Somalisa Camp

Set by the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp is located by the elephants’ much-loved albida trees, favoured for their pods, which makes the camp ideal for being able to view these massive mammals without even having to leave the lodge. From the camp’s position on the banks of the river, you can see the Great Rift Valley on the opposite side of the Zambezi, a view which you can take in from the comfortable star-gazing deck. Each of the ten tented rooms have indoor and outdoor showers, and there’s a dining and lounge area, plus an infinity pool for cooling off after a safari. When it comes to exploring the land, there are a variety of options. You can discover the area on foot on a walking safari, or take to the water for a cruise in a nine-seat pontoon, six-seat speed boat or even a canoe. Naturally, game drives leave every morning and afternoon, too. Birds are prevalent, with species including the western banded snake-eagle, three-banded courser, Arnot’s chat, African golden oriole, and Meve’s starling. Other types of wildlife you can see on safari from Wilderness Ruckomechi Camp (aside from the resident elephants) include leopard, hippo, Burchell’s zebra, lion and buffalo.

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 Victoria Falls perfectly combines fine safari with easy access to the thrills and adventure of Victoria Falls. Making this property extra special is its commitment to having a positive impact on the wildlife and environment. Water is served in reusable glass bottles,  and Matetsi has greatly contributed to the fight against poaching by installing clear-road networks. The 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.

Singita Pamushana Lodge sits perched overlooking the Chiredzi River in the wild, Mopane forested hills of the private Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve and is every inch the luxurious and authentic Zimbabwean safari stay. From protecting and managing a large section of wilderness, to supporting and nurturing local youngsters who may be interested in becoming rangers and conservationists, the lodge is playing an important role in a variety of ways in the area. Thatch palapa-style buildings reach up through the trees and descend to heavily overhang its open-sided sitting rooms and dining areas for far-reaching views and the African essence of blending the outside with indoors. Loud ethnic patterns weaving themselves between soft earthy hues, inviting traditional furniture, local art and antiques decorate the lounges, spilling into the luxury suites of this lodge. Also, in true Singita-style, there is an astounding level of amenities that pay no regard to the remote location of the lodge: three lounges, spa, WiFi, satellite TV, wine cellar and two heated swimming pools. In addition to the six suites that have their own plunge pools and panoramic terraces, there is a private villa with five bedrooms: perfect for a family or group of good friends.

Amalinda Lodge is every bit a part of this ancient and magical landscape having built itself in and around the granite domes and castle kopjes of Matobo Hills, the oldest National Park in Zimbabwe. Nine thatched rooms along with sitting and dining areas, a library and swimming pool have been tucked into the spaces between the boulders for a very evocative and comfortable stay. The rooms have been furnished to the style of colonial era providing a wonderful contrast between its smooth, polished wood pieces and ornate textiles against the rough stone walls and natural thatch. The staff are helpful, the activities are broad and well led, with rhino tracking available (on request), not to mention a spa and sauna for that extra bit of pampering. Wildlife and birdlife species thrive here in prolific numbers. The area is famous for its healthy population of endangered rhino.