Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi is located along the western boundary of Zimbabwe's famous Mana Pools National Park, on the banks of the great meandering Zambezi River. The Mana Pools area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site by virtue of its scenic splendor and diversity of wildlife.

Ruckomechi Camp is set on a private concession adjoining the Mana Pools National Park to the west. The camp is nestled in a large grove of broad-canopied ana trees, overlooking the Zambezi River, with a superb view of the mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley in the distance. The Lower Zambezi Valley is one of the most picturesque areas in southern Africa, and Ruckomechi offers a great combination of scenic beauty and excellent game-viewing. Aquatic species such as hippo and crocodile occur in abundance, and the river attracts large numbers of elephant, buffalo, and plains game (particularly during the drier months). The Ruckomechi area is also home to the valley's highest concentration of predators, offering good opportunities of seeing lion and leopard.

 

Ruckomechi offers a diversity of activities. Game drives are conducted in specially-adapted open safari vehicles. Game-viewing is also conducted from motorized pontoons which glide quietly down the river, passing hippos, crocodiles, and an array of terrestrial mammals that come down to the life-giving waters of the Zambezi to quench their thirst. The area is also home to a very rich diversity of bird-life. This is one of the best areas along the Zambezi for fishing for the feisty Tiger Fish.

 

Of all the activities at Ruckomechi, the two most special are canoeing and walking. For the most silent and intimate way of experiencing the magic of the Zambezi, and exploring the many diverse life-forms that are dependent on it, paddle a canoe downstream under the watchful eye of your professional guide. For a different perspective on the animals and the landscape, take a guided walk through the African bush, tracking big game and taking time to stop and appreciate all the smaller components of this amazing ecosystem. Zimbabwe's guides are among the best in Africa, and must pass through a rigorous training and apprenticeship program (taking up to five years to complete) before they are qualified to lead guests on foot or in canoes through the National Parks.

 

Accommodation at Ruckomechi is in 10 large tented rooms. Each tent is creatively decorated and features a spacious bedroom area and private, en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a spacious veranda. A specialty at Ruckomechi is the 'bath with a view' on the banks of the Zambezi River, where guests can luxuriate in a bubble bath while soaking up the beauty and majesty of one of Africa's most enchanting settings.

 

The common areas at Ruckomechi are located along the river's edge, facing the escarpment, to take full advantage of the camp's superb location. There is a central dining area, library with reference books and comfortable sitting area connected to the rest of the camp by low-level walkways. Another deck, housing an infinity-style plunge pool and hammocks,  proves  a popular game-viewing location over the midday period. Another highlight of Ruckomechi is the cushion-strewn star gazing deck.

 

 

Little Ruckomechi  is an intimate camp set apart from main Ruckomechi. Guests are accommodated in just four spacious en-suite tented rooms, all with views of the “Great Zambezi” and the Zambian foothills. Built on low wooden decks, the handsome tents are airy and elegant; reminiscent of the by-gone explorer era. The living spaces are decorated in similar authentic vintage style and include a dining room and living room, as well as a plunge pool.

 

 

The Mana Pools National Park is undoubtedly one of our favorite areas in southern Africa, offering an unrivaled combination of scenic splendor and great game-viewing. Ruckomechi Camp offers a broad choice of activities by which to enjoy and appreciate the diverse wildlife and spectacular landscape of the area. The camp itself is simple yet comfortable, and blends almost unnoticed into the inspirational landscape surrounding it.

 

 

        Conservation Dimension

 

Mana Pools National Park is surrounded by hunting areas, and while hunting is not allowed within Mana Pools Park, male lions that wander outside the park’s boundaries are at risk of being hunted. The resulting decrease in male lion populations will have disastrous consequences on lion reproduction among lions in Mana Pools if it continues. Wilderness Safaris has responded to this urgent need by supporting a Lion Research project that aims to end all sport hunting in the area by providing significant evidence of its negative impact.

 

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For more information about Ruckomechi Camp call toll-free: 888.227.8311
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