Little Ruckomechi Camp
Highlights
- Just three tents in use: one of the most intimate camps on the Zambezi River
- Private 40 km² Ruckomechi concession on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park
- Tents raised on wooden platforms with private verandahs facing the river
- Night drives and walking safaris permitted in the concession
- Sunset boat cruises and catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi
- After-dinner drinks around the fire pit under the stars
- Views across the Zambezi to the Zambian Escarpment
Information
- Lodge type: Seasonal tented safari camp (Wilderness)
- Location: Private Ruckomechi concession, western boundary of Mana Pools National Park, Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe
- Lodge size: 3 tents (4 for private exclusive use)
- Recommended stay: 3–7 nights
- Malaria risk: Yes — Mana Pools and the Zambezi Valley are a malaria area; anti-malarial prophylaxis is essential
- Getting there: Light aircraft from Harare to Mana West airstrip, then a 20-minute drive to camp
Little Ruckomechi, A Luxury Wilderness Safari Camp In Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park
Little Ruckomechi Camp is a three-tent Wilderness safari camp on the banks of the Zambezi River. It stands in the private 40 km² Ruckomechi concession on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park. With no more than six guests in camp on a standard booking, it is one of the most private ways to experience the Zambezi Valley. Because the concession is privately run, it allows activities the national park does not, notably night drives. Little Ruckomechi is the smaller, quieter sister of Ruckomechi Camp, just along the river.
Little Ruckomechi Camp's wildlife is the wildlife of the Mana Pools ecosystem, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regular sightings include:
- large herds of elephant and buffalo
- lion, leopard and African wild dog
- hippo, greater kudu, zebra, impala, warthog and waterbuck
The birding along the Zambezi and through the winterthorn (Faidherbia albida) woodland is spectacular: carmine bee-eaters, fish eagles and kingfishers are all part of the everyday cast.
Note: Little Ruckomechi Camp is seasonal. It opens from April to mid-November and closes for the rains from December to March.
Rooms and Suites
Little Ruckomechi Camp has three tented suites for standard bookings, with a fourth that opens only when the whole camp is booked for private exclusive use. Each tent is raised on a wooden platform, and every one faces the Zambezi River from its own private verandah. Inside you'll find:
- king or twin beds, a writing desk and a tea and coffee station
- an en-suite bathroom with flush toilet, shower and hot and cold water
- fans, mosquito nets, a safe and electrical outlets
- complimentary laundry
Cuisine and Wine
The cuisine at Little Ruckomechi Camp is superb, ranking with the finest bush dining in Zimbabwe. Breakfast, brunch, high tea and dinner are served in camp, on the riverside deck or in the open, depending on the light and the wildlife. Local drinks are included in the rate, so a cold sundowner or a glass of wine with dinner needs no signing for. Premium imported brands and champagne are available at extra cost. The kitchen caters for special diets with advance notice.
Facilities
Little Ruckomechi Camp's facilities centre on a small canvas main area with a lounge, a compact library and an indoor dining room. Next to it are an undercover deck and a plunge pool. Everything in the main area looks out over the Zambezi River to the blue line of the Zambian Escarpment on the far bank. Beyond the main area are an outdoor shaded dining space and a fire pit for after-dinner drinks under an extraordinary sky.
Activities
Little Ruckomechi Camp runs twice-daily guided activities, included in the rate:
- Game drives: early-morning and late-afternoon drives in open Land Rovers
- Night drives: for the nocturnal species most visitors never see; permitted in the private concession but not in the national park itself
- Walking safaris: with professional guides, the classic Mana Pools experience
- Boat cruises: on the Zambezi, including sunset trips with sundowners
- Catch-and-release fishing: permitted in the concession, with tigerfish the prize
- Canoeing: arranged through sister camp Ruckomechi
- Birding: along the river and floodplain
Little Ruckomechi Camp: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Ruckomechi Camp inside Mana Pools National Park?
Little Ruckomechi Camp sits in the private Ruckomechi concession, about 40 km² of riverfront on the western boundary of Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. The concession shares its wildlife with the park, but it does not reach the four pools in the central core. Being private has advantages: night drives and catch-and-release fishing are permitted, and far fewer vehicles are out on game drives.
How many guests does Little Ruckomechi Camp take?
Little Ruckomechi Camp uses three tents for standard bookings, which means a maximum of about six guests. A fourth tent opens only when a single party books the whole camp for private exclusive use. That makes Little Ruckomechi one of the most intimate safari camps on the Zambezi River. It suits honeymooners, couples and small groups of family or friends who want the camp to themselves.
When is the best time to visit Little Ruckomechi Camp?
Little Ruckomechi Camp opens from April to mid-November and closes for the rains from December to March. June to October is the dry season and the best time for wildlife, because elephant, buffalo and predators concentrate along the Zambezi floodplain. October is the hottest month and often has the densest game. April and May are greener and quieter, with good birding.
Is there malaria at Little Ruckomechi Camp?
Yes. Little Ruckomechi Camp is in the Zambezi Valley, a malaria area of Zimbabwe, so anti-malarial prophylaxis is essential for every guest. Speak to a travel doctor well before departure. On the ground, the tents have mosquito nets, and long sleeves with a good repellent at dusk give extra protection. The risk is lower in the dry months from June to October, but it is never zero.
How do you get to Little Ruckomechi Camp?
Little Ruckomechi Camp is reached by light aircraft from Harare to Mana West airstrip, followed by a 20-minute game-drive transfer to camp. Most guests connect from Harare International Airport, which has regional connections through Johannesburg. Uyaphi.com arranges the flights, transfers and connections as part of a tailor-made Zimbabwe safari itinerary.
Can children stay at Little Ruckomechi Camp?
Little Ruckomechi Camp accepts children aged 6 and over, and younger children are allowed only when the family books the entire camp exclusively. Walking safaris and the wild, unfenced setting make the camp best suited to older children and teenagers. For families with young children, an exclusive booking gives full control of the pace and the activities.
In Conclusion
Little Ruckomechi Camp is the right choice for travellers who want the Zambezi Valley at its most private:
- Why: three tents on the riverbank, with no more than six guests in camp.
- What: a private concession where night drives, walking safaris, river cruises and fishing are all part of an ordinary day.
- Who: honeymooners, photographers and returning safari travellers who have done the busy parks and want quiet, wild riverine Africa.
- When: June to October for peak game, or April and May for green landscapes and fewer visitors elsewhere in the valley.
Little Ruckomechi sits well as the river chapter of a longer Zimbabwe safari. It pairs naturally with the elephants of Hwange and the spray of Victoria Falls, and it combines seamlessly with its sister camp, Ruckomechi, for canoeing.
Uyaphi.com has been planning tailor-made African safaris from Cape Town since 1999. In 27 years, we have learnt which tent catches the dawn, which month suits which traveller, and how to link Mana Pools to the rest of Zimbabwe without wasting a day in transit. Tell us your dates and what you're hoping to see, and we'll build your Little Ruckomechi stay into a Zimbabwe safari designed entirely around you.
Rates from US$ 1,119.00 Per person per night
Little Ruckomechi Camp Rates
Per person per night sharing
Rates are in US Dollar
*Rates may vary according to season
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Twice daily scheduled camp activities
- Park fees
- Laundry
- All local drinks
- Premium imported brands and champagne
- All flights
- Visas
- Transfers, unless stated
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
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