Baines Camp

By: Nathalie Ijjf

One would think, that one night and the better part of two days, wouldn’t be nearly enough time to escape to the bush for rest and rejuvenation—but accepting Baines River Camp’s kind invitation proved otherwise. Resetting and relaxing along the majestic, and beloved Zambezi River is just what just what our team needed to disconnect from our daily duties, and decompress our mind, body and soul.

As simple as it would be, to give a blow-by-blow description of our short, but sweet outing to Baines, I am more inclined to do my best to describe the overall experience of what Baines, and our visit to the Lower Zambezi was like - from a perspective of people and places!

It is a well-established fact that a successful business in the tourism industry relies primarily on the staff – the people. The entire team at Baines, from the managers and guides, to waiters, housekeepers and security guards, went to great lengths to ensure our every need was met, and then some!

It's thanks to the staff that we enjoyed meals that were delicious and varied. Cappuccinos churned out in copious amounts. Rooms were beautifully prepared and thoughtfully turned down in the evenings. Boats were cleaned and kitted with brimming cooler boxes, blankets and fishing rods. Game drive vehicles were sent ahead into the park to meet us off the river. We ended our day with a breath taking sunset ordered to accompany the sand bank sundowners and a captivating campfire prepared under the ever-alluding African night sky.

I don’t exaggerate when I say every single member of staff had a huge smile on their face, and displayed a genuine willingness to help in any way they could. Their warmth and enthusiasm was the foundation on which the rest of the experience was built.

The Lower Zambezi – the place – is one of those destinations that is hard to actually describe with words. It’s also almost impossible to truly capture on camera, and believe me I tried! It’s one of those places that just feels calming and rejuvenating at once.

Whether it’s a chilled mid-morning boat cruise on the river or a more active, tigerfish catching river outing in the afternoon, the water has a way of bringing you back to earth. Being on the river almost forces you to stop, take deep breaths and just look around. It encourages you to take in every detail of the beautiful backdrop of mountain ranges, and admire the plethora of activity that surrounds you – from hippos, elephants and crocs in the water, to birds teetering gracefully on the reeds and even the little dragonflies that hover on the periphery.

As for the Park, and its’ inhabitants, I’d happily write a whole essay on what we saw, the things we learnt and the areas we explored. Suffice to say, the wildlife was abundant, varied and very co-operative for the different groups of tourist paparazzi’s in various situations. Never before had I seen a pack of wild dogs literally run straight through a camp (albeit on the Zimbabwean side of the river) whilst fixated on their intended dinner.

It’s hard to explain the joy one feels, when spending half a day, with eyes peeled, for wildlife and birds, on the river and from a vehicle, but I will give it a try! Not only does it feel rewarding and amazing when you see nature at its best, but it is compounded by spending time with knowledgeable, entertaining and passionate guides who know so much about the flora, fauna and history of the place you’re privileged to be spending time in.

Baines, as a camp, or rather the place, feels just like the saying goes – a home away from home. There is no denying the pleasure one feels, when they are looked after by such a competent team of service orientated people, in a place that is still so wild and raw, but feels safe and comfortable. 

I was most impressed by how meticulously neat and tidy the camp was, and the attention to detail - both small and large. From the beautifully crafted towel swans on the beds, to the discreet but functional wooden screens that hid the ‘water works infrastructure’ behind the rooms everything was perfectly in place. The rooms are so well equipped, the guest wants for nothing. The main area, bar and lounge areas are beautifully adorned with comfortable, interesting and functional furniture, books and décor.

As a member of the People and Places back office, I’m usually at my desk executing admin for our clients and consultants. As you can imagine, I was beyond excited to join the travelling group of colleagues and enjoy an adventure with them. I have to acknowledge that part and parcel of the enjoyment, rest, relaxation and joy I experienced at Baines has to be attributed to the group of team spirited, open minded and fun people I have the pleasure to work with!

Overall, I hope I’ve managed to share even a glimpse of what a memorable weekend we had in such a beautiful place, made all the more special by the wonderful people I shared it with.