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 buffalos and 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.