Q&A with Gildas Walton of Mongwe Safari Camp
A new safari camp has just opened on the Zambezi River, and I couldn’t wait to hear all about it!
For the past five years, Mongwe Safari Camp existed for the private enjoyment of a lucky few, but now in November 2025, they’ve opened their doors to the general public. With four en-suite permanent tents overlooking the Zambezi River, and fully catered, it’s a haven for wildlife lovers and fishing fans.
Mongwe is a conservation area on the Zambezi River, located in the Hurungwe Safari Area. It lies on the western border of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park.
All photos in this article are Copyright Gildas Walton unless stated otherwise.
Written by Beth
Affiliate statement: This post is proudly sponsored by Mongwe Safari Camp. We only partner with reputable brands that bring value to you.
Here’s my Q&A with Gildas Walton, director of Mongwe Safari Camp.
The making of Mongwe Safari Camp
Q: Tell us about yourself: Where are you from and what’s your background?
A: I’m from Lancashire in the UK and was brought up in the countryside. I met my business partner, Dale, at University – he was a Zimbabwean farmer’s son. We’re still best friends and always said we would start a safari business together. Now is the right time in both our lives to do it, plus Zimbabwe tourism is taking off at the moment.
Q: What’s your personal history with Zimbabwe, and with the Mongwe area itself?
A: I first visited Dale for four months in 1999 on his farm in Chipinge, which was sadly taken away a few years later. I visit Zimbabwe every two years, but now it will be much more frequent, and that fills me with joy. Mongwe was previously a luxury camp for our families and friends only, but now with the kids growing up, we decided to open up our corner of paradise to the world.
Q: Digging deeper into the Mongwe Conservation Area and Hurungwe Safari Area, what’s its history?
A: The local communities agreed with the authorities to protect 12 square kilometres from any hunting, so the animals could multiply once more, as well as the fish. A 99-year lease was signed for this.
Q: What made you want to start Mongwe Safari Camp?
A: For family heaven. To take the kids away from the modern world and show them nature. The fishing is also very good, too.
A slice of heaven on the Zambezi
Q: What makes Mongwe special to you?
A: The privacy, and being at one with nature. Also, all animals can be seen better from one of our boats than any game drive. They all need to drink from the river!
Q: What can guests expect when they come to stay?
A: Peace, tranquillity, good food, and nature heaven. Many animals, sometimes even in the camp.
Q: Tell us about the food – I love eating under the stars!
A: You can eat by the firepit, or by the river. You get a cooked breakfast always, a packed lunch for going on excursions, and locally sourced fish or meat for dinner. Vegetarian options, of course.
Q: How would you spend your perfect day at Mongwe?
A: Fishing in the early morning on the river. For lunch, a picnic on a sandbank in the middle of the river with the kids. Sundowners on the boat before dinner. All the time seeing animals without even looking for them.
Q: What’s the best wildlife sighting you’ve had at Mongwe?
A: Elephants and hippos always, once we saw a leopard come down to drink in the river. Lions too. Buffalo always.
Q: How should we manage the balance of conserving wildlife with tourism?
A: Mongwe is a great example of this. Go to a camp that has a story of conservation, like the hunting ban implemented at Mongwe. Always spend money only where conservation is part of the story.
Q: What are the advantages for guests to stay in the Mongwe section of the Zambezi River?
A: It’s half way in between Mana Pools and Chirundu so it gets very little traffic.
Q: What are your insider tips that only an experienced visitor would know?
A: The best wildlife is seen first thing in the morning or dusk. Same with fishing. The early bird catches the worm.
Counting your blessings
Q: What four people would you want to take with you to the camp (famous or otherwise)?
A: My four kids, always. They never tire of seeing the animals.
Q: What three things should people bring to Mongwe?
A: Binoculars, sun cream, and a smile.
Q: Finally, what three things will people take home after a visit to Mongwe?
A: How utterly being at peace with nature is good for the soul and mental health; how river safaris are better than land ones; and how lovey the people of Zimbabwe are.
How to book
You can enquire about booking Mongwe Safari Camp by emailing support@zimbabwetravels.co.uk or via AirBnB or on Booking.com.
Plus! You get a 20% discount on your booking! Just email support@zimbabwetravels.co.uk and include the code ‘GreatZimGuide’ in your email.
Practical info
Accommodation
- Four permanent tents with twin beds and the option of an additional bed.
- Group size 1–12 people.
- All four tents have: en-suite bathrooms with toilets, basins and showers; private verandas with seating and views of the river.
- Fully catered.
- Teas and coffees provided by the staff at any time.
- There’s a communal dining area, fire pit and swimming pool.
- Rooms are cleaned regularly, and there’s a chef and two guides.
- The camp has solar power and boreholes for water. There’s cell phone signal but no wifi.
- The main activities are river safaris, fishing, and enjoying the nature in the lodge property itself. Motorboats aren’t allowed along the neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, so this is a key drawcard for Mongwe. If you want to go on game drives or walking safaris, it’s best to combine Mongwe with an additional location such as Mana Pools.
Getting there
- Camp location: 15°56’36.4″S 28°59’29.7″E.
- The camp can arrange cars, flights and boats for guests, as well as permits – just discuss this when booking.
- Access via road: Mongwe Safari Camp is 5 hours from Harare by road, and 2 hours from Lusaka. The turning to Mongwe Road is about 6 km north of Chirundu and is signposted.
- Top tip: Self-drivers should first go via the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Office at Marongora (at the top of the Zambezi escarpment), or at Chirundu. At this office, you should get permits for entry to Mongwe, as well as for fishing and boating. Failure to obtain a permit in advance could result in a fine.
- Access via air: The closest air strip is at Chirundu, charter flights are available.
- Website: MongweSafariCamp.com.
A reminder that you get a 20% discount on your booking at Mongwe Safari Camp! Just email support@zimbabwetravels.co.uk and include the code ‘GreatZimGuide’ in your email.
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