Ruckomechi Camp lies on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River, 100 kilometres downstream from Lake Kariba, in the heart of Mana Pools National Park. The ten-tented camp sits under the shade of an acacia grove and enjoys dramatic views towards Zambia.
Right on the river bank with wonderful Zambezi views
Ruckomechi are permitted to operate motorised boats, enabling guests to experience river safaris on the camp pontoons
Watch hippo and crocodile in the river below from the cool water of the camp swimming pool
Paddle downstream in your Canadian canoe accompanied by your professional guide
Ruckomechi Camp is located at the heart of one of the most iconic wilderness areas in Africa: Mana Pools National Park. The camp itself is set along the Zimbabwean bank of the mighty Zambezi River as it makes its slow and steady progress down from Lake Kariba, through the Lower Zambezi Valley on its way to Lake Cabora Bassa and ultimately the Indian Ocean. Ruckomechi is managed by the highly acclaimed Wilderness Safaris, the quality of guiding, service and accommodation here are of the high standard expected from a Wilderness camp.
The camp is set in a particularly dramatic location with fantastic views across the river to The Lower Zambezi National Park of Zambia, and the high escarpment of this section of Africa's Great Rift Valley. Ruckomechi enjoys shade from the mature acacia albida and mahogany trees that are ever present and an iconic sight within Mana Pools.
There are just ten tented rooms set metres from the river bank. All tents are en-suite and have private outdoor showers and game viewing decks.
Game viewing along the river and further into the national park is some of the best in Southern Africa. The acacia attract herds of elephant to their rich and nutritious seedpods. It is common to see large bull elephants standing under the shade of the trees in camp during the heat of the day. A particularly impressive sighting comes as the elephants rear up on their hind legs to pluck the hard to reach pods.
As the dry season progresses, and the inland pools begin to dry, game begins to concentrate close to the river. It is common to see large herds of buffalo moving along the river bank, the area is rich in antelope species: eland, kudu, impala and waterbuck are common. The Zambezi itself is home to thousands of hippo and crocodile. Mana Pools is perhaps most famous for its predator population. Each night you can hear the cough of a leopard and the roar of lion around camp, wild dog are also commonly seen in the park.
With the proximity of the river and the variety of habitats in the area, the birding is unsurprisingly diverse all year round.
The camp is closed during the rainy season between mid November and May each year.
When to visit
Lie by the pool in a hammock in the afternoon and watch the hippos wallow on the opposite bank of the river.
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Ruckomechi Camp is situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River, approximately 100km downstream of Lake Kariba.
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