Mpala Jena Private Villas
They make an exceptional base for combining river-based safari experiences, game viewing within Zambezi National Park, and visits to Victoria Falls – all without the need to move between properties. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a group of friends, or simply seeking a more intimate safari, the villas allow you to experience the Zambezi at your own pace, with every detail tailored to you.
Location
The river itself plays a central role in daily life here – attracting wildlife to its banks and shaping both the scenery and the experiences on offer. From the villas, it’s easy to explore by vehicle, boat, or on foot, while Victoria Falls lies within comfortable reach for day trips, scenic flights, or adventure activities.
Accommodation
A dedicated butler, private guide, and exclusive-use safari vehicle ensure that every aspect of your stay is personalised – from dining times and activity choices to the pace of each day. Whether gathering for shared meals, enjoying quiet moments by the pool, or watching wildlife drift past from your deck, the villas create a sense of effortless, unhurried safari living.
Experiences
- Private game drives in Zambezi National Park, exploring one of Zimbabwe’s most wildlife-rich riverine landscapes in search of elephant, buffalo, lion and plains game, with the freedom to linger at sightings and adjust timings to suit your group.
- River safaris and dhow cruises on the Zambezi, drifting past hippos and crocodiles as the light changes, or travelling upstream towards Victoria Falls for a scenic perspective on the river and its wildlife.
- Catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi, with tiger fishing at its best between June and December, guided by experienced local skippers.
- Victoria Falls excursions, with time to explore the rainforest trails, visit the town, or take on activities such as helicopter flights, white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorge, or bungee jumping.
- Quiet moments at the villa, whether that’s swimming in your private pool, wildlife watching from your deck, or enjoying tailored dining experiences under the stars.
Why We iInclude Mpala Jena Private Villas in Our Journeys
They are particularly well suited to travellers who want to combine river-based activities, wildlife viewing in Zambezi National Park and time at Victoria Falls without the need to move between properties. We often recommend the villas as the anchor for a Victoria Falls journey, before adding contrast elsewhere in Southern Africa if time allows.
“The Private Villas at Mpala Jena give you complete freedom. You have the Zambezi on your doorstep, excellent wildlife in the park, and Victoria Falls within easy reach – all while enjoying the privacy and space to shape each day exactly as you wish. For families or groups, it’s an incredibly special way to experience this part of Zimbabwe.”
Why Plan Your Safari with Journeysmiths
Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Great places to Combine with Mpala Jena Private Villas
The Mpala Jena Private Villas are easy to weave into a wider Southern Africa journey, whether you’re travelling within Zimbabwe or combining destinations further afield.The Mpala Jena Private Villas are easy to weave into a wider Southern Africa journey, whether you’re travelling within Zimbabwe or combining destinations further afield.
With a luxury tented camp and the option of even greater privacy and exclusivity at its two riverfront villas, Mpala Jena offers easy-going indulgence on the banks of the Zambezi River – combining classic safari experiences with the relaxed rhythm of life on the water.
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Perched on the banks of the Selinda Spillway’s watery wilderness, Selinda Camp hides amongst a grove of riverine trees. One of just a handful of Relais & Châteaux member properties in Botswana, the stylish camp was designed to create an indoor/outdoor experience and provides perfect big game viewing all year round.
From mysterious baobab groves, to the arid sands of Hwange, the balancing rocks of Matobo, and the awesome Zambezi River as it rages over Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is a country that serves up all that could be hoped for in an African holiday destination.
There are few other safari destinations that offer the sheer diversity of landscapes that Zimbabwe does. The cascading waters of Victoria Falls and forested banks of the Zambezi River contrast with the arid open plains of Hwange and the rugged mountain terrain of Matusadona. Together, they create a completely unique safari experience.
Discover Zimbabwe on a tailor-made luxury holiday following the route of the Grand Tour.
Zimbabwe has been part of the story of Journeysmiths from the very beginning, and it remains one of our favourite places. It’s a country that guarantees an amazing safari experience that can be enjoyed in luxurious comfort.