Wilderness Ruckomechi
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Ruckomechi is the elephants’ favourite camp
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Guest lounge area and adjacent al fresco dining arear
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Spend an evening star-gazing from the deck
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Canoeing on the Zambezi allows up-close game viewing
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Guest lounge area and adjacent al fresco dining area
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Great game viewing from as close as Ruckomechi’s star-gazing deck
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Always amazing wildlife sightings from the main area
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Brunch treats at Ruckomechi
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
The pool area has sweeping views of the Zambian escarpment over the river
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
The luxurious guest tents are spacious and inviting
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Balmy weather allows for dining under the stars most evenings
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Enjoy an aperitif on the fire deck before dinner
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Ruckomechi is nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River adjacent to Mana Pools National Park
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant feeding on the floodplain in front of a guest tent
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Exterior view of a guest tent
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Luxurious guest tents provide a relaxing base at siesta time
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Ruckomechi accommodates guests in 10 spacious en-suite tents
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Guest tent bathroom
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Guest tents overlook the Lower Zambezi River
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Wild dog pack preparing for a hunt
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Hippo are a regular sighting in the Zambezi River
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Canoeing on the Zambezi is a thrilling adventure
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Ruckomechi’s legendary outdoor bath offers a romantic interlude
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
African skimmers require pristine habitats to successfully breed
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Buffalo graze on an island in the Zambezi River
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Game viewing from a boat cruise
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
The resident lion pride may often be seen while out on a game drive
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Game walk with professional safari guide
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
African elephant feeding in the floodplain
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Tiger fishing is available on a catch-and-release basis
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Wild dog seen on a game walk
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Hippo seen from a canoeing activity
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant crossing a shallow section of the Zambezi River
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Golden hour elephant
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Wild dog after a successful kill
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Playful wild dogs
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant feeding on ana tree pods
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant are regularly seen from the pontoon as they move across the Zambezi
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Predators such as lion are often sighted while on game drives
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Buffalo on the floodplain behind camp
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant seen on a drive from camp
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Zebra with oxpeckers passenger
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Iconic African fish-eagle
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Impala flourish in Mana Pools National Park
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
White-fronted bee-eater on the banks of the Zambezi River
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant with the escarpment forms a stunning backdrop
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Elephant sightings from a boat cruise are exceptionally rewarding
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
The face of experience
Photographer credit: Wilderness
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
The Zambian escarpment provides a dramatic photographic backdrop, whether at sunrise or sunset
Photographer credit: Wilderness
Highlights
- Wilderness Ruckomechi is set in a spectacularly scenic, wildlife-rich private reserve at Zimbabwe’s legendary Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site famed for its exceptional beauty and wildlife.
- It is an intimate and authentic safari camp situated under towering trees on the banks of the great Zambezi River.
- Action-packed adventures on the river – from cruises and canoeing, to catch-and-release fishing – as well as across the floodplains and woodlands, on thrilling game drives and guided nature walks.
- Elephants abound – from small numbers in camp attracted to the rich, nutritious pods of the albida trees, to the breeding herds regularly seen crossing the river in front of camp.
- Unforgettable overnight sleep-outs in a Star Bed treehouse.
Destination: Wilderness Ruckomechi is located on a large private concession in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley's Mana Pools National Park, one of Zimbabwe’s most productive game-viewing regions, with expansive views across the mighty Zambezi River and Zambia’s evocative escarpment. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the purity of its wilderness, Mana Pools is one of the most remote and least developed safari parks in Zimbabwe, and is renowned for exceptional walking and canoeing safaris. Here, the camp overlooks a favoured elephant crossing, so guests can look forward to seeing many of these iconic African animals near the river and close to camp, as they come in to feed from the nutritious albida trees that shade the camp.
Experience: Wild and exclusive, this camp offers thrilling adventures. Guests can explore the wildlife on game drives, tracking animals and learning more about the area from our professional and friendly guides. Walking safaris are also on offer for those wanting an up-close-and-personal safari. And of course, water safaris are a firm favourite for guests to see pods of hippos, and elephants swimming, feeding and drinking in the water. A short drive from camp, a night in our Star Bed, safely elevated above the ground, is unforgettable.
Purpose: As a private-access area neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi joins the park in playing an important role in protecting what is considered to be one of the great wildlife spectacles on the continent, and in preserving a feel of real wilderness. Our simple presence on the ground has maintained a social and environmental stability throughout our tenure here.
Wildlife: Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, a remote and enchanting wilderness. The area is home to large concentrations of elephants, while predators such as lions, wild dogs, leopards and cheetahs are often sighted. Greater kudu, Burchell's zebra, impala, warthog, and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains. Pods of hippos and crocodiles can be seen crowding the riverbanks.
The birdlife is superb. Migratory carmine bee-eaters nest in the riverbanks during their breeding season alongside resident white-fronted bee-eaters, while numerous other local specials, like collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller can also be spotted.
Wilderness Ruckomechi: Shaded by a canopy of albida trees frequented by the local elephants, the camp offers a truly memorable, immersive wildlife experience.
There are 10 spacious and beautifully decorated tented suites (including two family rooms), flanking a generous central living space. Each has wonderful vistas of the Zambezi River. There is also a separate pool area, a unique outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed at Parachute Pan, a particularly busy waterhole.
