John's Camp - Mana Pools - The Classic Safari Company

A new focus on the Africa of old

John’s Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp situated within Mana Pools on Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia, where the Zambezi River forms a natural boundary. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1984, Mana Pools National Park is one of the most beautiful game reserves in Africa and offers some of the most outstanding walking in Zimbabwe. The camp is named after Zimbabwean-born John Stevens – an esteemed safari guide held as a legend among his peers.

Staying at John’s Camp will take you back to a time when travel through Africa was intimate, authentic and uncomplicated in its comfort. Ten guests are accommodated in just five Meru style canvas tents, each with en suite bathroom facilities, running water and an overhanging safari-style bucket shower. The tents are generously spaced along the floodplain adjacent to the Zambezi River to allow for quiet privacy and beautiful, secluded views. The main dining area is centrally located and positioned in thick shade for cool, unhurried lunches while the campfire overlooking the floodplain is the perfect spot for evening sundowners.

Mana Pools is the only National Park in the world where you are allowed to freely walk in the habitat of the wild animals and the game here is fantastic with 4 of the big 5 (no rhino) present as well as plenty of plains game and prolific birdlife. All walks are lead by professional, armed and licensed guides who are endlessly passionate and infinitely knowledgeable. Game drives are conducted in Toyota land cruisers with a window seat available to everyone whilst fishing for African Tiger Fish and Tilapia (bream) is the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the water. Those interested in grass roots conservation will enjoy a private tour of the National Park Headquarters where you will have the opportunity to meet the rangers working tirelessly to protect and maintain not only wildlife, but also the park itself. For the truly adventurous a night under the stars sleeping away from the main camp under a ‘mozzi dome’ tent under the wild African skies is hard to beat.

John’s camp brings the traditional values and romance of a bygone era right into the modern day, delivering an outstanding safari experience.

You will love

Africa on foot
New camp, old values
Fantastic game and birdlife
Lazy days spent on the river
Supreme guiding

Let us design your perfect itinerary.

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Elephant walking in lush green landscape alongside a herd of antelope, showcasing wildlife in Zimbabwe's natural habitat near John's Camp.

Safari guide discussing wildlife with guests, featuring an elephant in the background, symbolizing the intimate and authentic experiences at John's Camp in Zimbabwe.

Group of safari guests observing an elephant in the wild, showcasing an authentic wildlife experience at John's Camp in Zimbabwe.

Interior of a luxury Meru-style tent at John's Camp, featuring a comfortable bed with decorative pillows, wooden furnishings, a lamp, and a view of the natural landscape through large windows, emphasizing an intimate safari experience in Mana Pools.

Couple relaxing in Meru-style canvas tent at John's Camp, overlooking scenic landscape in Mana Pools, emphasizing intimate safari experience and luxury accommodation.

Two people standing by a river at sunset, surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains, representing the intimate safari experience at John's Camp in Mana Pools.

Group of safari guests enjoying sundowners by the river at John's Camp, with guides preparing drinks and a cozy fire setting, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.

Campfire setting at John's Camp, surrounded by chairs and lanterns, with a serene river view at dusk, highlighting luxury safari experience in Mana Pools.

Hippo partially submerged in lush green water plants, representing the vibrant wildlife experience at John's Camp in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.

Aerial view of the Zambezi River with lush green islands and distant mountains, showcasing the natural beauty and serene landscape surrounding John's Camp in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.

Lion walking through lush grassland in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe, with mountains in the background, highlighting the camp's wildlife experiences.

Safari vehicle with guests observing a lion in the wild, surrounded by lush greenery in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, highlighting an authentic wildlife experience at John's Camp.

Herd of impalas grazing in golden grassland, showcasing the rich wildlife experience at John's Camp in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe.

Elegant outdoor dining setup at John's Camp, featuring a beautifully arranged table with glassware and decorative elephant figurines, set against a golden sunset and lush African landscape.

Colorful bird in flight among tall grasses, highlighting the vibrant wildlife experience at John's Camp in Zimbabwe.

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Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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