Children aged 06 years and older are accommodated
Ruchomechi Camp
Mana Pools National Park lies in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, where the Zambezi River meanders for 300 km on its way to the Mozambican border. It is a remote, wildlife-rich trove offering spectacular views of the river, floodplains, the tree canopy and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment across the border in Zambia.
-
Reviews4/6
-
Vacation Style Adult Group
-
Camp Size 20 guests and 4 children
All about Ruchomechi Camp
Ruckomechi is open seasonally between April and mid/late November.
Despite the political, and therefore financial, challenges that we have faced in Zimbabwe over almost two decades, we have never given up. Our simple presence on the ground has maintained a social and environmental stability throughout.
Ruckomechi Camp rises along the banks of the Zambezi River, gazing out towards Zambia’s evocative escarpment. Its broadcanopied ana trees create glorious shade throughout the camp, and are much loved by the elephants for their rich, nutritious seeds. Our concession is explored by vehicle or on foot, while boating and canoeing allow for a different perspective of the area.
Mana Pools National Park lies in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, where the Zambezi River meanders for 300 km on its way to the Mozambican border. It is a remote, wildlife-rich trove offering spectacular views of the river, floodplains, the tree canopy and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment across the border in Zambia.
The area offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, while predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted. Greater kudu, Burchell's zebra, impala, warthog and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day. Birdlife is superb, with numerous local specials like collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller
About the camp
Activities
- Day & night game drives in 05 x 7-seater open Toyota Hilux – during winter months hot water bottles, blankets and lined ponchos provided on game drives.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars is available in each of the game drive vehicles for guests to share amongst themselves whilst game viewing and may be requested from our guides.
- Private activities available on request (subject to availability and shared with Little Ruckomechi. Additional costs applicable).
- Water-based activities in 02 x 8-seater pontoon, 01 x 4-seater speed boat and 05 x 2-seater canoes (shared with Little Ruckomechi) and 01 x 9-seater (03 x bench seats) Pelican boat for transfers.
- Fishing is possible on a catch and release basis from the bank or by boat.
- Birding,
- Guided nature walks.
- Star bed at Parachute Pan (weather permitting) approximately 40 minute drive from camp.
- Stargazing with a laser pointer.
- River cruise (usually sunset cruise).
- Wilderness Safaris and Olympus Photo Hub experience
Camp Facilities
- Lounge, dining and bar areas on raised wooden decks (with sandy pathways linking the tents to the main areas).
- Pool in the main area with partially shaded deck and loungers.
- Outdoor with sunken lounge and Stargazing/fire deck overlooking the Zambezi River.
- One outdoor bath privately located on the banks of the Zambezi River which is independent from all tents and thus available for use to all guests.
- Guest toilets in main area
- Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings
- Early morning wake-up call.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity
- Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner and thereafter, perhaps a nightcap
Accomodation
Ten spacious tents (including two family units), along with a generous main space, enjoy the broad vista of the Zambezi River. There is a separate pool area, a unique outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and for the romantic, a Star Bed is located nearby.
Number of tents
- 10 x tents in total comprising:
- 08 x twin-bedded canvas tents each with two three quarter beds.
- 02 x family rooms each consisting of two bedrooms with two three quarter beds, in each bedroom separated by a drop down canvas blind with their own en-suite facilities. Main bathroom and second bathroom each with an indoor shower (no outdoor shower), double basin vanity and separate toilet). Separate entrances, however, shared outdoor deck and outdoor seating area. Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:
- 01 x twin-bedded tented accommodation with two three quarter beds and shared en-suite facilities (not of the same standard as guest tent). Ruckomechi may be sold in conjunction with her sister, Little Ruckomechi for larger groups. However, please note that it is approximately a 4km – 20 minute drive.
Tent Descriptions
- Canvas tented accommodation on low wooden decks with sandy pathways on the ground linking the tents to the main area.
- Each tent comprises en-suite facilities with indoor shower, separate toilet and double vanity basin, canvas roll down blinds for all weather conditions, a writing desk and chair, luggage rack, indoor lounge area, mosquito net, tea and coffee making facilities (hot water will be provided in the mornings), charging station, Olympus equipment (includes accessories), small veranda with deck chairs and Individual canvas bags with padlocks (keys remain with guests) are supplied for valuables which are then stored in a central safe.
- No air-conditioning, however, a pedestal fan is installed in each of the tents.
- Complimentary in-Tent Wi-Fi.
- Amenities include bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with two cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella, room spray and a mosquito coil are supplied in each tent.
Electricity & Water
Child Policy
For families travelling with children between 06 and 12 years of age, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent.
The minimum age for boating activities is 06 years and for the canoe activities it is 16 years
The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the FI rate basis. However, as the laundry is done by hand, the camps do not wash any ‘smalls’. Washing detergent is supplied in the tent or available on request, for you to wash your own underwear
Gratuities Guidelines
We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Guests should not feel obliged to do so. Tipping should be undertaken only by choice, subject to the service received. In addition, guests may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) - i.e. if additional activities are booked once on their journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.
Guide and Specialist Guide - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day and may be tipped directly.
The General Safari Camp Staff - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.
With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.
| Departure Dates Confirmed Dates | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Including Flights | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,170 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$1,779 |
$3,470 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$3,779 |
$4,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,879 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,679 |
$1,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Booked & Guaranteed |
$4,779 |
$3,970 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$5,779 |
$3,270 |
|
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16 |
Available & Guaranteed |
$2,779 |
$3,970 |
Camp operates on combination of solar power and a 220V generator.
Solar units charge the batteries located at each tented accommodation, providing sufficient 12V lights throughout the night (if used sensible) and power for the fans.
220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors)
Water for showers are heated by solar geysers.