Victoria Falls is also known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," a name that roughly translates to "Smoke that ... [+]
There’s no shortage of towering waterfalls to visit across the globe, but when it comes to true splendor, it’s tough to beat Victoria Falls. Perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this colossal water feature is considered one of the largest waterfalls on all the planet, with a width of roughly 1,708 meters—a quality that draws tourists in droves from all across the globe with each passing year. This world-class attraction has given rise to a wealth of high-end accommodations across the region, and for those seeking the perfect blend of outdoor adventure paired with lavish amenities, Mpala Jena is the perfect spot.
A member of the prestigious Great Plains Conservation group, this refined safari camp made its debut in 2019, providing guests with an idyllic outpost located on the banks of the Zambezi River. While Victoria Falls serves as one of southern Africa’s most sought-after tourist attractions, Mpala Jena is perfectly suited for an intimate getaway that’s devoid of crowds, with just five palatial suites found across the camp. While options range from family-sized quarters to smaller accommodations equipped with a double bed, each one offers private verandas, indoor and outdoor bathing facilities, and wooden decks that lead right to the edge of the Zambezi, providing guests with ample opportunity to bask in the beauty of Zimbabwe’s flora and fauna all throughout the day.
Victoria Falls lies on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
While Mpala Jena is adorned with particularly cozy accommodations, there’s a lot more to do around camp than just lounge in bed all day. To kick off the morning, guests can make their way to the main dining area for a hearty breakfast, then set off for the main event: a wildlife-filled game drive through one of Zimbabwe’s most dazzling national parks. Guests can opt for an excursion via safari vehicle or a boat cruise along the rushing waters of the Zambezi, but no matter which option you choose, each tour will be led by a professional guide with intimate knowledge of the fascinating fauna that calls the region home. Post-trip, visitors can make their way back to camp for a lavish outdoor dinner with ample opportunity for hippo-spotting—and these massive mammals are far from the only animal that you’re bound to see during a trip.
The fourth-longest river in all of Africa, the Zambezi makes up the majority of Zimbabwe’s northern border, and this sprawling natural feature has given rise to an incredible array of species to discover. Big Five members like the elephant, lion, and buffalo all populate the park, while baboons and warthogs can be spotted both during a game drive and roaming around the property at all hours. During a boat safari, guests are bound to encounter hippos in huge numbers, while the occasional crocodile may make an appearance as well—and beyond the realm of just mammals and reptiles, Mpala Jena is also the perfect base for visiting birdwatchers. Several hundred different species can be found across the area, with collared sunbirds, white-fronted bee-eaters and African fish eagles serving as just a few of the dazzling birds on display along the Zambezi.
Victoria Falls was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.
In between game drives, guests are also welcome to book a trip into the town of Vic Falls, with no shortage of charming attractions to explore across the community. After perusing the local shops for handcrafted souvenirs, guests can pay a visit to the aptly-named Victoria Falls National Park to marvel at the water feature from multiple different viewpoints—yet for a truly spectacular vantage point, nothing beats an excursion with MJAir. Located just outside of the city, this helicopter company offers some of the finest vistas in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing passengers with a birds-eye view of the falls during a fifteen minute flight. And to toast to your success after a journey, downtown Vic Falls is home to The River Brewing Company, a polished operation that crafts some of the finest ales in all the nation.
And when it comes to first-time visitors, planning an excursion across the country may seem like an insurmountable feat—but fortunately, there’s no shortage of professional tour companies that have mastered the art of crafting the perfect safari. For Zimbabwe in particular, the US-based Mango African Safaris is particularly adept at working within the nation, equipped with expertise on the logistics behind ground transportation, charter flights, travel insurance, and all other intricacies that accompany travel to the country. Though it’s certainly possible to book a trip on your own, a dedicated tour company can offer some much-needed aid during any lengthy delays or travel hiccups that you encounter along the journey.
Zimbabwe may not draw the same amount of tourists as neighboring South Africa, but this massive nation offers a truly impressive array of landscapes and natural wonders to explore, with Mpala Jena serving as the perfect base for new arrivals to the country. Far from just a paradise for nature lovers, this cozy camp offers a glimpse into the luxurious side of safari, with no shortage of high-end amenities to enjoy during a stay. From once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sightings to superbly-crafted meals in the golden glow of the Zambezi sunset, Mpala Jena offers a truly unforgettable foray into the pristine depths of northern Zimbabwe.
