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Zimbabwe Little Ruckomechi ZIMBABWE LITTLE RUCKOMECHI PURPOSE: With the ever-increasing threat of poaching and human encroachment, our presence alongside Mana Pools National Park is another buffer, expanding this haven for Zimbabwe’s flora and fauna. NOTE: Little Ruckomechi opens seasonally between May and mid/late November each year. PLACE: Little Ruckomechi celebrates one of Zimbabwe’s great wilderness areas alongside the Zambezi River. Its location within our private concession ensures an exclusive safari experience comprising a diverse range of activities – game drives, boating, canoeing and walks – through which to explore Mana Pools National Park in all its abundance. UNIQUE SELLING POINTS An intimate camp perfect for private bookings. Authentic stylish bush camp with an intimate “home from home” feel. Excellent wildlife viewing and range of activities in a private concession. ACCESS – SELF DRIVE: Little Ruckomechi is not accessible directly on a self-drive basis. For any self-drive itinerary, guests must proceed to the meeting point at Tiger Safaris, on the banks of the Zambezi River at Chirundu for the onward boat transfer to camp. Vehicles parked at Tiger Safaris do so at own risk. A nominal per vehicle per night parking fee is applicable and would need to be settled directly to Tiger Safaris. All self-drive itineraries must have a confirmed reservation prior to arriving at Tiger Safaris. For detailed directions, please request these from your Journey Specialist. ACCESS – FLY IN BASIS Airstrip Name: Mana West Airstrip NB: There is another airstrip in the Zambezi valley called Ruckomechi and should not be confused with our Mana West one. Duration to Camp: Approximately 25 minute road transfer. Airstrip Coordinates: S 15 50 12 Latitude E 29 10 50 Longitude Altitude/Elevation: 1 300 feet Runway Heading: 14/32 Runway Length: 1 000 metres Airstrip Surface: Clay and can be used in dry weather only. No night landings. Closed between November and March. Airstrip Services: Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi. OVERVIEW: Mana Pools National Park lies in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, where the Zambezi River meanders for 300 km on its way to the Mozambican border. It is a remote, wildlife-rich trove offering spectacular views of the river, floodplains, the tree canopy and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment across the border in Zambia. WILDLIFE: The area offers large concentrations of buffalo and elephant, while predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted. Greater kudu, Burchell's zebra, impala, warthog and common waterbuck can be seen on the surrounding plains and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day. Birdlife is superb, with numerous local specials like collared palm-thrush and racket-tailed roller. ACTIVITIES: Within Mana Pools National Park - with game drives in our private concession and therefore prime wildlife viewing exclusively for Wilderness Safaris. Day and night game drives in 01 x 7-seater Toyota Hilux accommodating – during winter months hot water bottles, blankets and lined ponchos are provided on game drives. Private activities available on request (subject to availability and shared with Ruckomechi, additional costs applicable). Water-based activities in 01 x 8-seater pontoon. Canoeing, 03 x 2-seater canoes. Fishing is possible on a catch and release basis from the bank or by boat. Birding, Guided nature walks. PAGE 1 of 3 E&OE 11 JUNE 2020 © WILDERNESS SAFARIS Stargazing with a laser pointer. River cruise (usually sunset cruise). CAMP DESIGN AND FACILITIES Pool in main area. Lounge, dining and bar areas under canvas and on a raised wooden deck overlooking the Zambezi River. Swing bench. Fire pit. Guest toilet in main area. ACCOMMODATION: Set amongst the iconic albida trees that characterise the region, the camp is built on wooden decks offering three (or four for private bookings) airy and elegant tents conveying the romance of a bygone explorer era. The stylish living spaces, including a dining room and lounge as well as a plunge pool, all look out over the river towards the Zambian escarpment. NUMBER OF TENTS (FIT RATE BASIS) This camp can accommodate 06 guests and 02 guide/pilot/tour leaders, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability. 03 x Tents in total comprising: 03 x twin-bedded canvas tents each with two three quarter beds. Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising: 01 x twin-bedded tented tent with two three quarter beds and shared en-suite facilities (of the same standard as guest tent). NUMBER OF TENTS (SOLE USE RATE BASIS) This camp can accommodate 08 guests and 00 guide/pilot/tour leaders, subject to concession numbers and/or concession availability. 04 x Tents in total comprising: 04 x twin-bedded canvas tents each with two three quarter beds. The guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation is converted into a fourth guest tent. Little Ruckomechi may be sold in conjunction with her sister, Ruckomechi for larger groups. However, please note, it is approximately a 4km – 20 minute drive. TENT DESCRIPTION Canvas tented accommodation on low wooden decks, with sandy pathways on the ground linking the tents to the main areas. Each tent comprises en-suite facilities with indoor shower, separate toilet and double vanity basin, a writing desk and chair, easy chairs, mosquito net, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities (hot water will be provided in the mornings), charging station, ottoman, luggage rack, and small veranda. No air-conditioning, however, a ceiling fan is fitted in each of the tent. Complimentary in-Tent Wi-Fi. Amenities include; bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with two cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella, room spray and a mosquito coil are supplied in each tent. During winter hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided. ELECTRICITY AND WATER Camp operates on a 220V generator. Solar units charge the batteries located at each tented accommodation, providing sufficient 12V lights throughout the night (if used sensibly) and power for the fans. 220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors). Water for showers are heated by solar geysers. EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL DAY Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer and wildlife sightings. Early morning wake-up call. Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity. Return to camp for a meal and rest period. Meet for afternoon tea before departing on the activity. Return to camp – freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner and thereafter, perhaps a nightcap. CHILD POLICY Children aged 13 years and older are accommodated, unless sole use of camp is booked. Children between 06 and 16 years of age must share with at least one adult in the same tent. When booking sole use of any of the camps/lodges, the minimum age restriction does not apply. However, the prime responsibility for the safety of children travelling to our camps/lodges lies with the parent/guardian. The minimum age for boating activities is 06 years and for the canoe activities it is 16 years. The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years. E&OE 11 JUNE 2020 Page 2 of 3 © WILDERNESS SAFARIS LAUNDRY FACILITIES: Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the FI rate basis. However, as the laundry is done by hand, the camps do not wash any ‘smalls’. Washing detergent is supplied in the tent or available on request, for you to wash your own underwear. GRATUITIES GUIDELINES: We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Please do not feel obliged to do so, tipping should be undertaken only by choice, subject to the service received. In addition, you may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between US$ 15.00 to US$ 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) – i.e. if additional activities are booked once on your journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc. Guides and Specialist Guides – We recommend US$ 10.00 per guest per day. The General Safari Camp Staff – We recommend about US$ 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff. Mokoro Paddlers – We recommend that each paddler receive US$ 5.00 per guest per day. E&OE 11 JUNE 2020 Page 3 of 3 © WILDERNESS SAFARIS .
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