Hideaways Mhara River Camp

Standing beneath majestic rain trees, just 50 meters above the life-giving waters of the Chitake River, Hideaways Mhara River Camp embodies the essence of untouched African wilderness. This exclusive retreat, positioned within the renowned Mana Pools National Park, offers guests front-row seats to nature’s grand performance. Here, where centuries of isolation have preserved the land’s pristine character, visitors can witness the daily drama of Africa’s most magnificent creatures, from stealthy leopards to mighty elephants, and the rare African Pitta that delights bird enthusiasts.

Experience & Activities: Each day at Mhara River Camp unfolds like a carefully crafted story. Dawn breaks to the symphony of wild Africa, as guests savor authentic Zimbabwean coffee from their private patios, often witnessing elephants or baboons traversing the riverbed below. The morning paths often reveal nocturnal visitors through their fresh tracks, adding an element of discovery to even the shortest walk to breakfast.

The camp offers a diverse array of activities tailored to each guest’s sense of adventure. Morning game drives wind through dramatic landscapes, following ancient riverbeds beneath towering cliffs carved by centuries of flood waters. For the more intrepid, guided bush walks provide an intimate perspective of the wilderness, bringing guests face-to-face with the subtle wonders of the African bush.

A highlight of any stay is the exploration of Chitake Gorge, where massive boulders sculpted by millennia of rushing waters create a dramatic backdrop for wildlife encounters. The permanent springs here sustain a rich variety of fauna and flora throughout the year. In contrast, the riverine forests along the Chitake and Mhara rivers offer sanctuary under the spreading canopies of magnificent Mahogany and Sausage trees.

As day transitions to night, guests gather to toast the setting sun, often in the company of passing wildlife mere meters away. The adventure continues into the evening with night drives, revealing the mysterious nocturnal world of Mhara. These excursions often yield exciting encounters with leopards, lions, servals, and genets, while the night sky comes alive with the silent flight of owls and nightjars.

Accommodations:

Hideaways Mhara River Camp offers six thoughtfully designed tents that perfectly balance comfort with an authentic wilderness experience. Each spacious tent features expansive gauze windows that frame spectacular views of the Chitake River from your bed while allowing fresh breezes to flow through the space. Handcrafted wooden doors add a touch of artisanal elegance while maintaining your connection to the surrounding wilderness.

The accommodations have been carefully positioned to ensure both optimal views and complete privacy for each guest. Inside, the tents offer comfortable twin beds, modern en-suite bathrooms, and practical amenities including a private tea and coffee station. Solar-powered fans and comprehensive mosquito netting maintain comfort in all conditions, while charging facilities keep you connected to the modern world when needed.

The entire design philosophy emphasizes an uninterrupted relationship with nature, allowing guests to feel both protected and intimately connected to the wild African landscape that surrounds them.