Maabwe Bay Campsite | Established Campground

January 15th, 2024 by kees.lozeman

After a few days with lots of km this place is a really nice and relaxed stay! Impressive to see what they build on their own and it shows that they both like camping. The kids were not charged, something we really missed coming from SA and Nam. We also got some good advice for the coming road. Great hosts.

October 3rd, 2023 by expeditionconservation.org

Stayed 3 nights and relaxed at the nice Lake views. Ablutions were very clean and a great shower. Firewood provided (incl. in the price). No pool. Margot and Richard were nice people and gave good advices. They also sorted a small mechanical issue with our Landy (turned rear ARB bar arm). $15/pppn.

October 2nd, 2023 by christa747

i stayed there for 3 nights and enjoyed the place, the hospitality of Margot and Richards with all their advice and recommendations and the help with the car. the campsite and ablution are spotless, a real treat to relax and enjoy. thank you

June 29th, 2023 by nickianddave

We had 4 wonderful days and nights here of complete relaxation after a busy time touring around Zimbabwe. Beautifully set up campsite on the lake, electricity, lights, firepit, bbq, superb hot shower and toilet (personal) plus an cold outdoor shower. Great fishing, bream and tiger fish, amazing birds, opportunity to hike the local area. Mango and Richard are extremely welcoming and so interesting to talk to and Simon our camp manager was absolutely brilliant helping with fishing, giving great advice and even calling in the fish Eagle enabling us to get some amazing photos as it flew down to fish. Highly recommend this remote camp for a total recharge! 15usd pppn 10usd fishing permit.

June 28th, 2023 by m.bobs444

After reading auch lovely reviews, we had to go and visit his place ourselves. Unfortunately, we totally underestimated the roads from Vic Falls via Hwange and arrived quite late. However, we were greeted by Margot and Richard who were such wonderful hosts, and immediately showed us to our campsite and shared a bit of their story with us, such an interesting couple. Margot, probably noticing we were tired and still had to cook food offered us a lovely fish.
Best campsite we've been to in Zim, beautiful sunrise over Lake Kariba with fish eagles calling in the distant.
A must visit!

May 16th, 2023 by gail

We finally got to visit Maabwe Bay on 14th May. A really lovely place. Margot and Richard are fabulous hosts: welcoming, interested, full of useful information, helpful in every way. We stayed with friends in the 2 bedroomed chalet right on the lake edge. Beautiful. Chalet clean and comfortable and well kitted out. Their campsite is also lovely, peaceful with good ablutions. Camping is US$15 per person. While we were there there were two sets of drop-in campers arriving after dark. You access the place by ringing a bell at their locked gate. As it was late and they were tired they were placed in comfortable grassy spots with outside ablutions between the buildings rather than adding an extra drive to the campsite. They were very happy. Highly recommended.

April 26th, 2023 by fritzluttich57

We arrive after dark - 7pm. Gate was locked but a bell provided to ring and within 5 minutes we were welcomed with open arms.

After 11,5 hrs on a horrendous tar road (more potholes than tar) from Robin Camp via Hwanki to the Maabwe Bay Camp we were exhausted and "gatvol". Richard & Margo was a sight for sore eyes. Accommodating to the extreme. We got fire wood, a braai, flat shaded area to Park our BigRig Iveco.

Next day we were "upgraded" to a pvt camping area on opposite side of the main camp - own donkey, ablusions, fire pit, braai, fire wood and Jetty for a Sundowner. On top we got fillet Briem to cook ourselves.

Camping on the banks of Lake Kariba - awesome.

Fees: USD15 pppn camping.

February 13th, 2023 by barefootbungee

Wow, what a great place to camp! The accommodations is made even better by Margot and Richard who are incredibly kind and welcoming. Even feeding us rusks while we get advice about our next destination. Fishing is great, catch fresh bream fish and have it fillet for dinner that evening. Would highly recommend!

Not big rig friendly. You must phone first if you have a big rig

February 13th, 2023 by barefootbungee

What a wonderful campsite to stay at! The owners definitely make the stay worthwhile and are incredibly welcoming. Tap into their local knowledge about travel and even catch a couple of fish for dinner

January 20th, 2023 by riekertb

Richard and Margot are the heart and soul of Maabwe Bay. Their hospitality knows no end. They have made a most welcoming resort with campsites, well spaced, and cottages, well planned. We had a very special three days there and can recommend this site without reserve.

November 21st, 2022 by andrea.jungen

What a stunning place and exceptional warmhearted Hosts: if everything has already been written and is true, how can we say something new? Instead of staying 3-4 days it became a week in this little paradise under trees and the shelter of the straw House. Ablutions just perfect and sourrounding to camping area natural and well kept. Drinking water, Power at every Place. Walking in the woods and at the lake is safe. Margot and Richard are so openminded, helpful and made everything to let us feel comfortable. We highly recommend discovering this wonderful peaceful place!

October 18th, 2022 by hofties

Everything written is completely correct. An absolutely first class experience. I arrived in a 2wd campervan. Some parts from the main road are a bit tricky but it’s perfectly do- able pole pole

September 4th, 2022 by Alan Rayner

Excellent, well thought out campsites, immaculate bathrooms with the best pressurised hot water camp showers that I've ever experienced. Outside cold water shower for cooling off, nice barbecue area and a shade structure, perfect for taking meals. The campsites have electrical plug points (round RSA type), and have a switched orange light within the campsite as well as a flood light facing the water to keep the insects away.
The Staff were very friendly and helpful and provided us with fresh bream fillets. The Owners, Margot and Richard were very welcoming and friendly and as campers themselves, know exactly how to run a campsite. The rates for camping were very reasonable too. My only regret is that we were only there for 3 nights, we will be back. Alan, Nic & Tom Rayner

August 27th, 2022 by on-the-road-again.nl

Really nice place to have a break. The breeze from the lake is good when it's hot. The hospitality of Richard and Margot is outstanding. They did everything to make us comfortable. They even phoned the tankstation in Binga for us to check if there was fuel. Because they dont do fuel anymore in Miblizi (and we needed it 😉). Good, clean and spacious ablutions with hot water. Firewood provided and we also got a nice bream to braai. The road towards Maabwe is for the first part recently graded and in good condition. Last 6km towards Maabwe is a bit rocky but nothing too serious.

August 13th, 2022 by rebekka.braunmiller

We have been there with a big rig, which is 3,6 m high, 6,7 m long and 2,5 m wide. It was possible for us to enter the property but not suitable for bigger rigs.
It took us about one hour from the tar road (24km) and we needed about half an hour for the last 7 km. There are a lot of rocks and trees, so you have to take your time.
The camp itself is wonderful, not only because it's on the beautiful lake, the facilities are spotless clear and well maintained. Warm shower with very good water pressure!!! But the best are the owners. They are incredibly welcoming and do everything they can to make your stay very pleasant! Come and enjoy!!!

August 2nd, 2022 by mikefrost173

We had a wonderful stay. Richard and Margot were fantastic hosts and a mine of information on the roads, fuel, etc. The road in from the main road felt like a freeway after the Binga Karoi toad. Unfortunately the wind didn't cooperate so we were not able to fish. The ablutions were first class with one of the best showers in Zim. The $15pp camp fee included firewood and staff looking after the boiler.

July 22nd, 2022 by picnics1970

We enjoyed it so much we stayed for 5 nights! There’s not much to add that hasn’t been said before. 💯% awesome place, and hosts. They really do take pride in everything they do and it shows. We camped on the other side of the bay in the corner. Fantastic spot! Our fist time fishing and it was great 😊 the staff showed us how to do it and we caught 5 bream in total!! So lekker and affordable!

July 18th, 2022 by alistair69.rausch

Beautiful spot in a very well run campsite. Lovely views of Survivor the hippo and the lake. Great birds as well. Richard and Margot were great hosts and we'll love them forever for the bream fillets.

July 4th, 2022 by Afrikken dream

We absolutely loved our stay at Maabwe!! It is definitely a must visit. We were only meant to stay 1 night but we loved it so much we had to stay 2 nights. Richard and Margot are seriously amazing people and make the stay so enjoyable. Lovely camping and great fishing. We caught nice fish and they even gave us a bream for dinner, which was delicious!! We will be back to stay again

June 13th, 2022 by vmeziere2012

We had an excellent stay at Maabwe.
Margot and Richard are excellent hosts.
Definitely worth a visit and stay a couple of days to discover this beautiful place and amazing view on the lake.
The amenities are excellent and very clean.
You can fish in the lake and this is a very good place for tiger fish and bream too.
One of the best stop we had in the last 2.5 months (travelling from cape town)
Price is 15USD per night and per person.

June 3rd, 2022 by dnt.222

We absolutely loved Richard & Margot, what an amazing couple. So hospitable and they gave amazing tips for Zimbabwe. They made our stay. Ablutions are suuuuper clean, and this is the first donkey that has ever been properly systematically lit for us in the mornings and evenings regardless of when guests are planning to use it, so there was always warm water. This was amazing! We also got fish fresh or the boat with some lemon, delicious!

May 18th, 2022 by instagram.com/walshiesontour/

Margot and Richard are super hosts!!! We felt so welcome and nothing was too much trouble for them. We were given beautiful fileted fresh bream on arrival and Margot even offered to do our laundry for us. They are a wealth of knowledge and information which really helped us with the next planning of our trip. The showers were the best we have had in weeks! Amazing pressure and hot. Very clean bathrooms. Chris took our children on the boat and taught them how to fish and fileted the one they caught. Amazing experience and great place to stop between Vic Falls and Kariba.

April 24th, 2022 by zelda

Amazing campsite and chalets in the most perfect setting along Lake Kariba. So peaceful. Amazing bird life and really accommodating and helpful owners, Richard and Margot. Wealth of information about Zim and places to go and stay and how to get there!

April 2nd, 2022 by globe-discover.ch

Very nice campground on the shore of lake kariba. Margot and Richard are so helpfully and theirs hospitality is great. Shower and toilets are super clean and functional. We got some fish from Margot for the braii. They have some houses built on theirs property and a walk up on the top of the hill will give you a stunning view over lake kariba.
We enjoyed our stay payed $15 pppn and the price is worth it. No good Telefon reception on EcoNet.

March 6th, 2022 by Gomgat

Very nice campsite , with the best ablutions you can ever imagine. Margot and Richard are very hospita le and go the extra mile and helped us in planning for Mozambique and know all the places to go and not to go. Had a great relaxing time there and if you fish you will enjoy opportunities it offers.

February 22nd, 2022 by CharlieCos

$15pppn. Margot and Richard very knowledgeable and can help with any questions and very welcoming. Taught us how to fish and gave us some breem for dinner & to take some away with us. Firewood included too.

January 11th, 2022 by pam.brand57

Spent 2 incredibly relaxing days at this beautiful site on the banks of Kariba. Camping here is first class. Firewood braai stand and electric power are included in the price of 15USD pppn. Margot and Richard are a wealth of information and ensure all your comforts are met. Well worth a visit if you need peace and tranquillity.

October 7th, 2021 by instagram-SimplyOverland

We had such a lovely stay at Maabwe and a very warm welcome from Margot and Richard. We wish we could have stayed longer. The showers and bathroom are fabulous. We camped with a view over the lake and our friends took rooms with air conditioning, perfect in the heat. Best of all was all the valuable information and contacts about where to go and who to book with which made our stay in Zimbabwe so much better than just sticking to the tourist routes. In fact when we had a breakdown a couple of weeks later they rescued us with trustworthy contacts for who to go to for repairs. It’s really worth a stay here. We will likely go back as we’d like to take a trip on the lake and maybe go fishing and just relax a bit in the breeze there.

August 16th, 2021 by cp

The best fishing camp site ever, Margot and Richard are so accommodating and kind hearted, they have ensured that every chalet and campsite have fantastic hot water and every other comfort needed to make our stay perfect.
Maabwe is a perfect place to chill out, do some thrilling tiger or bream fishing or just simply sit by the bay and watch the Hippos play.
Their staff are brilliant and Chris is very knowledgeable when it comes to fishing and the best fishing spots.
They have excellent boat launching facilities and is very safe to leave your boat moored up on the jetty.
The bird life is second to none, and there’s nothing like hearing the call of the fish eagle throughout the day.
Maabwe is well recommended and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

August 16th, 2021 by cp

The best fishing camp site ever, Margot and Richard are so accommodating and kind hearted, they have ensured that every chalet and campsite has fantastic hot water and every other comfort needed to make our stay perfect.
Maabwe is a perfect place to chill out, do some thrilling Tiger or bream fishing or just simply sit by the bay and watch the Hippos play.
Their staff are brilliant and Chris is very knowledgeable when it comes to the best fishing spots.
They have excellent boat launching facilities and is very safe to leave your boat moored up on the jetty.
The bird life is second to none, and there is nothing like hearing the call of a fish eagle throughout the day.
Maabwe is well recommended and we promise you won’t be disappointed.

July 3rd, 2021 by ziellos-reisen.ch

We were warmly welcomed by Maroth, Richard and their team on the beautiful campground directly at the Lake Kariba. The private toillet and shower as well as the whole place is extremely clean and well maintained. We got homemade bread and freshly caught fish for USD 15 ppn. From Margot and Richard we also got many helpful tips for our onward journey through Zimbabwe.
We enjoyed the days very much.

July 1st, 2021 by wenn-nicht-jetzt.com

All mentioned before and all is very true. Wonderful place, quite, clean, friendly owner and staff - a place to enjoy, relax and stay longer. A campsite can not be run better than this place. You can walk around - we very much liked fishing.

December 6th, 2019 by matrose26

One of the best locations in Africa, certainly the best in Zimbabwe!
We received the warmest of welcomes and Margot &Richard made us feel home, serving buns, muffins and fish.
We also had a amazing conversation with Margot & Richard, to whom raising awareness about the current conditions in Zimbabwe is very important. Thomas& Bernd

September 27th, 2019 by floresidani

wonderful place. extra clean ablutions (even cleaner than my own place ;) ) a very warm welcome from Margot and Richard. one of the best place, if not the best, we stayed in Africa so far. Great views on the lake and some short walks available. even a view on hippos from the campsite.

September 24th, 2019 by charlotte.allancon

Great new campsite, cleanest private bathroom in Africa with hot water, kindest and helpful hosts full of chatter and advice. They even got us fresh fish for dinner, $15 USD pppn. The warmest welcome, wish we had stayed longer than one night and explored the area. Firewood included in price.

September 24th, 2019 by stahlroth.com

Margot & Richard let us feel like being at home. We got some fresh fish and a lot of useful information. They even announced us to the warden in Matusadona to make sure he is there when we will arrive.

September 2nd, 2019 by a3kemp

Beautiful peaceful safe campsite. Arrived late but Margot and Richard immediately made us feel welcome. Lovely hot, clean showers and toilets. Will definitely go back and stay longer.

August 10th, 2019 by drulli_hoffmann

what a wonderful place! clean ablutions, nice view on the lake. Margot and Richard are extremely welcoming and helpful. They build a new campsite with a lot of privacy for each group. Highly recommended!

July 31st, 2019 by XT Adventures

Best place we stayed so far in Africa! Margot & Richard are amazing hosts and we loved the 3 days we spent there. They helped us with petrol for our motorbikes and had a lot of good infos for the route.

July 3rd, 2019 by flipfloppingtheglobe

Margot and Richard truly have an amazing place! The places are very spacious, have a braaiplace, shelter, tap, and beautiful view! There is an outside shower but also one of the cleanest ablutions (also an inside shower) we have seen in Africa. Richard and Margot are extremely helpful and kind. Helped us find diesel, gave us fresh fish from the lake. It's 15 usd pppn, worth every cent!

October 13th, 2018 by TOTO-MUMBA

Maabwe Bay is an excellent quiet place. Margot and Richard have a great hospitality. Here at the Lake Kariba you find a small paradise.