SAPI EXPLORERS CAMP

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partake in the excitement of wildlife viewing game drives, boating and canoeing or tracking and exploring the interior of the private reserve, being one of Africa’s remote wilderness areas. Whilst you traverse the diverse terrain of the Sapi Reserve, discover the legendary Mtawatawa pan, encounter some of Africa’s largest wildlife species by vehicle or on foot. The opportunity to view Africa’s animals and birdlife with the water activities on offer including canoeing or boating is special indeed. 
The African Rift is a geological zone where continental plates in Eastern Africa have developed a tectonic plate boundary. The African Plate is in the process of dividing into new tectonic plates, resulting in the Zambezi escarpment. The geology of the Middle Zambezi Valley and by association, the Sapi Reserve, correlates with the Jurassic and Triassic periods in the region of 190 to 200 million years old. Along the boundary of the Sapi Reserve, and within Chewore South, lies a number of dinosaur footprints, and on the south eastern side of the Sapi Reserve are petrified wood forests. 
This complex and yet magnificent landscape has special significance for its landscape and wildlife photographic tourism. The Zambezi River itself is wide and meandering, streaked with smaller water channels between the islands and dappled with the shapes of hippo, elephants, crocodiles and other wildlife wading in the shallows. From the Zimbabwean side, the high escarpment mountains of Zambia form a dramatic backdrop to the idyllic river scenery. 
Extending for an estimated thirty miles from the Zambezi escarpment, through the flat floor of the Zambezi Valley and down to the river itself, the terrain transforms from rocky mountainous outcrops, to thick Jesse bush vegetation. Amidst large dry river beds, year-round as well as seasonal natural springs and waterholes are found along with a system of alluvial river terraces which flank the river frontage. This narrow strip of fertile land supports mature indigenous woodlands of winter thorn and apple ring acacia, mahogany, ebony and fig trees. The Jesse scrub and dry deciduous lowland forest, botanically classified as Xylia torreana dry forest, are habitats which have been identified as a conservation priority owing to their small areas and high biodiversity. 
Renowned for its unique “blue hue” lighting as sunlight filters through the shady glades, large concentrations of wildlife, particularly in the dry season, rest and feed beneath the trees. It is for these reasons that the area has become a photographer’s delight. In addition, the middle Zambezi is listed as an important staging post for migratory birds and an estimated 380 bird species have been recorded making this an exceptional option for birding safaris. Specialties include Shelly’s sunbird, Shelly’s francolin, rock pratincole, African skimmer, racket-tail roller, Arnott’s chat, white breasted sunbird, broad-tailed paradise-wydah, and Pel’s fishing owl amongst others. 
Most large mammals synonymous with an African safari occur in the region. Elephant are numerous and the majority shelter in the Jesse during daylight hours and tend to wander down to the river during late afternoons and overnight. The Sapi Reserve is rich in wild ungulates, with the most notable being buffalo, eland, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, impala, duiker, bushbuck and nyala. Specialties and rarely seen species include the Sharpes grysbok and Suni. 
All the apex predators are well represented. Lion populations are ever increasing and there is a plethora of spotted hyena. Wild dog are seen on the alluvial Jesse bush ecotone. Cheetah are rare but have been periodically recorded to date. 
Interestingly, the large slit faced bat (Nycteris Grandis) occurs along the Zambezi and is the only bat in Africa that eats fish and frogs. These bats have excellent eyesight and drop down on their prey from overhanging branches.
AT A GLANCE

4 luxurious tents with outdoor sitting areas
1 two bedroomed family tent
En-suite bathroom with flush toilet, double basin and shower
Hot and cold running water
Fans in bedrooms
Main guest area includes a marquee canvas area with lounge and dining area
Outdoor fire pit
Situated on 292,000 acre private concession
Twice daily game drives
Canoeing and boating safaris
Walking safaris
All Inclusive: 3 meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beer, safari activities, laundry
Wi-Fi access in guest rooms
Solar power produces 24-hour 220v electricity

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