CHITEMBE RIVER LODGES: YOUR HOME IN MANA POOLS’ UNTOUCHED WILDERNESS

Along the majestic banks of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe’s renowned Mana Pools National Park lie the exclusive, privately-owned Chitembe River Lodges. These lodges offer an unparalleled, intimate safari experience, positioning guests directly within one of Africa’s most pristine and spectacular wildlife sanctuaries.

The very name of the park, “Mana,” is derived from the Shona word for “four,” referring to the four legendary pools that define this area: Green Pool, Chisasiko, Chine, and the vast Long Pool. Long Pool is the largest of these, stretching over six kilometres and remaining filled year-round. This permanent water source is a magnet for wildlife, supporting a thriving population of hippos and crocodiles, while consistently drawing large herds of elephant and a rich diversity of aquatic birds to its banks—often right outside the lodge door.

Chitembe River Lodges is dedicated to ensuring guests enjoy a truly effortless holiday. Choosing their full catering option takes the pressure completely off, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the wild without domestic concerns. Top-tier chefs prepare hearty, fulfilling, and delicious meals for brunch/lunch, dinner, and an array of daily snacks. Meals are cooked to perfection, and portions are generously distributed. The experience is completed by friendly and efficient barmen who serve a variety of included drinks throughout the stay.

Beyond the culinary excellence, the lodges offer a bespoke, feel-at-home atmosphere. They place the holiday experience directly in the hands of the guests. Usage time of the game viewer (subject to availability), boats, and generators is left to the group’s discretion, ensuring every moment in camp, on the water, or in the bush lasts as long as desired. Guests are only requested to ensure generators run for a minimum of seven hours daily to maintain fresh food, cooling, and ice supplies.

Chitembe River Lodges offers two distinct camp styles to suit different preferences, each providing a unique connection to the landscape.

Mhumhi Camp is the epitome of a warm, welcoming, and effortlessly charming retreat—a true home away from home in the heart of the wild. Set at ground level, it offers easy access and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for families and guests of all ages. This camp features seven spacious tents, thoughtfully furnished with two plush ¾ beds, ensuite bathrooms, wicker drawer units, and open-shelf wardrobes. Mhumhi blends simplicity with comfort, offering a grounded and authentic safari experience without compromising on the essentials.

For those seeking comfort paired with elegance, Jackalberry Camp is the perfect, refined retreat. Built entirely on raised composite decking, the camp offers sweeping views across the floodplains and an elevated sense of tranquillity. Its six deluxe accommodation tents are meticulously designed, featuring two plush three-quarter beds, lavish ensuite bathrooms, elegant vanity stations, and both comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas. Jackalberry Camp provides a seamless blend of wilderness charm and sophisticated living, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a more ornate safari base.

Mana Pools, with its breathtaking scenery and untouched wilderness, offers a safari experience unlike any other. Chitembe River Lodges simply provides the perfect, tailored sanctuary from which to explore it.