Experiences
On water
The Zambezi offers exciting river options from Cabora Bassa and the Luangwa confluence in the east, to the Mupata Gorge immediately to the west and on into the Lower Zambezi National Park. Game viewing opportunities abound on both sides of the river, and some of the best tiger fishing on this great watercourse is on your doorstep. On the river with a cold beer, or a gin and tonic watching game as the sun sets is surely one of the great African moments.
A Private Place for Private People
Hannes has been involved in this region since the late 80’s and was one of the first operators to initiate a commercial venture in the Rufunsa area, thanks to the support of the traditional leadership headed by Chief Mburuma.
He liked the remoteness, was fascinated by the history, and was immediately attracted to the rugged beauty of the area. His early endeavours were in partnership with the late Alistair Gellatly with whom he hunted and shared many exciting times.
Remote Yet Accessible
Sendeka River Camp is situated on the southern boundary of the largely unexplored wilderness that is the Rufunsa GMA, (Game Management Area), almost bordering on the Lower Zambezi National Park and just below the magnificent Mupata Gorge. Twenty five kilometres to the east is the confluence of the Luangwa and the Zambezi and the headwaters of Lake Cabora Bassa.The setting for the Camp is pristine, with panoramic views of the Zambezi, the lowland riverine, the Sendeka River mouth and the Uzha Mountains.
History
This stretch of river was traversed by explorers, slave-traders, ivory hunters, missionaries and desperados. One of whom was Harrison ‘Changa Changa’ Clark, a fugitive from South African justice who arrived in the area around the turn of the last century. He was welcomed by the locals, later formed a private army, stopped slavery and attacked the Portuguese in Zumbo where he raised the Union Jack triggering a diplomatic furore. Becoming something of a local warlord, he married a Chief’s daughter and was bestowed a dominion which he governed as ‘Chief Changa-Changa’.
Also troubling the colonial authorities in the area was Major ‘Jungle Man’ Pretorius, who came to hunt elephant then trekked north to German East Africa (now Tanzania). There he changed the course of WWI by finding the German warship Koningsberg hidden in the Rufiji River Delta and guided Royal Navy Gunboats in to sink it. His exploits provided the inspiration for Wilbur Smith’s book, ‘Shout At The Devil’.
The great hunter, explorer and naturalist Frederick Courteney Selous also visited the area early in the last century looking for elephant. He spent much of his time at Zumbo, on the Zambezi/Luangwa confluence, with the Portuguese traders and colonial officials. His plan to hunt north up the Luangwa River unraveled when malaria decimated his accompanying entourage and he returned to more familiar territory south of the Zambezi. His next sojourn in East Africa would be as a white hunter accompanying former US President Teddy Roosevelt on safari in Kenya, before his death in WWI in German East Africa (now Tanzania) at the hands of an enemy sniper.
The Camp
This privately owned camp consists of four spacious en-suite tented chalets, air-conditioned, large verandah, with bath inside and outside shower.
Hope, Hannes and Mandy’s eldest daughter, project managed the entire build and supervised the interior decorating with help from her younger sister, Jana.
The camp is simple but stylish, most of the furnishings are bespoke and locally sourced, with Hope and Mandy overseeing the local craftsmen and women.
The bar/dining/entertainment area connects to the pool and deck area which offers views over the water holes, and the Sendeka and Zambezi Rivers. Well-appointed sitting areas are dotted around the camp offering a variety of views with busy bird-baths nearby.
The gym is a short distance away under the trees overlooking one of the waterholes.
The camp is amply supplied with electricity using mainly solar but supplemented by a 45 kva generator. Cold beer, ice and cocktails assured.
Sendeka promises quietude, closeness, and comfort, along with the joy of being on a great river that runs a lifeline though spectacular scenery offering an untamed vibrancy peculiar to a special piece of Africa.
Staff and Scouts
The camp staff are from nearby Kavalamanja Village, locally trained and very familiar with the river and the terrain. They have been involved with the camp from inception.
The armed Game Scouts are privately employed, tasked to protect the property and work in tandem with the relevant authorities in anti-poaching endeavours in the surrounding GMA. They are also trained guides and available to conduct walks on the property.
Two young ladies from Kavalamanja Village have recently been trained and certified to enable us to offer a variety of massage treatments in camp.
Wildlife
Animals that may be encountered on or near the property:
Elephant, Zebra, Bushbuck, Klipspringer,
Baboon, Duiker, Grysbok, Vervet monkey,
Simango monkey, Buffalo, Waterbuck,
Hippo, Crocodile, Lion, Leopard, Serval,
Genet, Impala, Civet cat, Porcupine,
Hyena, Kudu, Warthog
The vicinity boasts a splendid variety of bird life – some 350 species.
Experiences
On land
There are no roads accessing the camp or in the nearby vicinity so game-walks, accompanied by armed guides are an enticing option. The rough country up the riverine and into the mountains is testing but rewarding, providing opportunities for close encounters on foot with big and small game along with some simply spectacular views covering three countries from the highland peaks. For the intrepid there is an option, by special arrangement, to make the long walk to one of our specially constructed fly-camps and overnight in a very remote place. Overnight stays at our affiliated tented camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park are optional.
Game drives are organised from Khulefu Camp into the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is an hour by boat away. This excursion includes the exciting option of fishing the waters west of the Mpata Gorge.
Opportunity
The property on which Sendeka River Camp sits is privately owned, boasts two kilometres of river frontage and is backed by a vast, largely unexplored Game Management Area.
Genuine wilderness destinations are becoming increasingly difficult to access. Over recent years, much of the riverline has become congested which detracts from the allure of a ‘wilderness experience’. This stretch of river is unpopulated and relatively underdeveloped.
Suitable for families and close friends, the whole camp is available for short-term rental, either catered or self-catered. Samora, the Camp Manager is supervised by Nic van Huysteen, based at nearby Kingfisher Camp, who will maintain contact with guests and the Wessels family. Further details can be discussed with our management team. We would like our guests to take ‘ownership’, enjoy the staff, who are river and game-guides, and very familiar with the locale, along with well-trained chefs, waiters as well as room and garden attendants.
As a family we are very open to any approach regarding acquisition of a shareholding in the property and facility. In this endeavour we hope to attract people, who, like us, are happy to involve themselves in protecting what is already here while being prepared to contribute in efforts, along with the community, traditional leadership and the authorities, to extend our conservation area and nurture a truly special piece of southern Africa.