Rating: Deluxe
You're in the heart of nature at Little Ruckomechi. Located in the private Ruckomechi concession, this camp consists of just 3 guest tents accommodating a maximum of 6 guests, all set among shady albida trees within sight of the Zambezi River. Unfenced, it is quite nomral for elephants to stroll through the camp. From the comfort of your bedroom your can enjoy views through the gauze wall towards the plains and river, drawing the curtains at night for privacy. The bedroom leads on to a bathroom with a shower, and to the front of the tent there's a private deck with comfy chairs.
There's plenty to keep you occupied. Go for boat safaris on the river, or try your hand at canoeing, sit back and enjoy a game drive or take to your 2 feet for a guided walk, and there's a hide where you can get some close up views of aniamls and birds. Between times you can unwind in the lounge, an ideal place for socialising and reading, and enjoy meals in the dining tent, both open-fronted to take advantage of any breeze and offer you glimpses of the river and Zambian foothills. There is a deck with sun loungers and a refreshing plunge pool, and in the evening drinks are served round the campfire.
Open: Little Ruckomechi is open from April to mid-November. It first opened in July 2016.
Location: Little Ruckomechi is in the private Ruckomechi concession in Mana Pools National Park. The nearest airstrip is Mana West, about a 20 minute drive away.
Rooms: There are 3 tents. They are set on wooden decks, have thatched roofs and a gauze wall at the front of the bedroom, with curtains that can be drawn across at night. Beds have mosquito nets, there are fans to keep the room cool and a safe. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with a shower. The private deck has 2 cushioned chairs.
Activities: These are a mixture of 4x4 drives including night drives, boat safaris, guided walks, canoeing, catch and release fishing, bird watching and wildlife watching from the hide. Bush picnics can be arranged. Activities may vary according to the season.
Facilities: There is a lounge, shaded and open to the front, with several armchairs, a sofa, large coffee table and standard lamps and lanterns. The dining tent has a long table and is also open to the front. There is a large deck and a plunge pool. All areas have views of the Zambezi River and plains. There is a free laundry service.
Dining: Meals are served in the dining tent and on the deck, and are eaten together as a group.
Children: Little Ruckomechi is not suitable for young children.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There no internet access.