Ruckomechi Camp

The camp is shaded by a beautiful woodland of acacia and mahogany trees under which the central open-sided dining room, lounge and bar areas are positioned with views across the Zambezi River towards the mountains on the other side. The spacious lounge has several homely chairs and couches and extends onto a large, stylish wooden deck (big enough to move the dining room outside) which has a lovely fire circle on its edge. There is a separate deck with a swimming pool where you can sit and watch the wildlife go past as you soak. And if you're looking for something a little romantic, there's a star-bed nearby that overlooks its own productive waterhole.

The ten tents are connected by wooden walkways low to the ground in order to accommodate the many elephant paths that wind through camp. There's one family tent that sleeps four and two honeymoon suites that have the sexy addition of an outdoor bath. The spacious rooms all have their own decks, each with magnificent views, as well as comfortable couches inside, a little desk and a net-covered double bed. An ensuite bathroom has both a large indoor and outdoor shower. Everything is clean and rather minimalistic, yet very comfortable. During your stay, you can also opt to spend a night at the 'sleep-out' platform, which is in its own gorgeous setting.

There is a feast of adventures waiting for you at Ruckomechi. Being on a private concession means you can do some things not otherwise possible in Mana Pools National Park, like cruising the Zambezi on a little motorboat or pontoon - enabling great views of the many hippo pods and herds of elephants along the river. This is also a great place for tiger fishing (at additional cost), so take a rod with if you're interested. If you're of the slightly more adventurous type, you can go canoeing down the river too, which will likely get the adrenaline pumping as you (and your guide) navigate your way around the aforementioned hippos. Canoeing is also a fine way to do some birdwatching, and affords you a unique perspective of the colourful carmine bee-eaters' nests along the banks. And then there are the game drives (and night drives) that are likely to produce impressive sightings including lions and wild dogs. Lastly, you never quite know what to expect on a guided walk, but at the very least, you'll be awed by the woodland scenery and probably your guide's insight into the natural world around you, too.