On Safari at Singita Pamushana Lodge
Miles into the Zimbabwean bush along a dirt path marked only by the soft wear of 4WD treads, rhino droppings and faint outlines of padded paws, a watering hole provides drinking water and relief from the heat for thousands of creatures that live within the 130,000 acres of the Malilangwe land trust. Our vehicle came to a slow stop and Alfred, our tracker, swiveled his head before hopping off the vehicle and prying open a hidden door to underground bunker. We filed into the Hide, the door closed, the sun set. Then, the show started.
Three rhinos appeared in the scrub a short distance from the pool. Pink light shimmered off the surface as the creatures approached.
A flock of birds disrupted the glassy surface of the pool, taking sips in waves. The animals’ wings sounded like the beach on a rough day. Another small herd of rhinos appeared. Before long, the rim of the pool was full of wildlife.
Another roar. The silence from inside the Hide was heavy, each of us held our breaths in eager anticipation of the next sighting. From the left, an enormous elephant came into view and casually waded into the pool. He was so close we could smell him.
We each thought, it doesn’t get much better than this.
Pamushana Lodge sits amidst 130,000 acres of privately owned and managed land in the middle of nowhere, Zimbabwe. Pamushana, the eco-tourism arm of the Malilangwe Trust, is more than a safari experience. Educational, inspirational, and exhilarating, guests learn about conservation, ecology and the circle of life by coming face-to-face with lions, rhino, wildebeest, elephants, giraffe, endangered wild dogs, and more.
Days at Pamushana begin with the sounds of birds and bathing elephants. A hearty breakfast at the main lodge before the first game drive of the day, when guests are whisked away into the bush to experience daybreak with the wildlife. As a private reserve, it is rare that guests encounter another vehicle on safari.
In the evenings, guests wrap up an exhilarating day of wildlife and discovery with cocktails and snacks. Back at the lodge, guests and families prepare for dinner. Dining in the bush by tea lights under the stars is a quintessential experience at Pamushana, where the lodge’s exceptional food and beverage team prepares a full, multi-course dinner for guests amongst the wildlife—ensuring each traveler experiences the magic of the reserve.
A safari is only ever as good as the guides who eat, sleep, and breathe the bush and Pamushana has some of the best. Game trackers and guides become family and share intimate knowledge and deep understanding of the unique ecology, culture and wildlife that call the Malilangwe Trust home. From bush walks and game drives to sundowner cruises and fishing expeditions, Pamushana’s guides have their fingers on the pulse of the local wildlife and know where the lion prides like to nap with their young…and where to cast your line to avoid the crocs!
An African safari is every traveller’s dream and Pamushana Lodge offers one of the most meaningful, educational, and magical travel experiences for couples and families alike. Getting to Pamushana is easy. The lodge can be accessed by private air charter directly to the property or by taking a regularly scheduled air service from Johannesburg or Victoria Falls—making the property the perfect accompaniment to a safari including Victoria Falls or South Africa.
For more information, contact me!
All-Inclusive nightly rates at Singita Pamushana start at $1,795 per person per night for adults and $900 per child per night. Rates include all meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne); Twice daily open Land Cruiser safaris; walking safaris; boat cruises; fishing; excursions to ancient rock art sites (accompanied by experienced guides); tennis; Return road transfers between Buffalo Range International Airport and the lodge; Laundry service; Telephone calls; Tourism levy.
Leslie Swanson Travel is also happy to extend the following complimentary amenities to clients:
A Virtuoso gift to the value of $100 per couple
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi