Great Plains Conservation, a conservation organisation that operates luxury safari camps in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe, advises that Mpala Jena will soon open Private Villas on the white sand edges of Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River and in the Zambezi National Park.
Mpala Jena is the epitome of Victoria Falls luxury accommodation and is an intimate safari camp positioned along the beautiful tree-laden banks of the Zambezi.
The architect team of Craig Hayman and Hannah Charlton and interior designer Tracy Kelly created a haven that epitomises “Barefoot Luxury” at its best.
The team sought to combine natural elements using thatched roofs in the main areas and flowing canvas luxury tents for the bedrooms.
Located within the 56,000-hectare Zambezi National Park and recognised as the ultimate in Victoria Falls luxury accommodation, Mpala Jena is home to a wide range of wildlife that can be enjoyed on safari drives, seen from the Zambezi River when on a boat cruise or the unique Dhow, walking trails or even while sipping cocktails from the camp’s swing chairs. Higher concentrations of buffalo and elephants are typical from June to October.
In August 2025, two new, 3-bedroom Mpala Jena Private Villas will open. These two unique villas will be located 5 kilometres upstream from the current Mpala Jena.
Mpala Jena is located 19 kilometres inside the Zambezi National Park. It allows easy access to Victoria Falls town by an exciting 40-minute boat or road transfer. Mpala Jena also offers guided tours of the Victoria Falls.
The sand floor in the main camp’s bar area and the adjacent swimming pool set the scene for guests to kick off their shoes and relax after their morning safari drive or river cruise. The first of two new Mpala Jena Private Villas will open nearby in August 2025. Each Villa will feature a private main area, swimming pool, three luxurious riverfront suites, and the inclusive services of a private butler, safari vehicle, and guide.
Mpala Jena has a strong sustainability ethos. It is powered entirely by a solar plant and battery. Building materials and design elements were specified and sourced with a clear vision of minimising embodied energy and transportation miles.
At Mpala Jena, guests have a choice of three large double or twin bed configuration Suites, plus two 2-bedroom Family Suites, are all under sand-coloured, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and open (yet netted) views of the river frontage. They are beautifully decorated by Tracy Kelly.
Each suite has a shaded, private veranda area and en-suite bathroom facilities, including an indoor shower, separate toilet 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.
Mpala Jena is priced from US$940 per person per night sharing.
Single guest, child rates, private safari drive hire and guide rates are available on request.
A mere 5km upstream from Mpala Jena, the two new 3-bedroom Mpala Jena Private Villas will open in August 2025.
Maintaining the charm and some aspects of Mpala Jena, the villas will include elements of the world-renowned Puglia style of architecture and interiors. Under steep thatch roofs are arches and spaces that promise to be cool in the heat of summer but warm and cosy during winter.
The eagerly anticipated Mpala Jena Private Villas will represent the ultimate Victoria Falls luxury accommodation, offering the ultimate privacy and exclusivity to families or small groups travelling together. Each 3-bedroom Villa will provide guests with a private main area, swimming pool, three luxurious riverfront suites, and private butler, safari vehicle and guide services.
Mpala Jena Private Villas are priced from US$6,625 per villa per night.
The Mpala Jena Private Villa rates are per villa per night and includes safari vehicle and guide services.
The nightly rates include accommodation, wildlife viewing activities in the Zambezi National Park (wildlife drives, guided walks and boating on the Zambezi), all meals, a half-day tour of Victoria Falls (subject to a minimum 2-night stay), scheduled road transfers to/from Mpala Jena, the Zambezi National Park gate and/or boat transfers to/from Mpala Jena and the Kalambezi jetty, daily laundry, local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Mpala Jena offers professionally guided wildlife viewing in open safari vehicles, walks and morning or afternoon boat cruises. There are flat-bottomed motorised boats and a wooden Zanzibari dhow available for guests to experience.
