Mpala Jena
- Victoria Falls, ZimbabweMpala Jena is a boutique safari camp positioned along the beautiful tree-laden banks of the Zambezi River.
touch the soul of africa
Situated on a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, adjoining well-defined tree canopy and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment over the border in Zambia.
Shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, the camp accommodates guests in ten spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including two family rooms, all of which overlook the river. The central dining, bar and lounge areas face the escarpment, and there is a separate pool deck swimming and sunbathing, and an inviting fire deck for convivial evenings under the African skies. A romantic star-bed situated nearby overlooking a productive waterhole completes the Ruckomechi experience.
Situated on the western boundary of the iconic Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi Camp is a photographer’s paradise, whether in a vehicle, on a boat or on foot.
Game drives early in the morning or late afternoon take place in open 4X4 vehicles, taking in a coffee break or a sundowner at a scenic spot. Given the diversity of habitats in the area, a wide variety of wildlife may be seen. Night drives are also available; a red-filtered spotlight is used to ensure disturbance of the game is kept to a minimum. (Note: Game drives take place within our private concession and not in the National Park.)
Cruises down this stretch of the Zambezi River are in nine-seater pontoons or in a six-seater speed boat. Canoes are a more adventurous option to see the large numbers of waterbirds and other wildlife that are attracted to the river and seasonal pans.
Mana Pools National Park is a remote, beautiful place that is best experienced on foot, led by a professional guide. This thrilling way of exploring the surrounding bush often heralds many exciting sightings.
Bream (tilapia), barbel (catfish) and tigerfish are the some of the more common fish found at Mana Pools. Catch and release is practised at all Wilderness Safaris camps and keen fishermen are always encouraged to bring their own equipment as we only carry basic fishing tackle. *This activity is subject to the availability of boats and is at an additional cost, per boat per hour payable direct.
There is no better way of falling asleep than being serenaded by the sounds of nature while you gaze up at the starry skies of Africa. Our romantic Star Bed is situated near a productive waterhole.
The multiplicity of birdlife in the area includes three-banded courser, western banded snake-eagle, Arnot's chat, green-capped eremomela, African golden oriole, Lilian’s lovebird, Böhm's spinetail and Meve's starling.
Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Zambezi Valley, a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views. The area offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, while predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted. Greater kudu, Burchell's zebra, impala, warthog and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day. Birdlife is superb, with numerous local specials like collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller.
