Customize one of our recommended trips or design your own from scratch
Little Ruckomechi opened in July 2016 and, thanks in part to its sister camp's reputation (a few kilometers upstream), is already widely recognized as one of Zimbabwe's most luxurious and productive safari options. Its prime location on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, overlooking Zambia's Great Rift Mountains, puts it right at the top of the pile of scenically beautiful camps. There's an array of activities on offer, ensuring you can make the most of any visit. The wildlife is abundant and diverse. The guides are well-trained. The camp displays a sense of simple, refined luxury and the sense of space around you is a luxury in itself. This is the perfect accompaniment to a trip to Victoria Falls but do note the camp is only open from the end of April to November.
From $1,380 person/night
Stunning scenery at every turn - the Zambezi River, the escarpment across them, the woodlands around camp - this is the pristine wilderness you've been looking for.
A boat cruise along the Zambezi affords a different perspective of the wildlife around you - hippos galore, elephants, crocodiles, a plethora of waterfowl. Oh, and take a fishing rod if you're interested in catching Africa's biggest tigers.
All-round excellent wildlife viewing! This area is renowned for its huge herds of elephants and buffalo, abundant birdlife and its potential for great predator viewing.
Canvas covered decks function as the open-sided lounge and dining rooms. There are plenty of comfortable sofas and cushioned armchairs where you can make yourself at home between activities, and a guide book on every subject for you to test your newfound knowledge. The dining room, with its long wooden table and a well-stocked bar, makes for an intimate relaxed setting for dinner, while lunch is usually served in the shade on the riverbank. Out front, these's a sandy patch - home to the camp fire pit, and to one side, a decent plunge pool on a smaller deck with a few recliners. Overall, it feels like a really comfortable old-school classic explorers' camp with a few modern touches.
There are four spacious wood and canvas chalets, although only three are booked at a time (unless a private group reserves the whole camp). Large mesh windows ensure your ridiculously awesome view goes uninterrupted, whilst letting in a cool breeze. Each open-plan room is elegantly furnished with wooden wardrobes and desks, king or twin beds, a few comfy chairs and two copper basins. The ensuite shower room continues the open-plan feel, while the toilet is in its own cubicle at the back. There's a tiny verandah out front, just big enough for two to sit and enjoy the iconic albida tree surrounds.
For a multi-layered experience of the African wilderness, Little Ruckomechi is as good as it gets. Everywhere you go, the scenery and wildlife viewing is top notch. It's a home away from home experience, with added professional service.
Show all activities
Being on a private concession bordering the national park means you can do some things at Little Ruckomechi not otherwise permitted in Mana Pools, like a sunset cruise along the Zambezi on a motorboat or pontoon - providing great hippo and elephant viewing along the river. This is also a top spot for tiger fishing, so take a rod if you're keen. The slightly more adventurous can go canoeing down the river too, which will likely get the adrenaline pumping as you and your guide navigate around the aforementioned hippos (and crocs). Canoeing is also a fine way to birdwatch, affording a unique perspective of the colorful carmine bee-eaters' nests along the banks. The game drives (and night drives) regularly produce impressive sightings of a myriad of wildlife, including lions and wild dogs. And the guided bush walks through the woodlands provide insights into the natural world that may otherwise go overlooked.
Little Ruckomechi Camp is owned by Wilderness safaris which aims to double its conservation impact by 2030, protecting 6 million acres of land. Their framework focuses on Educate, Empower, and Protect pillars, building a conservation economy, nurturing future leaders, and preserving unfenced wilderness. Through immersive hospitality experiences and partnerships with nonprofits like Children in the Wilderness and the Wilderness Trust, they engage guests in conservation efforts and address diverse threats to wilderness, wildlife, and communities.