Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the enhancement of its authentic, sustainable ecotourism offering in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Not only by rebuilding its much-loved Ruckomechi Camp, due to open on 1 May 2016, but also by creating another small, intimate camp in the same concession, which will be opening 1 July 2016.
“We are extremely proud of our continued commitment to pioneering sustainable ecotourism in Zimbabwe and are equally excited to announce our plans for Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi in order to promote this incredible destination to more guests. Our private concession in Mana Pools offers a truly extraordinary wilderness experience and we are looking forward to building the camps in an understated style, to ensure that they retain the authentic and nostalgic safari feel that is synonymous with Ruckomechi”, says Wilderness Safaris Zambezi MD, Ron Goatley.
The completely rebuilt and revamped Ruckomechi Camp will maintain all the best traits of the previous camp, yet with a fresh new feel. The camp will comprise 10 tented suites, with eight tents opening on 1 May, and a further two family suites opening on 1 August 2016. “Ruckomechi will remain the favourite of many, still boasting the same wide-angled views of the Zambezi River and the dramatic purple-hued escarpment of Zambia in the distance”, added Ron Goatley. All the tents as well as the central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face this evocative scene, often with elephant obstructing the spectacle. The pool, hammocks, star-gazing deck and outdoor ‘bath with a view’ will also remain.
Just downstream from its sister camp, Little Ruckomechi will be just that, small and intimate, with three tented suites offering an exclusive safari experience. The camp’s scenic location epitomises Mana Pools in all its abundance, and is all about the intimacy of being close to nature and amongst the iconic albida trees that characterize the area. Built on wooden decks, the handsome en-suite tents are airy and elegant; a reminder of the by-gone explorer era. The living spaces include a dining room and lounge as well as a plunge pool – all overlooking the Zambezi River. An additional tent for private guide accommodation that can also be used for sole-use bookings, is also available.
“The warm and friendly service offering at Little Ruckomechi will be driven by the personal touch of the private guide and hostess managing the camp”, says newly-appointed Ruckomechi GM, Solly Tevera. “The camp will be ideal for sole-use bookings and family groups or small parties travelling together with a private guide, looking for a true Mana Pools safari”.
Both camps have a prime location within the only private-use concession in Mana Pools National Park, offering exclusive access to a spectacular stretch of the Zambezi River. All safari activities are led by highly-skilled guides, and include game drives, boating, nature walks, canoeing and catch-and-release fishing. The wildlife-rich area is home to large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland. Predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog are all found in the area and birdlife is abundant.
