Goliath Safari Camp
This safari company has been going for 30 years in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park and it consistently gets rave reviews. It's owned and run by ‘Stretch’ Ferreira, one of southern Africa’s most experienced and legendary guides. By all accounts, he seems to be an ‘elephant whisperer', able to communicate and develop relationships with individual wild animals and get really close to them and other dangerous game.
Highlights
- Owner-run by well-respected, highly experienced guide
- Takes guests up close to elephants and lions for intimate experience
- Scenic setting on the banks of the Zambezi
- Personally guided bush walks
- Game viewing by canoe
- Great fishing (bring own tackle)
- Excellent birdlife
- Small, well-run camp
Situated in a scenic spot on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in the lower Zambezi Valley, Stretch and his team have created a unique and welcoming safari lodge that has guests returning year after year.
Semi-permanent tented camp
The camp sleeps a maximum of 12 people in 6 twin-bedded luxury Meru-style tents with an open-air en-suite bathroom, complete with shower, basin and flush toilet. Mosquito nets are provided. Goliath camp is closed in the rainy season, usually from December to the beginning of April.
Safari activities
Stretch offers a lot of personally-guided walking and canoeing safaris. Game drives are offered in open safari vehicles. There are no set routines at Goliath and activities are arranged according to what you’d like to do. Stretch’s guiding skills are very intuitive and you will experience an unforgettable wildlife safari in one of the most unspoilt corners of southern Africa.
Wildlife
At Goliath, you have a good chance to see lion, wild dog, an abundance of elephants, buffalo, the occasional leopard, eland, kudu, crocodile and hippo.
Excellent meals
The food is great: fresh and well prepared. A typical dinner consists of a 3-course meal served with wine in the open-air dining area.
Getting there
It’s possible to self-drive to Mana Pools, but access is restricted for vehicles in the rainy season (November to April). 4x4 vehicles are essential. There are flights from Harare and Victoria Falls to Kariba with a connecting flight to the Mana Pools airstrip.
Our take on Goliath Safari Camp
Stretch and his staff are warm and welcoming and run a professional operation. We got a good feel about the camp and the happy guests that return many times over. Try and include this destination on your Zimbabwean itinerary, but be sure to enquire ahead. They’re often fully booked.
Includes
- Accommodation in luxury, en-suite East African Safari tents
- All meals, alcoholic and soft drinks within reason, teas and coffees
- A choice of game drives, game walks, canoeing and fishing (please bring your own rods and tackle)
- Tourism Levy and VAT if applicable
- Transfers from Mana Main Airstrip
Excludes
- Transfers from major towns/cities
- Medical cover
- Conservation fee
