ADVENTURES ALONG THE ZAMBEZI RIVER

The river, rapids, and falls of Zimbabwe’s Lower Zambezi make it the adventure tourism hub of Southern Africa. Victoria Falls is, of course, a household name — and here you can do everything from white water rafting to bungee jumping — but all along the Zambezi River are all manner of stunning landscapes and active delights, not to mention some superb national parks and game reserves for thrilling wildlife encounters.

The Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe is one of the most exciting wildlife hotspots in Africa. It is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a Ramsar wetland of international importance, and when the floodplains recede in the dry season, significant numbers of large animals come here in search of water.

Elephant on banks of Zambezi River near Sapi Explorers Camp

Tembo Plains luxurious safari camp indoor lounge furnishings

Discover the Private Sapi Concession

The Sapi Concession, exclusive to Great Plains, is a 128,000-hectare private reserve bordering Mana Pools. Staying at one of their two new luxury camps — Sapi Explorers and Tembo Plains — you can explore both Sapi and the National Park. Together with a private guide you can walk, canoe and drive, all while staying in exclusive comfort. You will be completely surrounded by wilderness, even visiting some places only accessible on foot, immersed in the exhilarating sounds, sights, and smells of the bush. It is a truly unmatched safari experience.

Woman enjoying coffee on deck of tent at Ruckomechi Camp

Game drive near two lionesses in Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe

Relax at Ruckomechi in Mana Pools

If your preference is for a more sedate adventure along the Zambezi, consider Ruckomechi Camp, the most luxurious of the accommodation options in Mana Pools National Park. Shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, the camp looks across the river from its raised position on the riverbank. Here there are the options of both day and night game drives, river cruises, and nature walks. Catch and release fishing for bream, catfish, and tigerfish is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon out on the Zambezi River. Adventures might well continue after dark: you can spend a night sleeping outside on Ruckomechi’s romantic star bed.

Lioness and cubs drinking from waterhole in Mana Pools

Explore with world class safari guides

Stretch Safaris has run its rustic tented camp by the Zambezi for the past 30 years. It is the epitome of barefoot luxury but has lost none of the atmosphere of being in the bush. Guide Stretch Ferreira is a household name in the safari community: an afternoon in his company will completely transform the way in which you see the environment around you, especially if you join him on a nature walk or canoe safari through the shallower waters of the Zambezi River. Stretch’s numerous awards are highly deserved, and he’s quite a personality!