NRE Powerstation / Pungwe B camp | Established Campground

October 27th, 2023 by brigitta

For us one of the best places in Zimbabwe - we stayed two nights at the upper site (here you do not even see or hear the power station). All three sites are at the river, spacious with shade and flat/level concrete-floor to park the car. Power plugs (UK & SA) and BBQ places with plenty of wood on all sites. 4 clean private ablutions (all with light, toilet, hot shower, toilet paper and soap!) A big shelter with benches, sink and BBQ you can use in case of rain. The whole place was very clean and well looked after by the care taker Tatenda. He started the donkey for hot water right after we arrived in the evening and kept it going during our whole stay so we always had hot water. He made us a nice fire for our BBQ and offered even to wash our dishes and cloth (which we did not need). In the river we had a refreshing swim. The workers of the power station are happy to show you the power house and answer your questions (it is manned 24h/3 shifts). All the staff is very nice and extremely helpful - we can only recommend this place if you have a good 4x4 to manage the bumpy and at some places steep road. Price US$ 5ppn - which is in our opinion a bargain for what you get!

April 1st, 2023 by on-the-road-again.nl

Indeed a bit of a weird place, but in a funny kind of way: Who would think about making a campsite here? Though when you see it, it makes more sense. The campsite is beautiful between the rocks, on levelled spots and next to the river. The facilities are quite good and taken care of. Very friendly and helpful staff who put on the donkey in evening and morning (though only seemed to get luke warm, good enough for a quick shower) and they made a fire for us. Electricity, water, braai and lights on the sites. A cantine like shelter area with tables if needed for bad weather. Though it is kind of strange that you are standing next to a powerstation, it didnt really bother us. Especially if you stand on one of the two upper campsites, the sound of the river makes more noise. They love to show you around at the powerstation and the turbines, and explain how everything works, which is quite interesting. For 5$ pppn it is really worthwhile to stay one or two nights. Road towards here is bumpy and steep but beautiful, as is the Honde Valley. We could still buy the 'ticket' at the NRE in town around 4 o'clock on a Friday afternoon. Campsite itself is open on the weekend if you are already there. But can imagine it is not possible to buy a ticket if you come there in the weekend and the office in town is closed.

December 24th, 2022 by ShelleyTheShed

We loved this place! It seems to resonate differently with folk though. The tumbling river overpowered the hum from the turbines of the HEP plant most of the time. We swam in beautiful rock pools, hiked up and down by the river and enjoyed the shade of beautiful indigenous trees. The site is immaculately cared for and the guys are knowledgeable about the power station and proud to show you around. Road in is a bit rough but scenery beautiful. If you love natural spaces and can accept the proximity of a renewable power source nearby then it is highly recommended.

May 18th, 2022 by instagram.com/daniel.lahti

This is a bit of a weird one. Really tough road to get to the camp. You have to book it in the village before going, se other post in iOverlander, and the office is closed on the weekends. There is only 1 good spot with a van/RTT etc. the ablutions are falling apart, the donkey was lit but no hot water made it to the ablutions. Can’t really recommend anyone going here. You won’t see anything of the valley from the camp. But the scenery driving down is beautiful

October 6th, 2021 by samgdickinson

As mentioned, very nice campsite down by the river. We stayed at the site furthest away from the power station so it really didn't bother us. Quite far from the road and probably 4x4 required. if you want to go on any hikes in to the NP a guide is required and the NRE office can provide some details. We went with Ernest who was very friendly and helpful.

August 28th, 2021 by ziellos-reisen.ch

It is a very nice new campground with different levels direct at the Pungwe River. Very clean toilet and shower. Electricity is provided and an nice attendant is looking for you. You have to book the camp in the NRE Office in Hauna and pay there (we paid 5 US per person per night). They told us, that we can’t go there before checking in at the office.
The only disadvantage is: The Hydro Powerstation is located on the same ground. The campgrounds are within 30-200 meters from the station. We stayed at the last place within trees and next to the river. BBQ station is just a few meters away.
A very nice and well looked after place (if you can handle the power-lines)