Experience wild camping on safari in Zimbabwe
Enjoy a safari adventure in Gonarezhou National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s quietest areas.
On the banks of Zimbabwe’s Runde River lies Mahove tented camp, one of only three camps situated in Gonarezhou National Park. The river and lush surrounding areas attract a wide variety of wildlife, including elephant herds, packs of wild dogs and many game species. This camp is the ideal destination for travellers who want a proper wilderness camping experience in the African Bush. Mahove tented camp is seasonal, and is open between May to October, and is accessed by air flight and road transfer.
Accommodation consists of four spacious tents that are placed along the river banks. Each one has twin beds and an en-suite bathroom, with an outside seating area where you can sit and watch the wildlife going about their day to day lives. Main areas include an open-sided dining and lounge area, although meals can also be eaten outside under the African sky, with a chat around the campfire after dinner in the evenings.
The focus of activities at Mahove Tented Camp is game drives and bush walks, both of which allow guests the fantastic opportunity to get up close to Zimbabwe’s fascinating wildlife. There is the option to combine these two activities into one excursion, where you will get out of the vehicle at various intervals to explore areas on foot that cannot be reached by vehicle. With only three camps in a 5,000km game reserve, experiences have a private, intimate feel. You may be able to embark on boat and canoe trips, depending on the river’s water levels.

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Best places to stay in Gonarezhou National Park
Zimbabwe Trip Inspiration
When to visit Zimbabwe
Find out the best time to visit Zimbabwe with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is an excellent time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives.
February
February is the best time for birders. The days are warm, with the risk of afternoon rain showers, but they clear as fast as they arrive.
March
If you want to witness Vic Falls at its fullest, March is the month to visit, with huge volumes of spray, it is perfect if you want to see the gorges and geology of the area.
April
The world famous Mana Pools re-open in April. The days feel fresher as the wet season ends leaving the landscapes looking lush green, making it perfect for walking safaris.
May
In May, the days continue to feel fresh and bright making it a perfect time to venture out on walking safaris.
June
June heralds the return of winter, nights turn colder and the temperature dips - take plenty of layers as the temperature can drop below freezing. It is the perfect time for photographers to explore Hwange National Park before the busy holiday period.
July
Winter temperatures continue into July so take plenty of layers. Much like June, it is perfect for photographers looking to view wildlife from a different angle.
August
If you want clear, bright blue skies and continuous wildlife sightings, August is the month for you. Camps are likely to be fuller, however, if you visit private concessions you can still experience exclusivity and no crowds.
September
Much like August, September is an amazing time for wildlife spotting and weather, in particular it is considered the best time of year to see elephant herds in Hwange National Park.
October
In October wildlife sightings are at their peak as the dry season ends. If you travel during this month you can experience hot days with temperatures soaring up to 40 degrees.
November
November is the best time to head out with expert guides and view resident and migratory bird species. The days are warm, with the risk of rain, this clears very fast as it arrives. It is low season and one of the best times to go white water rafting at Vic Falls, the volume and speed of the water is reduced exposing the rapids.
December
In December the days are warm with the risk of rain showers mid afternoon. The rivers rise and dependant on water levels travellers can visit 'devils pool' at Vic Falls, providing high excitement and a head for heights needed if you want to get close to the drop off.
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