation is unattended.

Melinda also advised visitors not to bring citrus fruit into the camp because elephants are particularly fond of it.

The park offers boat rides, fishing opportunities and guided game drives for visitors who do not have their own vehicles. As they wanted time to relax, Melinda’s family took advantage of these options and also went on guided walks.

All in all, their feedback was that a stay at Tashinga Camp is definitely worth putting on your bucket list.

For bookings, you can visit the Matusadona website, email reservations.matusadona@africanparks.org, or call/WhatsApp Zimbabwe on +263 78 677 4616.

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