Chapungu was the first safari camp we have ever been to and we were not disappointed. We visited Chapungu for three nights on our honeymoon (Sept 09), before going on to a lodge in the Sabi Sands reserve. We were pleased we did the trips this way round, as the second lodge was superior to the tented camp at Chapungu - but that said, you certainly get what you pay for at both. To expect 5
• treatment and facilities at Chapungu would be mis-placed, but we had the most wonderful time and were glad to have spent a portion of the trip in the tented camp.
The reserve itself (Thornybush) is great. We saw all of the Big 5 at least three times over in the space of three days and sightings were very good ones. The guide (Eugene) was knowledgeable and friendly and we were impressed with the set-up generally. We didn't have any more than 6 people in our vehicle at any one time - which meant we always got great, uninterrupted, views and the reserve operates a "no more than 2 cars at any one sighting" policy, meaning your photos aren't spoiled by other vehicles in the background. Game drives started at 5am and 3.45pm and typically lasted around 4 - 4 1/2 hours.
Food was good. Dinners were particularly good (always three courses), taking place in different parts of the camp each night. Yes, you have to pay for drinks but they are not pricey.
Accomodation is nice, though the a/c isn't the most effective! The outdoor baths are really great and we were made more than comfortable during our stay.
Would highly recommend as a middle-of-the-price-range option, though if you're hoping for 5
• luxury, this probably isn't the place for you.
Anonymous, September 2009