![]() ![]() The seating arrangements in the vehicle worked really well, ensuring that everyone had their own space for the long drive, and the camping equipment including mattresses allowed us all to sleep as comfortably as the noise from our hippopotamus neighbours allowed! The pre-prepared meals were excellent, and all around everything was more luxurious than we had prepared ourselves for (but bear in mind this is still camping). We took the big Land Cruiser with trailer, which were very well equipped for our 5 nights and along with the ground tents provided plenty of space for us all. As this was our first trip of this kind as a family it was reassuring to rely on Ant's experience to prepare all the logistics, provisioning, campsite bookings, etc, and he made sure to structure an itinerary that gave us the best of Mana Pools while still being suitable for our family (i.e. From the outset Ant was really engaging and handled all our questions and concerns with patience and enthusiasm. Palm River Hotel’s 73 rooms make it the largest property on our list, but a diversity of suites, from deluxe to honeymoon to presidential-and an exclusive-use villa-accommodate the needs of honeymooners and families alike.We had an amazing experience visiting Mana Pools as a family of 5 (9, 11, 13 and parents) in May / June 2023. (A guest shuttle makes daily trips.) Palm River Hotel’s Queenslander architecture, distinctive archways, and palm-printed wallpaper give it a grand hotel-meets-White Lotus vibe (and we’re totally here for it.) Breakfast, lunch, sunset, and bird-watching river cruises depart from the jetty in front of the hotel. ![]() If you’re checking in after having spent time in Zimbabwe’s safari camps, the creature comforts of a luxury hotel, plus proximity to Victoria Falls town (hello artisans, village visits, and microbreweries), are a welcome change of pace. Situated two-and-a-half miles upstream of the natural wonder, the five-star hotel is close enough to the action while avoiding the hubbub. If the day is clear and the air is still, you might just be able to hear the thunder of Victoria Falls and see spray that hangs above them from your room at Palm River Hotel. A pool, outdoor fire pit, and a handful of verandas and lounges are all welcoming hang spaces for families or groups to gather at the end of the day. Fully staffed, guests can explore the nearby national park, enjoy game drives, guided walking safaris, hike to view ancient rock paintings, track white and black rhino on foot, and visit the burial site of controversial imperialist Cecil Rhodes. ![]() Off-grid and remote, its design is eco-friendly, and the stylings are charmingly eclectic. Khayelitshe was originally intended as a private getaway before it was converted into a guest house. If the property feels inviting, it’s thanks to owner Beks Ndlovu, experienced guide and founder of African Bush Camps. A combination of the Ndebele words Ekhaya and Litshe (translation: ‘home in the rocks’), its name is a nod to the granite kopjes that dot this scenic landscape. ![]() Hugged by an amphitheater of boulders, the four-bedroom Khayelitshe House is an exclusive-use home enveloped by 1,200 acres of private land in the heart of Matobo Hills. Guests who want to enjoy water-based adventure may prefer the larger camp. Game drives, night game drives, walking safaris, and fishing are available to guests at both properties, but canoe safaris and boat cruises depart from Ruckomechi. It boasts a modest plunge pool and a firepit encircled by chairs where you’ll dig toes into the sand. Umbrellaed by towering ana trees, its four breezy ensuite tents appeal to exclusive-use groups, families, and reclusive travelers. A few miles downstream, Little Ruckomechi offers a boutique, private paradise. Its river-facing pool invites midday respite, and the outdoor fire pit is an inviting space to swap stories while stargazing-that is, if you’re not overnighting in the dreamy star bed. Ruckomechi’s canvas-cloaked camp has 10 spacious suites (two of which are family suites), complete with ensuite washrooms. Situated on the Zambezi riverbank and ensconced within a private concession, Ruckomechi’s most frequent visitors are perhaps the elephants that sniff out the fruit of its shady albida trees. ![]()
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