Zimbabwe, Chishakwe

Savé Valley Conservancy | Price on request

Savé Conservancy Foot Expedition – for up to 8 guests

A bespoke, guided six-day walk in south-eastern low-veld of Zimbabwe. Exclusive-use camps with old fashioned hospitality and the opportunity to track the big five on foot, accompanied by a renowned guide and tracker.

This mini-expedition combines good exercise with a pioneering adventure and an exhilarating wildlife experience – the old school way. This was our first trip to test-run future mini-expeditions for our guests and we chose the best guide we know: James Varden.

This is no ordinary walk, traversing three blocks, in the remote Savé Conservancy, in the lowveld of South East Zimbabwe. We heard lion every night and morning, tracked black and white rhino, navigated through herds of elephant, around buffalo and walked through some magnificent scenery. The food and hospitality is superb and we all came away beaming, knowing we had been privileged to have sole access to this wonderful part of Africa, for a period of time.

You need to be bush savvy (it is in an area of dangerous game) and be prepared to walk 20 km per day for five days (not very stretching as you carry a day pack and luggage is transported by vehicle). It is led by one of the best guides in the business for his knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for his country and its flora and fauna… not to mention his pranks. This is an adults only walk but older children may be considered.

Overview

You will be walking through bush trails and occasional dirt tracks in the Save Conservancy in South East Zimbabwe. It is a Big 5 area, so there is always the possibility of encountering dangerous game. The walk is led by an experienced, armed guide with a ranger/tracker bringing up the rear.

In addition to the Big 5, the conservancy hosts a wide variety of wildlife including zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, eland, kudu, impala, waterbuck, sable, bushbuck, nyala, duiker and warthog. You may also encounter wild dog, hyena, jackal or serval, and occasionally even cheetah.

Birdlife is exceptional, with opportunities to spot numerous species, along with smaller animals like mongoose, squirrel and porcupine. Reptiles and insects also add to the richness of the ecosystem.

The conservancy is known for its ancient baobab trees and vast mopane forests, even featured in a BBC documentary. Some species like roan, tsessebe, hartebeest and gemsbok are not found here.

There is a strong likelihood of seeing elephant and buffalo, while cats are more elusive. Rhino sightings are possible and tracking them on foot is a highlight of the experience.

James Varden – the guide

James is regarded as one of Southern Africa’s top guides, with experience in Mana Pools, Hwange and Matusadona. His passion for wildlife, birding and botany, combined with his energetic guiding style, ensures an immersive safari experience.

Since 1997, he has focused on guiding across land, water and horseback, while also engaging in conservation efforts. Together with his wife Janine, he has launched community projects including “Honey for Money”.

His guiding experience spans South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, Tanzania and Uganda. He has climbed Kilimanjaro twice and explored the Ruwenzori Mountains, with birding expeditions across the Far East, Australia and even Antarctica.

Fishing

There may be opportunities to fish for bass, bream and barbel.

Wild Dogs

Sightings depend on den locations. If conditions allow, visits may be arranged on foot or with researchers at an additional cost through the African Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Travel

Guests fly into Harare and can choose between a 5–6 hour road transfer or a private charter flight to a bush airstrip. A combination of both is often recommended for the full experience.

Lodgings on the walk

Accommodation is in four rustic bush camps, set in shaded locations, often along dry riverbeds.

Food

Expect wholesome comfort food after long days in the bush, with packed lunches during walks and evenings spent around the fire.