Ruwesi Canoe Trail
This is a great way to travel through the heart of the Mana Pools area in Zimbabwe. The safari starts near the western boundary of Mana Pools near Ruckomechi and finishes just before Chikwenya. Over the three days you will cover a distance of 65 km. Children from six years are welcome on a privately guided safari with their family.
Accommodation & Facilities
The first night of the trail is spent at Little Vundu Camp, a traditional tented camp on the banks of Zambezi River with five walk-in ensuite tents with proper beds, bucket showers and flush loos. The following two nights are spent following the canoe trail downstream, staying at a different camps each night pitched on the riverside. The camps are erected by camp staff before your arrival and accommodation is in three by three metre walk-in tents each with an en-suite bucket shower and flush loo. Families are accommodated either by putting two tents together to make a large tent or by splitting parents up to share with respective children.
The canoe safari can be tailored to families depending on how much canoeing the family wants to do – often determined by the youngest. If a full day is too much, the trip can be adjusted to afternoon canoeing only with drives and walks in the morning , or vice versa. There are also paddlers so guests do not have to paddle themselves if they choose not to, or are too young. If full days are opted for, there are small mattresses to put out in the shade of a tree for midday naps.
Eating & Sleeping
Chefs are happy to provide earlier meal times if children need to get to bed early. Children are offered our standard meals or the chefs can provide nursery favourites eg pizza, hamburgers etc. If there are specific dietary requirements please request in advance to allow the kitchen to make the necessary purchases and plan the menu. Hot chocolate is always available in the mornings.
Wildlife & Activities
Guests paddle slowly downstream, floating past pods of hippos, basking crocodiles and herds of elephant. Part of the attraction and fun of this safari is that guests have the opportunity to experience wildlife at exceptionally close quarters under the guidance of experienced guides. The trails are for reasonably fit guests and perfect for adventurous travellers.
Specifically for children …
The three main guides Henry, Nick and Simeon are all in their 40s and have children of their own and are perfectly well suited to catering for children. The minimum age for canoeing and walking is six years. Life jackets and equipment are all size appropriate for children.
