Karongwe

Karongwe is a good place for viewing most of Africa’s game. As the camp itself is unfenced, we often have four-legged guests in the camp. Hyenas have been seen making patrols of the camp and on some nights elephant, cheetah and lion have also made appearances in camp on the odd occasion.

The Camp:

The vegetation of the reserve falls within the Savannah Biome of southern Africa with distinct vegetation zones being represented – mixed Lowveld and Mopane bushveld along with grass savannah, riverine vegetation and rocky outcrops.

Karongwe has the following habitats: undulating hills and valleys and broad-leafed woodland. We are allowed traversing over some sections of the reserve. As we share the reserve with other lodges / tourism operators, we do need to consider each other’s game viewing privacy.

Temperatures at the camp:

Our summers are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from mid 20°C (68°F) on the cooler cloud-covered rainy days, to the high 30°C (86°F) on average days. Occasional hot day’s temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F). Winters are usually dry, with the average morning temperature of 6°C (43°F), with occasional cooler morning temperatures, and warmer mornings when there is cloud cover. Afternoon temperatures average in the mid 20s°C (68°F), with ranges of 18°C (65°F) to 32°C (89°F) expected. Occasional winter showers prevail, but are unusual.
Rain in the summer takes the form of heavy thunder-showers, or frontal rainfall over a longer period of time.

Accommodation:

The camp consists of 10 walk-in style Meru tents, with twin beds (students share tents) and supplied bedding (a duvet and one pillow); although you might want to bring an extra blanket for the winter months and an additional pillow should you require two. There are also shared ablution facilities and a central communal area. We can accommodate a maximum of 20 students. There are viewing decks in the central area of the camp, and many students choose to make the viewing decks their “bedroom” for part of or for the full duration of the course. The camp itself is unfenced.

The central communal area:

This area is made up of four tall thatch-roofed open-sided decks which forms a square that encloses an open campfire area. One of the deck structures serves as the open air dining area, lecture room and study area. Two decks remain open to welcome the adventurous who want to spend their nights as close to nature as possible, while the last deck is the home of the head instructor.

Electricity:

There is no electricity at the camp – paraffin lamps are used for all lighting and a generator is used to chargebatteries. Studying at night with paraffin lanterns can at times be challenging so a headlamp for this purpose is recommended as well as an extra battery operated lamp if you wish to study in your tent at night. The generator is for camp use so will thus not be switched on for the sole purpose of charging learner cameras or other equipment. Learners are allowed to utilise it when it is running for camp purposes and need to understand that it is used
at own risk.

Beverages:

Select beverages are available for purchase (over and above the cordials, tea and coffee included in the course fee).

Water:

Fresh, drinkable water is available from the taps. Bottled water is available for purchase.

Laundry:

A hand washing laundry service is provided at a nominal weekly fee.

Game viewing vehicles:

The game viewing vehicles are open Land Rover TDI’s