...
...
...
...
...
...
...

Ruckomechi Camp

The most luxurious camp in Mana Pools

The best wildlife area in Zimbabwe

Seasonal camp, open 1st April until 19th November

Facilities at Ruckomechi Camp

Bar
Boating
Fans
Fishing
Game Drives
Mokoros
Restaurant
Swimming Pool

When to go to Ruckomechi Camp

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Best
Good
Not Ideal
Closed

Ruckomechi Camp is the most luxurious option in Mana Pools, even more so now having recently been refurbished in 2015. Mana Pools itself is a spectacular wildlife region, with huge predator populations as well as being home to elephants that stand on their hind legs and several packs of wild dogs. Ruckomechi itself is a Wilderness Safaris camp and as such enjoys the benefit of exceptionally knowledgeable guides.

The camp consists of ten tented chalets, each strung out along the riverbank so benefitting from wonderful views. One of the tents is a two bedroom family option. Whilst children over the age of six are welcome in camp it is worth bearing in mind that some activities, such as the canoeing and bush walks do have age restrictions. Towards the end of the year temperatures really do soar in this region so guests will appreciate the fans in each tent and the swimming pool to cool off in.

Being situated in it’s own concession Ruckomechi is able to offer considerably more activities than the rest of the camps in the Mana Pools area. Guests must be aware though that activities are confined to the camp’s private concession, which does restrict guests from visiting the Mana Pools National Park’s riverine areas which have made this a World Heritage Site. The scenery within the concession itself is magnificent and there are so many benefits to being within the private concession. However if you are particularly keen on seeing the ‘pools’ themselves then it might be a good idea to ‘rough’ it for a couple of nights at a mobile camp in the National Park before settling into the luxury of Ruckomechi Camp.

Ruckomechi Camp is situated on it’s own private concession on the edge of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, overlooking the Zambezi River. The camp spans nearly a kilometre of the riverfront, providing spectacular sunset views over the Zambezi. This is on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park. approximately 40km from Chirundu. 

Ruckomechi Camp can be reached by charter flight to the Mana West Airstrip which is approximately 20 minutes from the camp. Self-driving to Chirundu is also a possibility, from where a boat transfer would take you to the camp. Likewise transfers can be arranged from Lusaka to Chirundu where you would board the Ruckomechi speed boat. 

Being on a private concession is incredibly unusual in Mana Pools as the majority of camps are mobile camps that can only remain in one spot for a short amount of time. Being set on it’s own concession allows Ruckomechi to have a more luxurious, permanent structure to the camp, and means that certain activities such as night drives and motorised boat safaris are allowed, unlike in the rest of the Mana Pools area.

Rate basis at Ruckomechi Camp: 

Fully Inclusive – includes accommodation, all meals, twice daily scheduled camp activities, park fees, all local drinks and laundry. Excluded from the rate are premium imported brands and champagne, gratuities, curio purchases and any other items of a personal nature.

The camp is made up of 8 twin/double tents and 2 two-bedroom family tents. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom, canvas room down blinds for all weather conditions, a writing desk and chair, luggage rack, indoor lounge area, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities, charging station, and a private outdoor deck area. There is no air-conditioning but a pedestal fan is placed in each tent. 

Children over the age of 6 are welcome at Ruckomechi Camp. For families with children under the age of 12 private activities must be booked and paid for. Children under the age of 16 must share a tent with an adult. Walking activities are only permitted for children over the age of 13, and canoe activities for children over the age of 16. 

Game drives
Night drives
Boat safaris
Canoeing
Fishing (catch and release)
Birding
Guided nature walks
Sleep out on the star bed at Parachute Pan (weather permitting)
Stargazing with a laser pointer
Sunset river cruises
...
...
...
...
...
...