Campsite Review: Tashinga Camp (Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe)[Overlanding Africa]

[@stucs6890]

Thanks! A great informative post, plan on visiting in Sept, you made the choice for us! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TravelGigolo]

Great! Glad you found the review information. It's amazing how much Zim has to offer. Africa Parks is doing good work at Matusadona.

[@andrecornelissen7818]

Tnx man

[@TravelGigolo]

A pleasure 👍🏾

[@benafrikatrip9575]

Thank you for sharing this information, it’s important

[@TravelGigolo]

Glad it's useful 👍🏾

[@tigershoot]

Great video that is very informative. I first heard of this place when reading about a near-fatal lion attack about 12 years ago. Google Tashinga Lion Attack. The place looks amazing and it's nice to see it being done up. I just wish I had access to a 4x4. I was born and grew up in Rhodesia and it pains to me to say that I now only visit SA. I find Zimbabwe too expensive.

[@TravelGigolo]

South Africa seems to be the cheapest place to travel, considering of course that we live in SA. We enjoyed Zimbabwe and intend to go back to explore the Eastern Highlands. Will look up Tashinga Lion Attack. Glad we didn't know about it 😅

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Thanks for responding to my questions

[@TravelGigolo]

Welcome, anytime 👍🏾

[@marshinn]

Thanks for the very informative episode. Tashinga is now on my list!

[@TravelGigolo]

Definitely worth it!

[@TravelGigolo]

Would you tackle the road to Matusadona to stay at the epic Tashinga Camp?

[@chrisg1234fly]

I would love to do this, but SWAMBO not so keen and in our V6........maybe a little thirsty!!!!! Are we ever going to get to know the lady???? LOLOL Great video, loving your trip.

[@TravelGigolo]

With our 80 series cruiser we know all about thirsty! My significant other is a behind the scenes type of gal. She's the planner, director, producer, and navigator. Great adventurous travel partner to have 😊

[@TravelGigolo]

It's a cool campsite. I think it will be even better when Africa Parks has finished upgrades. I think you can get there in the dry season without too much difficulty. Support vehicle in the rainy season is a good idea 😄 Hope you can make a plan to get out while your new tent is still on the way🙏🏽

[@beingfair4154]

the parks guys actually sell fuel, it was a nice surprise for us we refuelled right there

[@TravelGigolo]

We also got fuel, but they were still getting their systems in place. So I didn't include that in the episode. It's great that one can get fuel given that it's quite a fuel intensive drive. Hope you enjoyed the park 👍🏾

[@coadyg]

Another great video thanks for sharing. Love that area what where the camp fees at the time you visited the park.

[@TravelGigolo]

Vehicle USD 10, once off. Conservation fee USD 15 pppn. Campsite USD 23 pppn (I think, camping may have been cheaper, it USD 23 at Mana Pools). Those are for SADC residents.

[@stormtomlinson5431]

Nice vid, what spare parts and measures did you take specific on the vehicle, just for it's reliability ect

[@TravelGigolo]

We don't carry much spares. Basic water pipes, fan belts, Oil for top-ups, brake fluid, fuses, wheel valves, bulbs, and a spare radiator cap. Otherwise not much else. One of the benefits of having a Toyota is that they are popular cars in Africa. I also have complete tool box, and essentials like cable ties, duct tape, recovery kit etc. I have a list in the episode below, it needs to be updated though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5CkhqBvYs2Airs

[@jonathondrury3007]

Hi - great video thanks for all the information! How many litres of fuel did you take with you? Are there any "maps" of the park for game driving e.t.c.

[@TravelGigolo]

We tried downloading maps, but its was difficult to get any detail. So we ended up taking photos of the maps in the office and also asking the personnel. We had 2 Jerry Cans, so about 40L. That's not much for oir thirsty 80 series though. The big problem was getting fuel in Binga. If we had filled up there then we would have been good for fuel. We have about 150L tank capacity. Thanks for the positive comments! Much appreciated.

[@jonathondrury3007]

@@TravelGigolo Hi thanks for the info - we will come from Karoi - it looks about 220km from Karoi to the camp.

[@TravelGigolo]

Definitely an easier trip via Karoi. We filled up at Puma, 4km east of the Binga-Karoi T-junction.

[@tommyhartvig5495]

Great video as my plans is Zimbabwe for our next across boarder trip. What solar setup do you have?

[@TravelGigolo]

We have a portable 200w set of folding panels with a PWM charge controller. 105ah deep cycle battery in the car. Pushes out about 9A in good sunlight. Also portable Lithium555 system that has it's own built-in mppt. Can also charge the batteries when driving around. Our main power user is the fridge (60L fridge_freezer combo), especially in those high temperatures. Our setup is pretty simple, hence our power needs are pretty simple too. Being able to run the fridge all night long is our primary need.

[@TravelGigolo]

P.S. Thanks for the coffee 👍🏾

[@tommyhartvig5495]

Thanks for the detailed reply I'm also just looking at have a fridge so I'm having a simple battery box and charging it while driving and then disconnect when standing still so I'm looking for a budget solar blanket kit like the one Kings do in Australia Ls enjoy the coffee ☕

[@tommyhartvig5495]

What brand of solar panels/blanket do you have

[@TravelGigolo]

The blanket is SnoMaster. It's been pretty good so far. The only issues I have are: 1. There is no support to hold up the panels at an angle to get max exposure. Easy to solve usually. 2. The fabric is black. Would be better if it was brown or a similar colour that doesn't show dust so easily.

[@nicholasjames9427]

Would it be possible to tow a boat to Tashinga camp. Very strong off road boat trailer behind VX landcruiser?

[@TravelGigolo]

Hi there, The road has a few sharp turns, not many but I suppose all you need is one. I'm reluctant to say yes, although I do think it is possible depending on the size of your boat and your patience. It would be slow going in some areas.

[@nicholasjames9427]

@@TravelGigolo Thanks mate!!

[@chiedzamuchemwa4025]

I like your accent.

[@TravelGigolo]

Thank you 😅

[@coadyg]

What where the camp fees at the time of the video?

[@TravelGigolo]

3 nights cost us USD 129 for 2 people, one vehicle. This includes conservation fees. I can't remember now what the break down was.

[@blackbirdxx4613]

Lovely information.... So in general what are the overall costs to do this type of camping... Thumb suck

[@TravelGigolo]

The camping fees vary. At the national parks we paid between USD 10 and USD 20 pppn (a bit more expensive than SA, but less than Botswana). Add conservation fees of about the same. Vehicle entry fee USD 5 to USD 10 for the stay. So the camping is not the biggest cost. The biggest cost by far is fuel, especially with an old land cruiser that does 15 - 20 L per 100km. Then then there's food, charcoal etc which is the same cost as a 2 person braai each day along with drinks. But the fuel is about 50% of the cost on a long trip like this.