Mpala Jena Camp

Intimate safari camp in the Zambezi National Park - an idyllic African getaway

Introduction

Mpala Jena Camp epitomises bare-foot luxury, located on the white sandy beach along the banks of the upper Zambezi River. The camp is 16kms inside the Zambezi National Park, making for easy access to Victoria Falls town. Still, it is far enough away from the hustle and bustle, allowing guests to relax and unwind whilst enjoying an incredible setting amidst the wild habitat of the park.

The park has a healthy and ever-increasing number of wildlife species, with higher concentrations of buffalo and elephant from June through to October. Other large mammals which frequent here include lion, hyena and the rare sighting of a leopard. Antelope and other grassland species include sable antelope, common eland, common zebra, southern giraffe, greater kudu, waterbuck, wildebeest and impala. The river is a magnet for wildlife and ensures consistent sightings of massive crocodiles and hippos who make their presence seen and heard throughout the day and night.

Mpala Jena Camp sits on a private concession in an area which is perfect for bird watching throughout the year, but with a higher diversity of species from November through April. An estimated 400 bird species can be viewed within the Zambezi National Park, including the Pel's fishing owl, African skimmer, collared palm thrush, Lanner falcon, goliath heron, African finfoot, rock pratincole and long-toed lapwing as specialities.

The camp is named after the natural spring-line, Mpala Jena, which runs through the centre of the concession, and which attracts an abundance of wildlife throughout the year, particularly during the drier months. 'Mpala Jena' means "White Impala". According to the local National Park rangers, when the Zambezi National Park was separated from the Victoria Falls National Park and declared a National Park in its own right in 1979, sightings of an albino impala were reported.

The three double/twin bed suites, plus the two 2-bedroom family suites, are under sand coloured, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and open (yet netted) views of the river frontage. Each beautifully decorated suite has a shaded veranda area and en-suite bathroom facilities, including an indoor shower, separate loo, and double basins. The highlight of the suites is the outdoor bathrooms with a beautiful bathtub and outdoor shower. Decking in front of the tent leads to views of the Zambezi River's calming and peaceful flowing waters.

As the camp is located on the white sandy edges of the river and in the Zambezi National Park, they sought to combine the elements of both by using thatched roofs in the main areas and flowing canvas luxury tents for the bedrooms. The sand floor in the bar area, and the adjacent swimming pool, set the scene for guests to kick their shoes off and relax after their morning game drive or river cruise. The pool lounge makes you feel that you are right on the river and is the ideal place to hang out with a book during the heat of the day.

Mpala Jena Camp has been created to be sensitive to the environment of the Zambezi National Park. This is achieved by using canvas and local thatch in its construction and ensuring all the camp's electricity needs come from its solar farm.

Guests in camp can enjoy professionally guided wildlife viewing in open game drive vehicles, walks and morning or afternoon boat cruises (water level dependent / seasonally). The camp has custom-built Land Cruisers, and the vehicles are fully stocked with reference books, drinks and snacks.

Summary

• Located along the Zambezi River shoreline, 16 kms inside the Zambezi National Park
• Wildlife varieties within the park
• Sits on a private concession great for bird watching
• Camp named after the natural Mpala Jena spring-line which runs through camp
• Exclusive camp with just 5 luxury tented suites
• Environmentally friendly camp using solar, thatch and canvas
• Inclusive guided safari activities

Accommodation at Mpala Jena

• Three Standard guest suites in double or twin configuration
• Two 2-bedroomed Family suites with central lounge between them

All rooms have:
• Open (yet netted) views of the river frontage
• Shaded deck
• En-suite bathroom with shower, toilet, dressing area and double basins
• Outdoor bath and shower
• Mosquito nets
• Lounge area
• Veranda area
• Tea/coffee station
• Mini bar
• Ceiling fan
• Writing desk
• Fly netting on all suite windows and doors
• Universal power points
• Safe
• Wi-fi

Dining

• Group meals and/or individual tables
• A la carte menu options
• Interactive Kitchen area
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Picnic breakfasts or lunch (or both) are the norms due to the beautiful river frontage settings and inland spring lines, often delivered to the bush!

Facilities and Services

• Large, thatch lounge with a fireplace
• Indoor and outdoor dining areas
• Bar with sand floors
• Swimming pool with a pool lounge right on the banks of the river
• Curio shop
• Coffee/tea station
• Library
• Laundry service
• Solar power - 220V electricity
• Wi-fi
• Wheelchair friendly
• Activities: Birding; Morning and afternoon river cruises; Game drives; Guided walking safaris; Canoeing (not included in the rate)

Children

• Children 6 years and over are welcome at Mpala Jena Camp. However, children must be supervised by their guardians at all times, as the camp is open with a river in front of the camp. Also, the swimming pool is not fenced, so supervision is greatly required.
• Families with children 6-15 years could be accommodated in the same vehicle as other guests. Children must be a minimum of 16 years old to participate in walking activities.
• There are no child-mining services in camp.

How to Get to Mpala Jena Camp

• Arrival at Victoria Falls Airport and road transfer via Victoria Falls town followed by a road transfer conducted as a safari drive through the Zambezi National Park (an estimated 1 hour and 20 minutes); Or a road transfer from the airport and town, followed by a boat transfer for the more adventurous (1 hour to 1 hour and 25 mins).

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