Wilderness Ruckomechi

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful wilderness area, in northern Zimbabwe where the floodplains of the mighty Zambezi, wooded with acacia and mahogany trees, stretch out on either side of the river.

During the dry season, the floodplains teem with a wide variety of wildlife and birdlife. Herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, and waterbuck graze the sweet grasses or browse on the tasty albida pods. Lion and sable rest in the shade of the giant figs. Fringing the floodplains, the thick ‘Jesse’ bush shelters the shy creatures such as leopard, honey badger, nyala and bushbuck. Wild dog roam through the area, and crocodiles bask in the shallows, awaiting their chance of a meal when the animals report to quench their thirst. Hippo are everywhere. During the late season (late August onwards), both white fronted and carmine bee-eaters nest in the banks of the rivers providing a colourful spectacle complete the impressive list of birds to be seen.

Activities
Game viewing activities include morning and afternoon game drives in open 4×4 vehicles with the afternoon game drive returning to the lodge after dark using a spotlight to spot nocturnal species. Guided walking safaris, canoeing on the Zambezi (although we do not recommend canoeing along the Mana Pools shoreline due to safety concerns, as hippo and crocs have been known to be aggressive towards canoes), sunset river cruises and casual fishing are also available. There is also the opportunity to spend the night under the stars on a sleep out deck which overlooks Parachute Pan. The deck is furnished with a double bed under mosquito net, two armchairs, a flush toilet and wash basin. Guests are generally transferred to the deck from camp after dinner and back to camp for breakfast, but meals on the deck can also be arranged if requested in advance.

Seasons
Wilderness Ruckomechi is open from April to November, though game viewing conditions will be best from July to October.