FACT SHEET MPALA JENA CAMP ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK
Mpala Jena is an intimate safari camp positioned along the beautiful tree-laden banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The team of architects Craig Hayman and Hannah Charlton and interior designer Tracy Kelly have created a haven that epitomizes “Barefoot Luxury” at its best. 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’ 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 area under conservation, within the Zambezi National Park is 56,000 hectares (138,000 acres), and has a healthy and ever-increasing number of wildlife species, with higher concentrations of buffalo and elephant from June through to October. It has become an absolute gem of a reserve with some of the highest concentration of lion per square km than any other Zimbabwean park. 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.
This area is perfect for bird watching throughout the year, but with a higher diversity of species from November through April.
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.
The three double or twin bed configuration Suites, plus two 2-bedroom Family Suites, are under sand coloured, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and open (yet netted) views of the river frontage and are beautifully decorated by Tracy Kelly. Each 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.
The property is conveniently located 16 kilometers 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 Zambezi National Park.
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ACTIVITIES Mpala Jena Camp offers 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. In addition, guests should take the opportunity to enjoy an excursion into Victoria Falls town, including a visit to the thunderous and impressive mass of falling water of the actual Victoria Falls during their stay. This excursion is not included in the nightly accommodation rates but can easily be arranged for guests.
Additional cost activities are available for those who wish to participate in the varied adrenalin and more relaxing activities that this tourist hub has become renowned for. Encounter the excitement of a day navigating one of the world’s most intense white-water rafting, partake in the numerous high-wire activities at the Gorge / Lookout Cafe, conduct a cultural village tour, a historical guided high tea tour, or simply enjoy wandering the streets of this bustling tourist town.
Telephone: +27 (0) 87 354 6591 Facsimile: +27 (0) 21 701 1073 After Hours Emergency: +27 (0) 79 284 5945 Central Reservations: [email protected] Website: www.greatplainsconservation.com Total Number of Bedrooms: Three double or twin configuration suites; Two 2-bedroomed Family Suites; One guide room. Type of Lodge: Safari Camp Lodge Season & Opening Year-Round Ideal length of stay: 3 - 4 Nights
GEOGRAPHY The Zambezi National Park is located upstream from Victoria Falls, on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe, separated from the Victoria Falls National Park in 1979 and is 56,000 hectares in its entirety. The park essentially has two main habitats - riverine and Chamabonda vlei. Most of the park is within the eco-region of Zambezian and Mopani woodlands, whilst a small portion in the south is within the Zambezian Baikiaea Woodlands.
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The Park has a vast diversity of indigenous tree species. Its terrain varies between riverine woodland, dry riverbeds, rocky outcrops and spring-lines with a gradual escarpment leading towards the Kazungula road split. Soil types vary from alluvial and Kalahari sand, riverine sand and pockets of black cotton soil.
The Zambezi National Park is host to a wide variety of larger mammals, including the African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, 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. 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.
CAMP LOCATION • Co-ordinates: 17°50’11.29”S, 25°41’53.87”E
ACCESS DIRECTIONS • Arrival at Victoria Falls Airport - 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). • Arrival from Kazungula Border Post - Road transfer option conducted along the Kazungula road (40 mins) and then a safari drive through the Zambezi National Park (an estimated 30 to 45 minutes). • Arrival at Livingstone Airport - Arrival at Livingstone Airport and road transfer across the Zambia / Zimbabwe border followed by a road transfer conducted as a safari drive through the Zambezi National Park (an estimated 2 hours dependent on time spent at the border); - Road transfer from the airport and across the border, followed by a boat transfer for the more adventurous (1 hour 40 mins dependent on time spent at the border).
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STANDARD SUITE DETAILS ALL SUITES BEDROOM CONSTRUCTION • Three large canvas suites with indoor and • Canvas roof and stone walls with wooden outdoor en-suite bathrooms; decking floors compliment the “barefoot luxury” • Either twin or double bed configuration; feel of the camp. • Canvas is light sand coloured, with netted windows, over the bed ceiling fans. TEMPERATURE CONTROL • Ceiling fans. BATHROOM • Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with an MOSQUITO NETS indoor shower and separate toilet, dressing area • Fly netting on all tent windows and doors; and double vanity; • Mosquito netting is also over the guest’s beds. • Each suite also offers an outdoor bathroom outdoor bath and shower; CENTRAL FACILITIES/ COMMON AREAS • Hot and cold running water; • Large, thatch lounge with a fireplace, indoor • Soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion provided. and outdoor dining areas, a beautiful bar with sand floors, a communal swimming pool with MPALA JENA FAMILY SUITES a pool lounge right on the banks of the river, BEDROOM curio shop; • Two large canvas suites with a central lounge • Coffee/tea station. area between two bedrooms, en-suite bathroom with indoor shower and separate FOOD & DRINK toilet, outdoor bathroom with outdoor bath and • All meals included. All drinks and beverages shower, and a private veranda; are included, excluding imported spirits and • Either twin or double bed configuration; champagnes; three delicious meals a day are • Canvas is light sand coloured, with netted provided. We are highly flexible on timings. windows, over the bed ceiling fans. Picnic breakfasts or lunch (or both) are the norms due to the beautiful river frontage BATHROOM settings and inland spring lines, often delivered • Each bedroom in the family suite has an en- to the bush! suite bathroom with an indoor shower and • All dietary requirements are catered for from separate toilet, dressing area and double basins; regular to vegan to children, prior warning • Each bedroom in the family suite also offers an requested. outdoor bathroom outdoor bath and shower; • Hot and cold running water; • Soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion provided.
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USUAL BOARD BASIS POWER & COMMUNICATIONS • Full board including all meals, scheduled wildlife SOURCE viewing activities, including local alcoholic and • The camp is run by solar power; non-alcoholic beverages; • The system produces 220V, 24-hour electricity • Imported spirits and champagne excluded. to the tents and main area; • Universal plug points in each tent. DINING STYLE & LOCATIONS • Group meals and/or individual tables; INTERNET & MOBILE • A la carte menu options; • Wi-fi available in guest tents. • Interactive Kitchen area; • Indoor and outdoor. HEALTH & SAFETY MALARIA ROOM SERVICE • Variable – Malaria prophylaxis is recommended. • No. MEDICAL CARE POSSIBILITY OF DISABLED ACCESS • Guests must hold comprehensive medical • The camp layout incorporates mobile ramp insurance and emergency evacuation access to one tent and main area. insurance; • Senior staff all have first aid training; LAUNDRY • The nearest decent medical facility is in Victoria • Included in nightly tariff - within 24 hours, Falls town and then Johannesburg in South weather permitting. Africa.
PRIVATE WILDLIFE VIEWING VEHICLE RISK OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS • Not available. • Moderate predator density area - Elephant, Buffalo and Hippo do pass through the camp. CHILDREN • We look forward to having children stay with us SECURITY MEASURES that are six years and older; • We do have security guards on-site and • Families with children 6-15 years could be patrolling during the night. accommodated in the same vehicle as other guests; • Children must be supervised as the camp is open with a river in front of the camp; • Children must be a minimum of 16 years old to participate in walking activities.
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FIRE SAFETY • Fire extinguishers in every tent.
SAFES • Safes are provided in every room.
ACCEPTED PAYMENT ON LOCATION • All-inclusive. Staff gratuities can be paid in US Dollars (2004 bills or later only) or GB Pounds; • Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted (No Amex or Diners).
Mpala Jena is a preferred third party partner of Great Plains Conservation, where we are responsible for the sales, marketing and reservations of this iconic property. Guests are hosted and cared for by the Mpala Jena employed staff and team.
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ZAMBEZI RIVER
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ZAMBEZI RIVER
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Day Drives • • • • Night Drives • • • Guided Walks • • • • Boating • • • •
Mekoro
Canoeing • • • * Main Swimming Pool •
Private Plunge Pools
Horseback Riding
Cultural Interaction
Hot-Air Ballooning
Spa/Massage
Gym
Fishing (Seasonal) • • • •
Mountain Biking
Hide
(*) This activity is available for an additional fee | (#) This activity is water level dependent
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