Wilderness Little Ruckomechi

• Wilderness Little 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.
• 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.
• Little Ruckomechi is an exclusive, small and private bush camp with a famously personal touch situated under towering trees on the banks of the great Zambezi River.
• 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.

NOTE: Wilderness Little Ruckomechi opens seasonally between 01 May and mid-November each year.

Destination: Wilderness Little Ruckomechi is located on a large private concession in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley at Mana Pools National Park. 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. One of Zimbabwe’s most productive game-viewing regions, its setting offers expansive views across the mighty Zambezi River and Zambia’s evocative escarpment. Guests can look forward to seeing elephants in their numbers at the river and in 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 sense of Africa. Water safaris are a firm favourite, where guests can look out for pods of hippos, and elephants swimming, feeding and drinking in the water.

Purpose: As a private-conservation area neighbouring Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness 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. Our simple presence on the ground provides a stable buffer zone for precious wildlife in this productive riverine belt.

Wildlife: Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the 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 Little Ruckomechi: The camp’s open and stylish living spaces, including a dining room and lounge as well as a plunge pool, all look out over the river – often bristling with swimming elephant – towards the breathtaking Rift Valley escarpment on the Zambian side.

A charming and stylish bush camp with an intimate home-from-home feel wrapped in warm hospitality, it’s the perfect space for small groups or families.

The camp offers three (or four, for private bookings) airy and elegant tents, delightfully showcasing the timelessness of the explorer era, each with wonderful vistas of the iconic river.

Shaded by a canopy of albida trees frequented by local elephants, the camp offers an unforgettable, immersive wildlife experience.