Vwaza Rest Camp | Established Campground

December 17th, 2023 by expeditionconservation.org

Nice views to a small lake where you can see hippos, impalas etc. We didn’t see elephants. Booked a ”chalet” at the gate, but camped in front of it and only used the shower and toilet. They are VERY basic and not in great condition. But a nice stopover for one night on our way to Nyika Plateau. We didn’t do any drives inside the reserve.

September 13th, 2023 by rjmbeeks

The rest camp and the NP are nice to visit. just beware of the tsetse flies. Wearing light colored clothes. The flies like dark, warm, moving objects (like vehicles).

August 23rd, 2023 by @michaeldmacdonald

Still 10,000MK pp for entry and only 10,000mk for a chalet, which has (cold) running water, no electricity. The chalet looks out across the lake so you should get a good view of hippos etc.

Coming from the south we cycled the ‘short-cut’ directly from Ekwendeni - a great route that takes you through some interesting villages - it’s mostly pretty easy, although the last 10 or so kms do get a bit sandy so you’ll be pushing for short stretches every now and then. The closest village of Eneya Kwenda is a few kms away has a few shops for basic food supplies.

June 2nd, 2023 by berndsass

what a great getaway, no electricity and cold water .but for the price you pay really great. they light a fire at waters edge,you see crocs elephant hippos...etc. best of all a motorbike is allowed to enter. go for the hut...cheaper than camping

October 21st, 2022 by ajlund

A beautiful view of Lake Kazuni. Lots of hippo and elephants. Bandas US10. If you camp next to the Banda it is US10/person. We erected our tent on the verandah as the beds didn’t look as comfortable as our own. The Banda beds had mosquito nets. Very good value for the location. Cold running water today in the Banda.

We drove all the way through the reserve from the north. The road needed 4x4 and a bit of repair. Elephants had put lots of trees across the road.

August 25th, 2022 by fierydruid

10k mkw for chalet up to 4 i think. 10k pp for foreigner entry. Very relaxing place. As mentioned by others there is no power. They give you a candle, toilet paper and soap. Shower is colder than the normal cold shower even at noon. Loads of hippo. Elephant came by camp as well but passed without issue. Decent LTE airtel. Wanted to stay a second day but you have to pay all the park entrance again so we left. Friendly guards in day and night. Rooms come with mozzie nets though the nets have holes. Chalet 1 is decent, didn’t see the rest.

Recommended.

July 12th, 2022 by Miss Daisy

Big rigs be aware that there are a lot of wood cutting jobs on the marked road to camp. Unfortunately this is the way we got to camp.
Big rigs should take the road that turns left near a water tower and an old toilet building. Then travel in an open area along the river to the camp. They want $ 10 per person for camping versus $ 10 for a cabin so of course we took a cabin.
The place is wonderful we stayed a few days just at camp.

August 10th, 2020 by janharm.duplessis

Wanted to camp for 1 night but stayed for 2! Stunning park bordering Zambian GMA. We paid MKW10,000 per night (chalet rate) and were allowed to camp in front of the chalet and use shower (with boiler). Hippo and crocs close by with lots of birdlife. Saw elephant, kudu, impala and a stunning Martial Eagle on short self drive along lake. MWK5,145 pppd park fees and MWK2,205 per vehicle / day. Kids under 12 free. Must see on your way to Nyika NP! Lion and Hyena also apparently present!

March 10th, 2020 by @ala.in.africa

We arrived in the rainy season to find that most of the lodge is flooded. The staff kindly escorted us to the lodge to take a look and offered a room at 10000 kwacha for a night. It was very basic with unmade beds. Upset elephants were in the bushes right next to chalets which made even the staff a bit scared. As we would need to leave the car a bit further and it didn't feel safe to walk, we decided that at this price it wasn't worth it so we left. On top of the camping fees you also need to pay park fees which is 10usd per person per day.

May 16th, 2019 by Instagram: @savannatales

This is the official accomodations of the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. For the price (10,000MK + park fees because you're in the Park) it's quite ok. The chalet has two beds, toilets and showers but the walls are quite dirty and towels not provided. Hot water can be arranged. Beautiful view of the lake with hippos and other animals. I liked the fact we can camp by the hut and use it as our private ablution block. There's a security guard during the night. There's no electricity. Internet with TNM works perfectly fine on my phone. There's a small kitchen that can be used by guests but not sure it's totally equipped.

May 15th, 2019 by Instagram: @savannatales

Quite ok accomodations for the price: 10,000 Kwacha for the chalet and you can camp outside if you wish. There's toilets and showers in the chalet. Great view of the lake with hippos and other wildlife!

May 15th, 2019 by alexpeaudeau

We paid 10000Mk for one of the 5 en suite chalets. run down but good value for price (we camped on the side). Welcoming day and night staff. A roofed dining room and a rudimentary kitchen to use. Great view. We were greated by an elefant between gate and restcamp and a few more in the morning. hippos all around. 7500MKpp to camp (anywhere?) in the park.

September 22nd, 2018 by gowandertheworld.com

We had a wonderful time here and saw lot of animals passing by. We didn’t drive but sat in front of the chalet. The chalet is really run down unfortunately. The road to Vwaza is good. We took the other road to Nyika the next day which is way better than take the same road back and then turn left.

August 19th, 2018 by lotzofmiles

beautiful views here. lots of hippos. unfortunately I didn't see elifants.

November 23rd, 2017 by adietrichch

we also camped in front of a chalet. everything as mentioned. place with a great potential but poorly managed and run down. huge lack of investment. staff is doing their best, very friendly and helpful! location 4 stars, chalets 1

September 4th, 2017 by Bryan Jones

Previous info posted is correct but it is worth noting that it is actually less expensive to rent and sleep in one of the thatched chalets with their own basic ablutions than to camp in front of the chalets and use the chalet ablutions. Not sure why this is nor do staff know! Access road is in places badly corrugated gravel otherwise nice spot & elephant, hippo, baboon, warthog, impala and puku in evidence around camp and lake shore.

July 18th, 2017 by arn.maitre

Still as mentioned. Cheaper to take a chalet and camp in front.
Hot shower is available and they do have wood.
view on the lake is extraordinary. We had big groups of hypos sleeping not far, at 6am around 100 buffalos crossed in front of the camp, at 11am we had a dozen elephant coming out way. No need to drive in the park, the wild life comes to you. To book a chalet, call Issac the ranger +265991532201 or +265881478275

November 18th, 2016 by judith_wilfred

Chalets are very old and in state of dispair. No hot water, running water for toilet and badin. Cold water showers. They do have donkey geiser, but no wood for heating. Mkw10.000pn for a chalet. Cheaper than camping in the park with two persons. View of the lake is nice.

We got a chalet, but camped right in front of the chalet, only using the tiolet. Okay stay for one night, but the whole park is poorly maintained and managed.

May 31st, 2016 by catherine.dlcw

We wanted to camp but it was cheaper to get a hut. 10000mkw (£10) for both of us. Great location by the side of the lake. Warm water but no electricity! Take torches! Huts had own bathroom with running water. Clean! Right next to the park gate, fees were $10 per person per 24 hours and $3 for car. Can pay in local currency.

October 9th, 2014 by Tucks' Truck

On the edge of the lake, good game viewing.

January 1st, 2012 by unurban.no

We were told to camp in front of some of their huts that was empty and they opened one of them so we had access to toilet and shower. View over the lake with no fences around. It was great to watch the wild life around our camp, elephants, hippos, antelopes and baboons. No power or water. I really liked this place, but we were told they would get new management and they would start to renovate…

3500 MK and you also have to pay the park permit, for us that was 6750 MK for one day