Zimbabwe

Ruckomechi

Q: Where is Mana Pools?

Mana Pools is located in northern Zimbabwe, on the southern banks of the Zambezi River. It is a wildlife-rich, exceptionally biodiverse region, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ruckomechi is situated next door in a private wildlife area, part of an important buffer zone for Mana Pools.

Q: What can I do between game drives at Ruckomechi?

Relax. Have a cooling dip in the swimming pool, or simply sunbathe with a book on the pool deck. Take in the sounds of the surrounding bush, identifying the calls and plumage of resident birds. Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi, famous for its feisty tigerfish.

Q: What wildlife can I expect to see around Ruckomechi?

Expect to see elephants, buffalo and a host of predators on a safari at Ruckomechi. It is not uncommon to spot lions, wild dogs and leopards on game drives, and an array of other interesting wildlife like eland, zebra, waterbuck, warthogs, monkeys and baboons.

Q: What to pack for a safari in Zimbabwe?

Morning and evening game drives can be cool, but the afternoons are usually warm, so it’s best to dress in layers. A hat is essential, and bring closed shoes if you intend to go on walks. Travellers are urged not to pack or wear any camouflage or military-inspired clothing while travelling in Africa.

Q: When is the best time to visit Ruckomechi?

The best time to visit Ruckomechi is between April and November, when the days are sunny and the temperatures milder. Ruckomechi is closed from December to March.

A Sacred Land

An exclusive Zimbabwe safari adventure awaits at Ruckomechi, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Home Africa Zimbabwe Mana Pools National Park Ruckomechi Camp

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Ruckomechi

Sublime safari camp at magical Mana Pools.

Enjoy access to one of Zimbabwe’s most productive game-viewing regions, the riverine belt of iconic Mana Pools. Find adventure in the floodplains on a game drive in search of wildlife, or canoeing or catch-and-release fishing on the Zambezi River. Or on foot, taking in the pristine beauty of this wild, wonderful place.

Leopard in tree at Wilderness Ruckomechi

ZIMBABWE

Elephant strolling through camp Wilderness Ruckomechi

Ruckomechi moments

Elephants are frequent visitors at Ruckomechi, tempted by the nutritious albida trees that shade the camp. Make yourself at home, as they do, between the en-suite rooms, the main area and the swimming pool. End the day the way days have ended in Africa for centuries; around a camp fire, under the stars, listening to nature’s soundtrack of frogs, crickets and jackals…

Carmine bee eaters migrate on the shores at Wilderness Ruckomechi

Lioness playing with cub at Wilderness Zimbabwe

Coffee break on morning game drive Wilderness Ruckomechi

Ruckomechi moments

Elephants are frequent visitors at Ruckomechi, tempted by the nutritious albida trees that shade the camp. Make yourself at home, as they do, between the en-suite rooms, the main area and the swimming pool. End the day the way days have ended in Africa for centuries; around a camp fire, under the stars, listening to nature’s soundtrack of frogs, crickets and jackals…

Accommodation

Nestled in a lush albida forest on the banks of the Zambezi River, Ruckomechi’s 10 spacious suites (including two family units) offer an incredible Zimbabwe safari experience. The wide floodplain behind the camp teems with wildlife, and after a thrilling day on safari, guests can sink into the ‘bath with a view’ for a blissful soak in the wild.

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Cuisine

Ruckomechi is known for warm hospitality and delicious, hearty cuisine. Savour an ice cold gin and tonic served as the glowing sun dips behind the horizon. Delight in a pancake breakfast out in the bush, dinner served under a blanket of stars or at the intimate Star Bed sleep-out.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Ruckomechi

Shaded by a glorious canopy of albida trees frequented by the local elephants, Ruckomechi offers an unrivalled Zimbabwe safari. Ten suites, two of which are designed for families, face the iconic Zambezi River, as does the perfectly positioned swimming pool. Wild and exclusive, this private conservation property offers adventures on water, on land, from the elevated, romantic Star Bed platform.

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Lion and elephants at Mana Pools at sundown

Your impactful safari

As a private conservation area bordering Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools, Ruckomechi provides a stable buffer zone for precious wildlife in this productive riverine belt. Tune in. Breathe out. Listen. With hippos bobbing in the river and elephants wading through the water, know that your stay enables us to continue to make a meaningful impact on this wild, wonderful land.

Family room

A safari at Ruckomechi is best shared with loved ones.

Pool

Cool off between game drives in the swimming pool.

Star Bed

Experience a night under the stars, safely elevated above the ground.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch and share your safari sightings.

Magical Mana Pools

Bordering Mana Pools to the west, Wilderness’ Ruckomechi private concession plays a crucial role in helping conserve wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Acacia-dotted plains, indigenous forests and the mighty, wide Zambezi make this biodiverse region of Zimbabwe an Eden for iconic African wildlife, and a paradise for those lucky enough to visit.

Purpose

Your impactful safari

As a private conservation area bordering Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools, Ruckomechi provides a stable buffer zone for precious wildlife in this productive riverine belt. Tune in. Breathe out. Listen. With hippos bobbing in the river and elephants wading through the water, know that your stay enables us to continue to make a meaningful impact on this wild, wonderful land.

Facilities

Family room

A safari at Ruckomechi is best shared with loved ones.

Pool

Cool off between game drives in the swimming pool.

Star Bed

Experience a night under the stars, safely elevated above the ground.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch and share your safari sightings.

Wildlife

Area

Magical Mana Pools

Bordering Mana Pools to the west, Wilderness’ Ruckomechi private concession plays a crucial role in helping conserve wildlife in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Acacia-dotted plains, indigenous forests and the mighty, wide Zambezi make this biodiverse region of Zimbabwe an Eden for iconic African wildlife, and a paradise for those lucky enough to visit.

Activities

Experiences

Ruckomechi experiences

On a guided walk, follow a game path where countless hooves have worn a well-trodden path. Hear the splash of a herd of elephants, crashing into the Zambezi as they cross to an island, trunks up as snorkels, while nearby hippos grunt in consternation. Feel the ripples sway the boat. Marvel at the passing wildlife parade from camp.

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Map

Explore camps in Mana Pools

Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Ruckomechi is nestled on a vast piece of private conservation land bordering Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools. This land is not only exceptionally beautiful, with river views and the Rift Valley mountains across the river, but is an important buffer zone for Mana Pools’ wildlife.

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Ruckomechi

Standard Season

From USD 1,040 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 1,460 per person, per night

Travel with us

Journey with Wilderness

Explore Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools, navigate the mighty Zambezi by boat or canoe. Or, get up close to plains game and their predators in wildlife-rich Hwange National Park. Wherever you go with Wilderness, expect a journey beyond your wildest dreams.

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Family

A South Africa & Zimbabwe Adventure

A 10 night journey from the fairest Cape to the wilds of Zimbabwe. After a cultural immersion in Cape Town, journey to Zimbabwe's iconic Mana Pools and wild, classic Hwange.

10 nights

3 camps

From USD 10,950 per person

Explore Journey

A South Africa & Zimbabwe Adventure

A 10 night journey from the fairest Cape to the wilds of Zimbabwe. After a cultural immersion in Cape Town, journey to Zimbabwe's iconic Mana Pools and wild, classic Hwange.

10 nights

3 camps

From USD 10950 per person

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Solo

Iconic Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Safari

An adventurous exploration of Zimbabwe's wild wonders, from the iconic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich Mana Pools and Hwange national parks.

Wilderness Little Makalolo Zimbabwe Hwange

8 nights

3 camps

From USD 9,730 per person

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Iconic Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Safari

An adventurous exploration of Zimbabwe's wild wonders, from the iconic Victoria Falls to the wildlife-rich Mana Pools and Hwange national parks.

8 nights

3 camps

From USD 9730 per person

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Solo

Zambezi Wonders: Safari & Victoria Falls

An 8-night exploration of the best of Zambia & Zimbabwe, from the plains of Kafue National Park to the banks of the Zambezi River and Zimbabwe's iconic Mana Pools.

8 nights

3 camps

From USD 13,860 per person

Explore Journey

Zambezi Wonders: Safari & Victoria Falls

An 8-night exploration of the best of Zambia & Zimbabwe, from the plains of Kafue National Park to the banks of the Zambezi River and Zimbabwe's iconic Mana Pools.

8 nights

3 camps

From USD 13860 per person

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Ruckomechi Awards

Camp awards

The hard work of our teams on the ground at Ruckomechi and the communities we work alongside have been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

Zimbabwe’s leading safari lodge

World Travel Awards

TripAdvisor CoE 2017

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FAQs

General

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Journal

Ruckomechi featured stories

From its legendary tip-toeing elephants to pioneering packs of wild dogs, Mana Pools is home to the ultimate Zimbabwean safari. Enjoy a collection of stories from this wild, wonderful and unforgettable safari destination.

See all stories

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