Leadwood Campsite is one of two rustic campsites run by Zinave National Park in central Mozambique. It sits inside the park’s fenced game sanctuary, among the leadwood trees that give it its name and within reach of several water holes. The park describes it as a place for campers who arrive fully equipped.
Best for
Leadwood Campsite suits self-sufficient campers and 4×4 travellers who carry their own tent, bedding, water containers, fuel and food and want to sleep inside a wildlife area.
It suits anyone wanting serviced rooms, catering or a soft landing after a long drive much less well, because nothing is provided on site.
Location
The campsite lies in the middle of Zinave’s core sanctuary area, close to water holes that concentrate game in the dry months. In a straight line it is about 36 km east of our Zinave National Park reference point. The park headquarters and its arrival tourism centre are elsewhere in the sanctuary, on the Save River.
Rooms and style at Leadwood Campsite
There are no rooms or built units here. The park lists Leadwood as a rustic campsite for self-sufficient campers, and publishes no pitch count, hardstanding details or tent and bedding hire. Travellers who want a built bed inside the park are pointed instead to the tented facilities at Tondo, near the headquarters.
Facilities at Leadwood Campsite
Verified facilities are deliberately minimal: the park states only that this is a rustic campsite and that campers must be completely self-sufficient, and it confirms that its accommodation facilities include no restaurant. The shared facilities it does describe sit at the headquarters rather than at the campsite, where an arrival tourism centre offers a tourist information desk, drinking water, ablution facilities and solar power.
Trade-offs and what to know
Nothing is supplied on site, so every litre of water, meal and piece of equipment has to be carried in and the rubbish carried out.
The park publishes no pitch count or facility list for the campsite, so what you will find on arrival is uncertain until you ask.
Access is by long gravel and two-track roads, which rules out low-clearance vehicles and can be difficult in the wet season.
Getting there and getting around
The park’s main route in runs from Mapinhane on the N1 through Mabote village to the Tungo Tungo entrance gate, then on to the headquarters beside the Save River. The park states that the two-track roads need a high-clearance vehicle and that a 4×4 is recommended, and essential in the wet season. Gates open daily, with longer hours from October to March than from April to September.
Explore the area
- Zinave National Park travel guide
- Great Limpopo: region guide
- Where to stay in Great Limpopo: choosing a base
- Mozambique accommodation: how to choose a region
Before you book
Book through the park before you travel and confirm that the campsite is open for your dates, since it is described as accessible most times of the year rather than always. Ask what water and ablution arrangements exist at the site itself, what the conservation and camping fees are, whether you must report to the headquarters on arrival, and what the park’s rules are on fires, firewood and moving around the sanctuary after dark.
Current rates and availability
We do not publish fixed rates for Leadwood Campsite, because pricing and availability change with dates and demand. Use the Check Availability button on this page to see the current options offered by the independent booking provider. Mozambique Travel Guide does not set prices, hold inventory or take payment.