Wilderness Little Makalolo

A classic African safari experience, canoeing down the meandering Zambezi River through Mana Pools National Park is a wonderful way to explore the wilderness of Zimbabwe. This adventure will see you rise with the sun before a leisurely paddle to the next camp site, floating in with the sunset to find an ice cold drink, hot shower and dinner being prepared. Canoeing is a wonderful way to take in the tranquillity of the bush, gliding past herds of animals often unaware or uncaring of our presence, getting up close to elephants crossing the river and game coming down to the water to drink in this extremely wild region.

Wilderness Little Ruckomechi is an intimate, seasonal safari camp for those looking to get close the wilderness and wildlife of Mana Pools. Set among the iconic albida trees that characterise the region, the camp is built on wooden decks offering three airy and elegant en-suite tents (or four for private bookings) conveying the romance of a bygone explorer era from June to mid late November. The stylish living spaces, including a dining room and lounge as well as a plunge pool, all look out over the great Zambezi River and the Zambian foothills in the distance. Wilderness Little Ruckomechi’s location within the private Ruckomechi Concession ensures an exclusive safari experience complete with a diverse range of activities – game drives, boating, canoeing and walks – through which to explore Mana Pools National Park in all its abundance.

Set within the pristine Matetsi Private Game Reserve along an exclusive 15km (9 mile) stretch of the Zambezi River a little upstream from Mosi-oa-Tunya, Matetsi River Lodge perfectly combines fine safari with easy access to the thrills and adventure of Victoria Falls. The River Lodge comprises of two intimate camps of just nine suites each, including two family suites. All the suites are modern yet of the vernacular, with clean lines softened by local craft pieces and repurposed materials. En suite bathrooms boast indoor and outdoor showers as well as a deep bath which looks out over the Zambezi. A private veranda offers a refreshing plunge pool and a peaceful sitting area that overlooks the river. At the heart of each camp is a communal area with a variety of dining spaces, an interactive kitchen, convivial bar area and an al fresco area that encircles a blazing fire bowl, all with unifying theme of a wood and copper, the ‘red gold’ of the country’s historical mining industry. There’s also a large central pool, massage sala, fitness centre and wine cellar. For the utmost privacy, Matetsi River House is an exclusive use villa with four bedrooms, its own kitchen, dining areas, pool and a complement of staff, including a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler, ensuring a tailor-made safari unlike any other. The 50,000ha (124,000 acre) private reserve is home to large herds of elephant and buffalo as well as an assortment of plains game and predators including kudu, sable and roan antelope, hippo, lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyena, and 366 bird species. Explore the concession on expertly guided game drives, horseback safaris and bush walks, or head out onto the water on canoeing excursions, fishing trips and sunset river cruises. You can also discover Victoria Falls and the famous adventure activities that surround it such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, scenic flights and zip lining.

Set on a quiet, secluded spot some distance up the Zambezi river, the Royal Chundu River Lodge oozes sophistication and grace. Overlooking the unspoiled expanse of the Zambezi River and the Zimbabwean savanna of the Matetsi Private Game Reserve, it’s a place to come and relax by the river, watching for the wildlife that pass by. The lodge is a Relais & Châteaux property, only one of two in Zambia. The other is The River Lodge’s sister property, The Island Lodge. Royal Chundu properties support a selection of positive impact initiatives including Pack for a Purpose, a foundation school and a seed project. Composed of 10 luxurious suites sleeping 20 people in total, River Lodge is the main hub at Royal Chundu and the larger of the two lodges. Each magnificent and spacious river-front suite features thatched roofs and opens on to a private deck for uninterrupted river views. Suites come with double showers and king-size beds. For evening meals, enjoy the unique African experience of the dining outside at the beautiful boma. There’s also a dining room for intimate indoor occasions. Excellent spa facilities will help you unwind while activities are a mix of river-based relaxation and Falls-based adventure.