Have you ever dreamed of spending a late winter night on the edge of a serene lake under a canvas tent, waking up to the sound of wild birds and the mystical sight of dense fog hanging over still waters? Or perhaps waking up at dawn to the cold sensation of dew when your hand brushes against the wall of your tent? Does sitting by a crackling bonfire in the early hours of the morning in your pajamas with your loved one in a remote, rustic setting, far away from the maddening world, count among your top ten blissful experiences?

Call of the African Bush: Two Nights Under the Stars at Makumbiri

If your answer is yes, then you’re just like me. Pack your duffel bag and head to Makumbiri Resort, a pristine, hidden private game park in the northwest of Zimbabwe—and live your fantasy, even if just for two nights.

Located at the 38 km mark towards Mvurwi, Makumbiri is hard to miss with its bold and clear signage just a few meters from the tarmac—if you get the route right the first time and trust Google Maps. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the route right at first and only remembered Google Maps after getting lost and driving back a considerable distance, much to the frustration of my partner, who was already miffed after being “torqued off” with my driving for most of the journey (a story for another day, or maybe not).

The easiest route: if you’re traveling from Harare, turn left immediately after the permanent police roadblock at Mazowe Center. Take the narrow but well-surfaced road towards Mvurwi and drive for approximately 40 kilometers. The Makumbiri reception and booking office will be on your left.

Our trip conveniently coincided with the much-hyped SADC Summit happening in Harare, making the experience the perfect antidote to the mania that preceded the summit—and the general chaos of Harare life.

We had anticipated this trip so much that no amount of getting lost would take our eyes off the destination or dampen our expectations of the adventures waiting for us. After some help from locals and Google Maps, we finally arrived at Makumbiri just as the sun was kissing the treetops of the vast indigenous woodland that makes up the sprawling game sanctuary.

We opted for their camping package, which is reasonably priced and offers the best experience for a weekend spent in the bush. The package includes a pre-pitched tent, a modest mattress, meals, breakfast, warm water for baths (though no hot showers at the time of our visit), and a complimentary bonfire.

There’s an array of activities to choose from at an extra charge. You can enjoy a leisurely game drive and spot giraffes nibbling at acacia trees, or get your adrenaline pumping with quad-biking. For the romantics, a sunset boat ride will create unforgettable memories.

The lush green verges provide the perfect setting for picnic afternoons. My “very demure” partner, herself a picnic aficionado, made sure to pack all the essentials and non-essentials for a comfortable picnic rendezvous.

The food was delightful, with a chef catering to our meal needs upon request. I particularly enjoyed his potato parsley dish paired with roast quarter chicken—a combination that became a staple on my plate throughout our stay (another story for another day). The staff were courteous and hospitable, making us feel like honored guests.

Makumbiri is also an ideal venue for corporate functions, family parties, and weddings. The vast grounds, opening into vistas of graceful mountains with a calm, sparkling lake in the foreground, offer all the tranquility you need to relax, connect with nature, or even paint a masterpiece.

We spent our moments finding each other, connecting, rediscovering, exploring, and sharing. Some moments were spent in silence—a spontaneous and needed silence.

Cellphone reception at the site is very poor, and there was no Wi-Fi at the time of our visit, but we didn’t miss mobile connectivity at all. We had each other; the world could wait.

Our two nights under the stars at Makumbiri came to an end on the same Sunday the SADC Summit concluded in Harare. But the memories we made at this spartan hideaway will remain permanent, just like the stars in the sky.

As a self-appointed advocate of budget, domestic tourism, I highly recommend this destination for anyone planning their next holiday season itinerary.