Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe
Africa's garden of Eden - Ruckomechi. Since the dawn of time, the wildlife of the Zambezi Valley has used the lush expanse of the Mana Pools floodplain as a thoroughfare between the escarpment and the Zambezi River. Huge herds of elephant and antelope, pursued by the great predators, roam unhindered through this wild and ancient paradise.
This is where you'll find Ruckomechi, resting in a forest of acacia and mahogany trees on the shores of the Zambezi. Ruckomechi looks out across the river to the massive Zambian escarpment rising 2,000 feet in pastel hues of blue and grey. Behind the camp is a wide flood plain teeming with game.
It is this unique blend of river and mountain, forest and flood plain, rich in plant and animal life, that sets Ruckomechi apart - giving it an aura that will take you back to a time of utter peace and tranquillity. Let Shearwater host you at their flagship that has won the "Best Safari Camp" award for three years running - due, almost certainly, to the hospitality and experiences provided by our staff.
Ruckomechi is situated on the western side of the Mana Pools National Park ( a world heritage site ) in the Zambezi Valley, 40 km downstream from Chirudu. The camp consists of ten twin-thatched chalets, each with en-suite facilities, an open lounge and bar right on the Zambezi River, and a dining area under open thatch. Ruckomechi is well-known for its bath that overlooks the river. Closed on three sides it is open at the front with a splendid view of the Zambezi. There is also a 'loo with a view' just next door.
In the centre of the camp, with easy access to the chalets and dining/bar area, is a thatched conference facility accommodating twenty people. The thatched roof, overhead fans, and canvas sides make it cool and comfortable - even in mid-summer. Seating and desks are provided, as well as all necessary conference audio visual equipment. Camp staff are constantly on-hand to provide a break from the work routine with bush activities and wildlife presentations.
Because the camp only caters for a maximum of twenty guests, personalised attention is a key feature. Five professional guides ensure that all guests will have the richest safari experience possible. Ruckomechi's has an excellent reputation for wholesome, fresh, home-style cooking. Truly memorable wildlife experiences are a common occurrence in this bush camp. There is no fence, so game is free to wander through the camp - and it does!
Activities
Ruckomechi is home to a resident pride of lions, the elusive wild dog, leopard, cheetah, plentiful elephant, buffalo, kudu, zebra, impala, and waterbuck - all ensuring an exciting wildlife experience. All safari activities are included in the rates.
How to get there
Transfers into Ruckomechi Camp operate daily from Kariba. Guests are collected from Kariba Airport or Kariba hotels and driven to Chirundu in a minibus (approximately two hours). At Chirundu they are met and transferred by high powered speed boat to Ruckomechi (approximately 1 hour). Please contact us for other transport options and air charters.
General
Bring good walking shoes and a good supply of shirts, shorts and trousers in neutral colours. A laundry service is available (included in the price). A good, wide-brimmed hat is necessary, and warm clothing is essential in the winter months as the nights can be very cold (June to September).
A torch is necessary as wild animals are often in the camp. Also binoculars, camera and film, personal toiletries and insect repellant, sunscreen lotion. Please keep luggage to a minimum - preferably approximately 10 kg. Excess luggage can be left with Shearwater in Kariba. Lock-up facilities are available in the camp.
There are supplies of items such as film and toiletries in the camp. The camp is in a malaria area, and all clients are advised to take a course of anti-malaria prophylactics. (Deltraprim and Paludrine are recommended).
Children under the age of fifteen years are discouraged from going into camp except during the period from when camp opens (normally 1 April) until mid-May and during special kid's weeks which are run after camp closes for normal business at the end of November. Four camps will be run for a period of five days each in December and January for children of eight to twelve years of age.
