Wilderness Little Ruckomechi

Little Ruckomechi sits on the bank of the Zambezi River inside Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zimbabwe's Lower Zambezi Valley. The camp holds three en-suite tents on low wooden decks under ana trees — large enough to shade the camp and drop nutritious pods that draw elephants in close. Breeding herds cross the river within sight of camp; individual bulls come in under the trees. The Zambian escarpment fills the view across the water.

The camp is seasonal, open from the first of May to mid-November — the dry months, when animals concentrate along the river and the bush thins enough to track on foot. Activities run in both directions: out onto the land on game drives and guided walking safaris, and onto the water by canoe, river cruise, or fishing rod. Canoeing puts you at water level among hippo and elephant; guided walks slow the pace enough to read tracks, plants and birdlife that a vehicle passes without stopping. The surrounding area holds lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah alongside large elephant and buffalo populations. Recorded birds include Lilian's lovebird, carmine bee-eater, African golden oriole and western banded snake-eagle. Catch-and-release fishing targets tigerfish, bream and barbel on the Zambezi. Each tent has a verandah, fan, mosquito nets and tea and coffee; the camp has a bar and a pool.