A Working Ranch in Zimbabwe
Wildlife and Horseback Safaris in Zimbabwe
A Personal Safari Experience
Welcome to Cawston Encounters, a family-run ranch offering wildlife and horseback safaris in Zimbabwe, and where adventure meets conservation. Nestled in the heart of Matabeleland, our ranch invites you to experience the magic of Africa through horseback safaris, game drives, and family-friendly wildlife adventures.
Africa isn’t meant to be observed from afar. This is a safari you feel, not one you watch. Set on our family-run ranch, Cawston Encounters is a place where wildlife, horses, and our daily life coexist side-by-side.
You ride, you explore, you eat food sourced from our land, and you shape your days as you go. It’s private, unscripted, and deliberately far removed from the polished safari circuit.
If you’re looking for something curated and predictable, this isn’t it. If you’re looking for something real, with the freedom to experience it – you’re in the right place!
Cawston Camp
Nestled in 32,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness, built on a rocky hillside and surrounded by an oasis of shaded green lawns, the Camp blends adventure with effortless luxury. With just five stylish tented suites, enjoy exclusive comfort and wild charm. Wake up in plush, extra-long beds, step onto your private veranda, and watch the wildlife go by.
Horse Safaris
Moving through the African bush on horseback is a thrilling experience. No engine noise, just the rhythm of hooves, the scent of grass, and the extraordinary privilege of being accepted by wildlife as part of the herd.
Our small group horseback safaris run across our 32,000 private acres. Set-date safaris of 4 or 6 nights are available for intermediate to advanced riders.
Private safaris can be arranged for groups, including those with less experienced riders
Non Riding Safaris
You don’t have to ride to love Cawston and to experience all it has to offer.
Think game drives or guided walks at dawn and late afternoons. Time at waterholes in ground-level or tree blinds, watching the animals and birds coming into drink within meters of you.
Evening visits with our three elephants and learning about their lives: birding, vulture viewing, photography, sunset drinks, dinner under the stars, and sleep-outs.
And through it all, our working ranch has been shaped by our family’s stewardship.
Volunteer
For those who want more than a guest experience, Cawston’s volunteer working holiday programme offers a rare opportunity: to live and work on a functioning African wildlife ranch, contributing to horse care, conservation operations, anti-poaching support, and community outreach.
Volunteers become part of the family for the duration of their stay. The work is real, the days are full, and the reward is a connection to this land that a standard safari visit cannot replicate.
Spaces are limited, and applications are reviewed individually.
Plan Your Stay With Us
Cawston is a living ranch, a conservation story, and a family’s home.
35 years of stewardship have shaped every trail, waterhole, and dinner table on this property. When you ride out at dawn, the dust that kicks up is real. When you sit down to eat, the food comes from this soil. When you leave, something of this land stays with you.
This is Zimbabwe, unfiltered.
And there is nowhere else quite like it.
What Our Guests Say
Dear All, Wow! We have spent two wonderful days here in the sun. Thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality. The children have loved every minute and learnt so much. We have enjoyed the delicious food, been on game drives and taken many dips in the pool. We’d love to come back one day – a lovely change from the U.K. Thanks for the “chicken” you cooked for us. Many thanks.
What Our Guests Say
Dearest Peter and Juliet – the warmth of your hospitality exceeds that of the Zimbabwean summer sun. We are ever so grateful to have been able to share in your slice of paradise with you. We also enjoyed observing the sable antelope, our first sighting of these beautiful beasts ever. In appreciation and friendship.
What Our Guests Say
Dear Juliet and Sean, these have been three very memorable days. The wildlife, captive landscape, hospitality, accommodation and food have kept us smiling from morning to dusk. But above all, for me, it has been the conversations and stories that we have shared in the jeep and around the dinner table that I will miss and take with me. Wishing you both all the very best with your many plans and projects! Best wishes.
About Us
Cawston is our home – and the way we live here is what we share with you.
Over time, this place has evolved with us: from a restored cattle farm into a working landscape where wildlife, horses, and livestock are managed together, and where much of what ends up on your plate is grown right here.
When you stay, you’re not stepping into a polished version of safari life.
You’re stepping into something real – a family way of living on the land, shaped by experience, responsibility, and a genuine enjoyment of sharing it and seeing our guests leave refreshed and reconnected with nature.
