Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. The Savé Valley Conservancy in Zimbabwe’s southern lowveld area forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which straddles the borders of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. The Save River forms the conservancy’s eastern boundary and varying altitudes in the valley and terrain have created distinct habitats for flora and fauna.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
AIR – Harare International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Airport Bulawayo, Victoria Falls International Airport, Kariba Airport, Charles Prince Airport, Masvingo Airport and Buffalo Range.
ROAD – Chirundu, Nyamapanda, Beitbridge, Victoria Falls, Forbes, Kazungula, Plumtree and Kariba.
CURRENCY
There are currently no restrictions on foreign currency to be imported into Zimbabwe. However, a maximum of US$ 2000 or its equivalent can be exported out of the country.
Zimbabwe uses multiple currencies as legal tender comprising of US Dollar, British Pound, European Euros, South African Rand and Botswana Pula.
The mostly acceptable means of payment in most establishments is US $ based or its equivalent.
The use of international credit cards is not guaranteed for cash withdrawals.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
All visitors coming to Zimbabwe from infected areas are requested to possess vaccination certificates against cholera and yellow fever with the exception of children under the age of one.
It is not advisable to swim in the countries rivers and dams as they may be infected with bilharzia or crocodiles however tap water is usually safe to drink.
The SVC is situated in a malaria area and it is advisable to take a course of anti-malaria tablets such as prophylaxis as a precaution. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before travelling to the area. Most camps in the Conservancy have mosquito nets and repellents.
Operators in the SVC offer safaris year round. The peak season runs from April through September during the dry season. As the season progresses animals become more concentrated around water holes, the grass dies down, and trees lose their leaves, all making animals easier to view on game walks, drives, and from hides. Even in the coldest months of June and July, daily temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees F, and usually rise to 75 degrees F during the day. Starting in August daily temperatures rise and September can be hot during mid day when most animals and clients relax in the cool shade.
The activities available to clients vary according to each lodge and its natural habitat. Activities include game drives in open vehicles, game viewing from comfortable (and sometimes uncomfortable) hides near water points, and game walks and tracking. Clients are accompanied by licensed professional guides who can identify the area’s flora and fauna, animal behavior, and the interrelationships between habitats and animals. At most lodges there is no set schedule of daily activities. Instead, clients and guides work out plans on a daily basis depending upon clients’ interests and the availability of unique viewing opportunities like reports of a nearby elephant herd, a fresh leopard or lion kill, an active eagle’s nest, or a denning pack of wild dogs. Picnics or sundowners can be organized on tops of kopjes (small granite mountains) or along river banks at mid day or sunset.
Rhino and elephant tracking are unique opportunities in the Conservancy. Zimbabwe laws permit tracking animals on foot when accompanied by licensed professionals. This is often not the case elsewhere in southern and east Africa. If you are quiet and fit you can usually find these animals and get close enough for photographs during a half day walk.
There are 16 packs of African Painted Dogs in the SVC, though numbers vary annually. During denning season, May through July, the packs become semi-habituated to vehicles and clients can photograph pups and adults cavorting around the den. Certain Conservancy lodges specialize in wild dog viewing.
Don’t be afraid of the dark! Have a cookout on a kopje and watch the stars and constellations, some of which are unique to the Southern Hemisphere, like the Southern Cross. Take a light and on the way back to camp look for the many birds and animals that are mostly nocturnal, like nightjars, bush babies, owls, civets, serval, African spotted cats, and leopards. Position trail cameras at waterholes in the late afternoon and be surprised in the morning at what came to drink in the dark.
Fishing is offered by Conservancy lodges that have large dams (lakes) that are stocked with large-mouth bass and bream.
Individual properties operate safari lodges in the Conservancy that differ in size, natural location, and price range. These are featured below and for any bookings or further inquiries, please contact us via email on admin@savevalleyconservancy.org
Majehwe Lodge is our private experience camp which consists of an open plan lounge & dining area with a deck overlooking the Turgwe River.
It currently has 2 rooms; 1 signature room with bathroom en-suite & its own private deck & 1 regular room with bathroom en-suite.
If there are more than 4 people, then the rest of the party will have to camp. No camping equipment is provided. The camp is run on solar power, and has a backup generator. WiFi is available. Please note we are situated in the bush and connectivity is slow.
Mokore Main Camp is situated along the Turgwe River & consists of 6 stone under thatch en-suite lodges. This camp has a mahogany deck extending out over the
Turgwe River which makes for great
viewing & relaxation.
All rates are inclusive of a chef and housekeeper during your stay.
Wifi is available at Main Camp for a fee on a voucher system, however it must be kept in mind that Mokore is situated in the bush and connectivity is slow.
Mokore Main Camp has full electricity with a backup generator however don’t forget to pack your torch as you will be sure to use it during your stay as the occasional electrical cut is bound to occur.
Gwezi Camp Site is a camping facility along the bank of the Turgwe River & is nestled under big Albida & Mahogany Trees.
A great spot for the real camping enthusiast.
Campsite consists of:
• 1 Flush toilet.
• 1 Shower & hot water heater.
• Braai area.
• Washing up area.
• Firewood.
• A Mokore staff member to carry water & make fires.
Chishakwe straddles some of the most beautiful and diverse bush in the South East Lowveld. The varying habitat and terrain allows for a broad spectrum of animal and bird sightings against a spectacularly wild back drop. There are a number of comfortable accommodation options for visitors to choose from:
RIVER CAMP:
A stay in the Chishakwe River Camp is an immersion into the tranquility of the bush. Enjoy excellent food, discreet personalised service and comfortable accommodation without losing the authenticity of staying in a bush camp.
RANCH HOUSE AND HUNTER’S HOUSE:
Roomy houses dating back to the days when Chishakwe was a part of the famous Devuli Cattle Ranch. Both houses offer a perfect Lowveld base for families and friends wanting a laid-back bush holiday.
STONE COTTAGE:
A charming and cosy bushveld getaway for just two people.
Located at the junction of the Turgwe and Savé rivers in Zimbabwe’s south-east Lowveld, Humani is the very epi-centre of the renowned Savé Valley Conservancy.
The Turgwe River Lodge Camp is high above the Turgwe River. With 5 semi open en-suite thatch chalets which sleep 2 people each very comfortably. Each overlooks the river allowing visitors to enjoy stunning views without even leaving camp.
This intimate thatched lodge, is synonymous with safari and bush lodges throughout africa. It offers all the comforts of home in an undisturbed retreat where you can regenerate your soul and tune into the sounds of nature. The lodges are close to the Nyerezi River bed, which is dry most of the year round. The lodge offers comfortable 2 roomed chalets, with en-suite indoor and outdoor showers, for the adventurous. Nyerezi Safari Lodge can accommodate up to 12 guests in shared accommodation.
Hammond Ranch is a private property, so you can plan your holiday as you would like to spend it. Check out our suggested activities.
4 Double rooms, two with lofts. Ideal for a family with kids, 2 Double Rooms, 2 Single Rooms, Ensuite showers and toilets, Mosquito nets, Ceiling Fans, Kitchen for self-catering, and Dining at gazebo.
Senuko Safari Lodge meaning “The place where animals drink” has eight twin-bedded chalets with open fronts and roll-down screens, allowing visitors to look out over the countryside. Each room contains two four-poster beds and has an en-suite bathroom with a bath and a shower. The lodge is built with local hardwoods and blended into a granite hill giving it a unique character. The communal area consists of a small swimming pool with a sundeck and a patio where visitors relax in the evening with a drink before dinner; the central dining room and bar have panoramic views over the local area.
The Suni Villa overlooks the Mokore River and is decorated individually for a unique African safari atmosphere. Furnishings have been carefully selected to ensure that timeless chic meets the sophistication and comfort. Suni Villa offers consummate privacy and space in natural surroundings. The Generously proportioned living area and all-round floor-to-ceiling windows open the view over the Sango Wildlife Conservancy. The spacious barrier free bathroom opens to the wooden deck with outdoor shower and private BBQ area.
Suni Villa Features
Sleeps up to 2 guests, Outside BBQ area, Fire Place, Yoga platform, Laundry service, Panoramic view, Mini Bar, Mosquito nets & repellent, Ensuite bathroom with tub & shower, Wi-Fi throughout the library.
Syringa is a beautiful flowering tree with an amazing fragrance growing all around Sango. The Syringa is our largest villa in the Sango Ingwe Lodge and perfect for families, honey mooners or couples. The Syringa Villa has a king size bed that can be converted into two single beds upon request. The large balcony provides perfect privacy with spectacular views over the wild Sango bush. Your own private dipping pool on the patio invites you to cool down after a long game drive or to start your day with a refreshing bath and the fireplace with a comfortable couch and cosy armchairs is perfect to share your day’s sightings in a romantic atmosphere.
Syringa Villa Features
Sleeps 2 guests, Plunge pool, Gym with Technogym equipment, Yoga platform, Laundry service, Wi-Fi throughout the library, Panoramic views, Mini Bar, Mosquito nets & repellent, Fire place, Ensuite bathroom, and Indoor & outdoor shower.
Our Baobab Villa takes its name as it is individually designed around a giant baobab tree and massive granite rocks to suit and embrace the natural setting. The Baobab Villa consists of spacious room flooded by natural light and features a king size bed that can also be reconfigured into two single beds. The upper deck provides additional space for two adults or children. The cosy fireplace guarantees romantic moments. The long outside deck with access to the outdoor shower allows a great surrounding view with complete privacy from the main lodge.
Baobab Villa Features
Sleeps up to 2- 4 guests, Fire Place, Yoga platform, Laundry service, Wi-Fi throughout the library, Panoramic views, Mini Bar, Mosquito nets & repellent, Outdoor shower, and Ensuite bathroom with tub & shower.
Chinga swamps are natural pans that are surrounded by yellow fever trees. The sun-kissed Chinga Villa is designed for the highest guest comfort with finest bed linen, soft pillows and a cosy fire place. The bathroom offers every indulgence while being spacious and bright with the most decadent deep bath tub and soft towels. The large terrace invites you to spend some time relaxing in total privacy with a glance at Africa’s wildlife.
Attached to the Chinga Villa is another double room with separate entrance and private shower and WC. Chinga Villa is perfect for families with children or a group.
Chinga Villa Features
Sleeps up to 4 guests, Yoga platform, Laundry service, Wi-Fi throughout the library, Panoramic view, Mini Bar, Mosquito nets & repellent, Fire place, and Ensuite bathroom with tub & shower.
A thirty-minute drive across the bush from Sango Ingwe Lodge is Sango Dadiso Camp. The two elegant pavilions were built in 2021 and enchant with spacious atmosphere of peerless comfort and privacy. Dadiso is Shona the local dialect and means "A place of reverence and pride“.
Complementing the high standard and natural material palette of Sango’s accommodations, the two generously proportioned pavilions each have a spacious indoor living area, ensuite bath with shower & tub as well as an oversized terrace with fire pit. A plunge pool in the main area.
Dadiso Tented Pavillon Features
Sleeps up to 2 guests, Fire Place, Ensuite bathroom with tub & shower, Plunge Pool, Mosquito nets & repellent and Yoga platform.
A thirty-minute drive across the bush from Sango Ingwe Lodge, Sango Dadiso Camp collection of 2 elegant and spacious one bedroom pavilions and 2 standart tents elevate the wilderness experience to one of peerless comfort and privacy. Dadiso is Shona the local dialect and means "A place of reverence and pride“.
Sango offers two luxury en suite tents that are nestled within the heart of the evergreen riverine forest stretching along the Msaize River. Each accommodation combines the adventure of a tent with the sophistication of a permanent structure and is comprised of a bedroom, en suite bathroom and private deck. Personalised service and impeccable attention to detail that will ensure you enjoy your Out of Africa experience without missing the luxury of modern amenities.
Dadiso Standard Tent Features
Sleeps up to 2 guests, Fire Place, Yoga platform, Lapa tent, Plunge Pool, Ensuite bathroom with shower, and Mosquito nets & repellent.
