Steve Pope Safaris
Semi-participatory Camping/Walking/Canoe Safaris
Contact - Steve Pope Safaris
Mana Pools Chitake Springs Lion Encounter
During this safari in a remote section of the park, Steve will teach you how the Chitake Lion pride (currently numbering 20+) became habituated to bush walks; the tactics used to locate and approach them; and the methods used to control the encounter. You will be encountering herds of elephants and buffalo daily, among a wide variety of other wildlife, learn about the history of the ancient village residents; 10 ways to find your direction in the bush; some survival tips; tips on animal photography and Steve, a Trustee of a Zambezi Valley Conservation Trust, will discuss the effects of mass elephant culling and the damage to habitat due to lack of fire. You will be bush walking from the tented camp to track Lion and sitting in "hides" observing game near the Springs, the only source of water for a large concentration of wildlife in this isolated ecosystem.
"This is a memory of a lifetime. The highlight of your safari in Africa. You will not have this experience at any other camp or lodge or bushwalking safari. An opportunity to camp and bushwalk where the Richardson's filmed their National Geographic documentary 'Living with Lions', with the same Chitake Springs pride of lions. There are no fences! Wildlife encounters are nearly assured day and night, nearby in the riverbed, on bushwalks and most likely at the campsite."
Robbie Becker
Canoe Safaris
Canoe safaris are scheduled to run from Sunday to Wednesday. This means that for a classic experience of the
International US$ 525 pp 4 days/3 nights Local, SADC, & TA Rates available on request
Combined Canoe and Chitake Springs Safaris
The following Canoe Safaris can be combined with the Full Moon Chitake Springs Safaris:
May 3 - 6
May 31 - June 3
July 5 - 8
Aug 2 - 5
Aug 30 - Sept 2
Oct 25 - 28 (New Moon)
Chitake Springs Scheduled 2009 Tours
Full Moon dates - Wednesday to Saturday
New Moon dates - Friday to Monday
Chitake Dates : 4 days/3 nights
Full moon New moon
May 6 - 9 May 15 - 18
June 3 - 6 June 19 - 22
July 8 - 11 July 17 - 20
Aug 5 - 8 Aug 21 - 24
Sept 2 - 5(Full) Sept 19 - 22 (Sat-Tue)(Full)
Oct 9 - 12 (F-M)(2 slots) Oct 28 - 31 (W-Sat)
Costs : All inclusive except transport to
Chitake Springs and drinks.
Transport @ $50 pp or min $200, if required.
International US$ 675 pp 4 days/3 nights
Local, SADC, & TA Rates available on request
Mana Pools & Matusadona Game Count Safaris
These unique safaris are organised on request. Game counts in Mana Pools and Matusadona take place annually. This is a rare opportunity that few overseas visitors get a chance to partake in.
Backpacking Safaris
These unique safaris are organised on request. Steve's most popular backpacking safari is in his private, rarely visited concession, adjacent to Mana Pools. Cultural visits to remote villages can be included in the itinerary. This is not backed up by a vehicle. All backpacking equipment is provided and clients are required to carry their own packs.