Have you ever dreamed of a safari that combines thrilling wildlife encounters with world class fishing? Nestled along Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe, Changa Safari Camp offers an unforgettable blend of luxury and adventure. In this exclusive interview with Kevin Higgins, co-owner of Changa Safari Camp, we explore insider tips, wildlife highlights, and why this destination is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Getting to Changa Safari Camp: Your Adventure Begins
✈️ By Air: Chartered flights from Victoria Falls or Hwange land at an airstrip just 14 km from camp, followed by a scenic boat transfer.
🚘 By Road: Drive from Harare to Kariba town, then take a boat across Lake Kariba.
🏞️ Off Road Adventure: Drive through Matusadona National Park for a more rugged experience.
What Makes Changa Safari Camp Unique: Luxury Meets Wilderness
Changa Safari Camp isn’t just a place to rest your head it’s a destination that blends luxury with the raw beauty of the wild. This 20-bed retreat features six luxury twin tents and two family units, each equipped with indoor and outdoor showers and a star-lit bath on your private veranda. Imagine unwinding with a view of Lake Kariba stretching out before you. What truly sets Changa apart, though, is its lineup of activities. Guests can dive into wildlife and fishing safaris at Lake Kariba, chasing the lake’s famous tigerfish or spotting elephants along the shore. Game drives, walking safaris, and boat-based wildlife viewing round out the experience, while a lakeside pool offers the perfect spot to relax after a day of adventure.
Matusadona National Park: A Wildlife Paradise
Changa Safari Camp sits within Matusadona National Park, a 380,000-acre wilderness that feels like your own private playground. The park boasts three unique ecosystems: the lakeshore grasslands that shift with the seasons, the woodland valley floor with its rivers and springs, and the rugged mountainous escarpment. This diversity supports an incredible cast of wildlife think elephants, leopards, antelope, and over 350 bird species. Whether you’re exploring by boat or on foot, the park’s exclusivity means you might just have it all to yourself, making every moment feel like a personal discovery.
Best Time to Visit Lake Kariba Safari Lodges in Green Season
While the dry season gets a lot of love, the best time to visit Lake Kariba safari lodges in green season from November to April offers something truly special. During these months, the landscape explodes into a lush, green paradise, alive with birdlife and wildlife drawn to the water’s edge. As lake levels drop, grazing areas expand, making it easier to spot animals congregating along the shore. Plus, the milder temperatures and fewer crowds mean you can enjoy a quieter, more intimate safari experience. It’s the perfect time to soak in the beauty of Changa and Matusadona at their most vibrant.
Multi-Destination Safari Packages: Zimbabwe’s Ultimate Adventure
Why settle for one incredible destination when you can explore three? Changa Safari Camp is part of a multi-destination package that includes The Hide in Hwange National Park and John’s Camp in Mana Pools. This itinerary takes you through Zimbabwe’s top safari spots: Hwange’s vast wildlife herds, Matusadona’s wildlife and fishing safaris at Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools’ intimate encounters along the Zambezi River. With three nights at each location, you’ll get a front-row seat to the country’s diverse landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Lake Kariba Houseboat Safari Experiences: A Unique Twist
For a safari with a twist, Lake Kariba houseboat safari experiences offer a one-of-a-kind way to explore the region. While Changa itself focuses on land- and boat-based adventures, the broader Lake Kariba area is famous for its houseboat options, letting you drift across the lake while spotting wildlife from the water. Pair a stay at Changa with a houseboat excursion, and you’ve got a safari that combines the best of both worlds luxury on land and adventure afloat.
Sustainability and Conservation: Protecting the Wild
At Changa Safari Camp, conservation is more than a promise it’s a mission. Since 2019, Africa Parks has co-managed Matusadona National Park, supporting local communities with education, feeding programs for schoolchildren, and solutions for human-wildlife conflict. Before that, Kevin and his team launched the Matusadona Anti-Poaching (MAP) program in 2013, wiping out elephant poaching by 2019. When you visit Changa, you’re not just making memories you’re helping preserve this pristine wilderness for generations to come.
Safety in Zimbabwe: A Worry-Free Safari
If you’re hesitant about safety in Zimbabwe, Kevin Higgins has reassuring words: it’s one of Africa’s safest safari destinations. Travelers often book through trusted agents like Wild Sunsets Travel for extra peace of mind, but those who visit rave about their experiences. With Victoria Falls booming as a tourism hub and more guests discovering Matusadona and Hwange, Zimbabwe’s reputation is shifting and for good reason. It’s a welcoming, secure spot to explore the wild.
👉🏻 Book through trusted agents like Wild Sunsets Travel for peace of mind.
Unforgettable Safari Moments: A Guide’s Tale
Kevin’s favorite memory from Changa? A cheeky young elephant that wandered up to his vehicle during a game drive, sniffing his ear and face with its trunk. While some guests dove for cover, others captured the moment on video a perfect mix of thrill and laughter. It’s these spontaneous encounters that make Changa Safaris in Zimbabwe so unforgettable.
Your Next Adventure Awaits at Changa Safari Camp
Whether you’re hooked by the idea of wildlife and fishing safaris at Lake Kariba, the lush beauty of the green season, or the chance to explore Matusadona’s wild heart, Changa Safari Camp delivers an adventure like no other. With luxury accommodations, expert guides, and a deep commitment to conservation, it’s the ideal spot to make your safari dreams come true.
Ready to start planning? Reach out to Rael at rael@wildsunsets.travel or check out special offers at wildsunsets.travel to book your trip today.
Listen to the Full Podcast: Exclusive Interview with Kevin Higgins
Ready to hear more about Changa Safari Camp straight from the source? Tune in to the full episode of Keep Travelling, Your African Vacation below, where Rael Zieve chats with Kevin Higgins about wildlife, fishing, and the magic of Lake Kariba.