Hippo Pools Wilderness Camp is situated along the Mazowe River approximately 150 kilometres from Harare and convenient for a weekend getaway. The camp can accommodate a maximum of thirty guests.

Directions are the same as for Umfurudzi Safari Park. On reaching the entrance gate, a charge of US$5 is levied. Turn left at the signpost, or you will arrive at the Wardens office. If in doubt, check with the Ranger at the gate and say you are going to Hippo Pools Wilderness Camp, which is 15 kilometres away and overlooks a pool where the hippos live. Iain Jarvis is the founder member of the Wilderness Africa Trust and the Executive Director and has spent a lifetime dedicated to conservation and anti-poaching. 

The Hippo Pools Wilderness Camp was started in 1982 as a community effort. Generating money through visitors to the Hippo Pools wilderness camp is vital to the whole community project. An obvious lack of visitors and income has left the place a bit run down with the restaurant, sun deck, and campsite needing TLC. The cottages have gas fridges and stoves, but are very basic and rustic. The Safari Tents come with bunk beds and a fridge / freezer. There are number of different size chalets, each with shower room and fully equipped kitchen. There is also a large campsite. The self-catering chalets are $30 per person per night.

The various activities at the camp, namely horse riding, game walks, bird watching, swimming in the rock pool and river rafting. The fishing is excellent for bream, vundu and chessa as well as good-sized tiger fish and there are over 200 kilometres of marked paths and hiking trails designed to suit all levels of fitness. More challenging trails lead into the rugged granite kopjes and with trees of interest clearly marked, and the abundance of good birding, the trails and walks are guaranteed to interest anyone with a love of nature.

GPS reference:  17⁰04′13.01″S 31⁰52′07.66″E