Natureways Safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 1987)
- Member Of:
- ZTA & SOAZ
- Tour Types:
- Budget & mid-range canoe safaris
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $286 to $500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
DE
Email Serena and Thomas | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
One of the best experience we had!
Our 4 day canoe safari with Natureways on the Zambezi at Mana Pools is something we will never forget. It was one of those experiences that makes you feel very alive, very present and deeply connected to nature
Everything was organized with such care and the food was wonderful. We felt looked after with an amazing and well organized team.
Being on the river changes the way you experience wildlife and we really enjoyed it because it was so different to other safari experiences (walking, driving). You move quietly and you share the same space as the animals rather than just observing from a distance. We watched elephants cross the river in front of us, heard lions at night and even had a lion sighting from the shore. Inbetween we also had walking safaris, which we also really enjoyed. We floated past hippos with a respectful distance and awareness. It was wild and close, but never in a way that felt unsafe.
Our guides made all the difference. They were calm, incredibly knowledgeable and deeply respectful. No pushing for sightings, no forcing encounters, no disturbing of animals – just being present and reading the bush as it is and explaining a lot ot really interesting facts. That we really enjoyed and appreciated.
There were moments full of excitement and adrenaline. But we felt safe the entire time. The balance between adventure and security was perfect.
We are so grateful for the experience for all the knowledge that was shared with us, the super friendly team and the perfect organization. Also a big thank you to Kelly, she helped us a lot to make this dream of trip come true and we would return in a heartbeat. THANK YOU!!
Email CBHZ Steenhoek | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The Safari We Are Most Likely to Repeat
We went on a canoe safari with Natureways and it was by far the most unique safari experience we have ever had.
While planning a three-week trip to Africa, we knew we wanted to do two safaris but didn't want the second one to feel repetitive after spending time in Sabi Sands. As frequent campers in the U.S., frequent kayakers and canoeists, and an adventurous family overall, a canoe safari seemed like the perfect choice.
We spent three days and nights canoeing down the Lower Zambezi River through Mana Pools National Park with our professional guide Mark and learner guide Admire. Mark's decades of experience were immediately apparent. Despite close encounters with elephants, a massive crocodile estimated at nearly 18 feet long, water monitors, and what felt like hundreds of hippos, we never once felt unsafe. His knowledge of wildlife, river conditions, and animal behavior gave us complete confidence throughout the trip.
The wildlife viewing was outstanding both on and off the water. In addition to the larger animals, we enjoyed incredible birdlife, including African Fish Eagles, giant herons, egrets, kingfishers, and many others. We also participated in walking safaris and traditional game drives, which complemented the canoe experience perfectly.
At night we camped along the riverbank in what can best be described as "glamping in the bush." The camp operation, led by Jenni and supported by Sebastian and the rest of the team, was exceptional. Every morning began with hot water delivered to our tents, and every evening ended with a hot shower after a full day on the river. The food was remarkable. Considering everything was prepared over an open fire and in Dutch ovens, the quality and variety of the meals were simply incredible. This was bush cooking at its finest. One aspect of the experience that exceeded our expectations was the time spent around camp with Jenni and Mark. Because this is such an intimate style of safari, meals and evenings around the fire naturally led to conversation. As a husband-and-wife team, they created a welcoming atmosphere that felt more like traveling with interesting friends than participating in a guided tour. Conversations ranged from wildlife and conservation to travel, history, and everyday life. Mark had an incredible breadth of knowledge and could contribute thoughtfully to almost any topic, while remaining genuinely curious about subjects that were new to him. Those conversations became an unexpected highlight of the trip and added another dimension to an already memorable experience.
Two of our most memorable moments came while in camp when elephants walked directly through the middle of camp on separate occasions. Watching these enormous animals move silently among the tents was both humbling and unforgettable.
This is not the right safari for everyone. You need to be comfortable around water, tent camping with pit toilets (in-tent chemical toilets at night), enjoy being active (~55 km/35 mi of river to traverse), and either be willing to fly on a small bush plane or endure a very long road transfer from Victoria Falls. But for travelers seeking a more immersive and adventurous safari experience, it is hard to imagine a better option.
We would not hesitate to do it again. In fact, of all the safari experiences we have had, this is the one we are most likely to repeat.