Monday, November 25, 2024

5 Reasons to Visit Zimbabwe’s Molori Mashuma: A Transformative Safari

Many travelers spend their lives trying to find that one trip that provides a very transformative experience, a visit that not only changes their perspective but additionally enriches their spirit. Dreamer Mashuma is such a goal. Located within the unique wilderness of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lodge (a Rora Private Collection property) has been specifically designed to foster a connection not only with nature but additionally with people, who call this remarkable country home. Discover why it’s best to have this incredible lodge in your safari bucket list.

The property

Located in a personal concession in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, Molori Mashuma is the most recent (and arguably most luxurious) safari destination within the region. What makes the lodge truly unique – and ends in unparalleled wildlife encounters – is that it’s discreetly positioned on the sting of the Mashuma Pan, a watering hole wealthy in wildlife.

Since it may be difficult to search out watering holes, the local animals appear to have decided to incorporate Mashuma of their regular rounds. There is a resident hippopotamus who spends much of his time sunning himself within the water and observing the individuals who admire his presence from the security of their private decks. Herds of kudu, nyala and impala also often stop by.

Elephants are also frequent visitors. Occasionally there will likely be a herd (including baby elephants!) quenching their thirst on the lodge, but as a rule it’s a wandering bachelor elephant that shows up and decides to remain for a couple of days or longer. These bachelors may be very curious and sometimes come to the common area of ​​the camp to feast on the jackalberry tree (or mashuma tree because it is named within the Shona language) while guests take videos and photos of this once-in-a-lifetime experience (but protected) encounter with an elephant.

But it isn’t just the camp’s bar that is causing the motion. The camp is designed to mix perfectly with the encircling landscape. It is surrounded by a dense forest of acacia, figs, sausage, jackalberries, mahogany and the enduring baobab trees. These trees and bushes hide a flock of birds that fill the air with a symphony of calls and songs. From the large osprey to the enchanting saddle-horned stork, the lodge is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Remember: that is an unfenced camp, so wildlife can catch up with than other camps – but that is what makes Molori Mashuma a very exciting experience for the adventurous safari traveler.

One of one of the best places to actually benefit from the camp’s unique environment is the lounge within the common area. The expansive outdoor terrace has 4 different seating areas, in addition to a dining area and a well-stocked bar. There can also be a plunge pool overlooking the watering hole and a big barbecue hut.

The open common areas are incredibly inviting, not only because they’re positioned to totally benefit from the views, but additionally due to appealing design aesthetic. A mixture of eclectic, playful pieces and brilliant pops of color, it reflects the dynamic, vibrant energy of the encircling wilderness. It’s comfortable and fun and a welcome departure from the staid and stuffy old-colonial aesthetic often present in safari lodges. (Another way Mashuma takes on a contemporary sensibility? It is totally off-grid and runs on 100% solar energy, which the lodge itself sources from its own mini solar farm.)

Accommodations

Molori Mashuma has only six tented accommodations, ensuring an exclusive and tranquil environment. But the word “tent” cannot begin to explain the extent of luxury and reference to nature that the sort of accommodation offers. Each large, air-conditioned suite offers a personal sanctuary surrounded by the African bush.

The tented suites at Molori Mashuma are designed to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, allowing guests to totally immerse themselves within the stunning natural surroundings of Mana Pools National Park. Additionally, the tents feature high ceilings and the front facing the Mashuma Pan is definitely a floor-to-ceiling glass wall, allowing you to enjoy an unobstructed view of the pan from the comfort of your suite. At night, should you wish, you possibly can sleep with the tent flaps open (which I fully support), so you possibly can go to sleep to the African lullaby of the luscious hyenas (frequent nocturnal visitors) and wake as much as the melodious birdsong.

Even inside the massive, comfortable tents, the design is an awesome combination of calm but unobtrusive and welcoming splashes of color.

Private bathrooms, complete with indoor and outdoor showers and a deep clawfoot tub, provide a spa-like oasis. The private decks with comfortable seating and stunning waterfront views are the best spot for an early morning coffee or a night sundowner. Each suite also features ceiling fans, protective mosquito nets, a completely stocked complimentary minibar, and tea and low stations. The two villa-style tented suites even have two equally sized bedrooms and every have their very own plunge pool.

Eat

The suites are so inviting that it’s almost a shame to have to go away them at meal times. Nearly. At Molori Mashuma, food is an integral a part of the safari experience, offering a culinary adventure that’s as unforgettable as the encircling landscape. Talented Chef Tinyiko Makasane leads the kitchen and elegantly creates a varied menu to suit all tastes and dietary requirements (including gluten-free and vegan). Guests can enjoy quite a lot of dishes that mix local flavors with international cuisine, ensuring every meal is a delicious treat. One of my favorites was the braai (a South African style BBQ) where you select one (or two or three…) cut of meat from a choice of steaks, chicken, lamb and more and chat with the chef and other guests while eating the meat grilled to perfection within the open air under the celebrities.

I don’t need to spoil the surprise, but you may also enjoy a meal or two in the midst of the bush. Seemingly out of nowhere, a table filled with delicious food magically appears in a few of the most beautiful locations in Mana Pools. Is it a mirage or a rigorously prepared meal that you’re going to enjoy? I’ll let you choose.

wildlife

As mentioned above, you do not even have to go away the lodge for breathtaking animal encounters. And it can be tempting to only sit in your patio or within the lodge’s common area and wait for the wildlife to come back to you (which they’ll). But trust me, you will need to take your game drive with Liberty Ibasa (who became the youngest black Zimbabwean ever to acquire his ZimPro guide license – probably the most prestigious and difficult guide qualification in Zimbabwe).. Liberty will teach you the stories and problems with the region’s wildlife in a very compelling way, and his knowledge and tracking skills will delight you. For an actual treat, you possibly can book a walking safari and be prepared for some surprises.

Mana Pools is a singular safari destination that provides an abundance of wildlife while maintaining the sensation of untouched wilderness, free from the vehicle crowds often seen in other parks. During your game drives you’ll visit three essential wildlife viewing areas: the river bank, the pools themselves and the wilderness areas behind the pans. Each area has its own ecosystem and offers a special perspective on the incredible diversity of wildlife within the park.

Mana Pools is best known for its quite a few herds of elephants and can also be said to be home to the most important hippo and crocodile population within the country. Also expect to see eland, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, lions, warthogs, baboons and zebras, and you would possibly even catch a glimpse of the rare wild dogs. Bird watchers can even get their money’s value. Some of the rarities it’s possible you’ll see include the Grey-banded Serpent Eagle, Grey-headed Sea Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Hornbill and the gorgeous Lily Lovebird.

Community

One of probably the most attractive points of the lodge’s common area is that it’s an awesome place to hang around and get to know all of Molori Mashuma’s staff. When Andrew Delaney, Mashuma’s dedicated operations manager, asks what he loves most in regards to the lodge, he immediately replies: “It’s the people. Everyone is passionate about what they do and genuinely cares about each other. It’s not just a workplace; It is a community where we support each other and share the joy of providing our guests with unforgettable experiences. When you have a team that loves what they do and enjoys working together, it creates an atmosphere of positivity and excellence that resonates with our guests.”

The warmth and camaraderie of the staff is indeed palpable, as is their real interest in ensuring all guests have the experience of a lifetime. Be it Japhet Banda (aka JB), the experienced front-of-house manager who regales you with stories of what it was wish to construct a lodge from scratch in the midst of the bush, or the friendly Sheperd Mpofu who insists To accompany you back to your property must you encounter an elephant along the way in which, the suite staff are a few of one of the best trained and friendliest I actually have ever met.

It is that this sense of community and shared purpose that makes Molori Mashuma not only an exceptional safari destination, but additionally a shining example of how a dedicated team can come together to create something truly special in the center of Zimbabwe.

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