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Mpala Jena Private Villas Opens at Zimbabwe’s Mpala Jena Camp

Great Plains, the iconic African eco-tourism organisation founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to announce the opening of the first of two new exclusive-use villas at Mpala Jena, near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mpala Jena Private Villas is located five kilometers upstream from the main property, with the two new exclusive-use villas sleeping up to six adults - or four adults and three children - in three luxurious suites. The second villa will open in November.

Great Plains Announces Mpala Jena Private Villas, Opening at Zimbabwe’s Mpala Jena Camp, in August 2025

Great Plains, the iconic African eco-tourism organisation founded by National Geographic filmmaker-explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to unveil the upcoming launch of two new exclusive-use villas at Mpala Jena, the camp it operates near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Mpala Jena Private Villas will open in August 2025, five kilometers upstream from the main property, providing two exclusive-use villas sleeping up to six adults - or four adults and three children - in three luxurious suites. Designed by owners Kevin and Shannon Lang in collaboration with architect Julia Rotherford and award-winning interior designer Tracy Kelly, the villas maintain the charm of the original Mpala Jena camp, which has established itself as a sought-after destination experience with a prime location on the Zambezi River's edge and offers countless wildlife viewing and activities both on and off the water. The two new three-bedroom villas will offer a step up in both luxury and privacy, providing the ultimate accommodation option for families or small groups. Each Villa will comprise a private main area, swimming pool, three luxurious riverfront suites, a private butler and guide services. The Private Villas, each located in an area that is a favourite drinking spot for zebras and impala in the afternoons, offer guests commanding views over the Zambezi and overlook either a private waterhole or tributary leading down to the Zambezi. Taking inspiration from the world-renowned Puglia style of architecture and interiors, the Villas feature steep thatch roofs, smooth arches and open spaces designed to stay cool in summer yet warm and cosy through the winter. Interior designer Tracy Kelly has opted for a light and airy scheme that combines an earthy and soothing colour palette with textures and natural materials. Endless activities await at Mpala Jena Private Villas, which will offer guests their own private open safari-drive vehicle and motorised boat at no additional cost, with activities tailored to each group's individual needs. When water levels allow, guests can enjoy access to a historic dhow that originated in Zanzibar for fantastic sunset or sunrise cruises on the river. Each two-night stay will also include return Victoria Falls International Airport transfers or Victoria Falls Town Road and Boat transfers. A guided half-day tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls with their guide is also included. Each suite in the two Villas is designed to feel wonderfully secluded, complete with every luxury a guest could wish for during their waterside retreat. They offer private river pavilions - a serene spot on the river's banks, slightly elevated above the white sand. These tranquil settings are intentionally designed for guests to unwind, read a book, and watch the world go by while feeling totally relaxed and at peace.

Great Plains Announces Opening of Tembo Plains Camp, Zimbabwe

Great Plains is thrilled to have welcomed their first guests at the brand new Tembo Plains Camp, which is ideal for couples, families, multi-generational travellers, and those looking for an exclusive personal safari experience. "Tembo", meaning elephant, pays tribute to some of the many magnificent animals frequently seen around Tembo Plains Camp, which is ideally located in one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations today, on the private 128,000-hectare Sapi Reserve. Boasting four spacious guest suites, an exquisite two-bedroom suite and a private guide tent with interiors designed by Great Plains co-founder Beverly Joubert, Tembo Plains Camp can host up to twelve guests and is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux - the only camp in the whole of Zimbabwe given this honour. This Réserve Collection safari camp is designed, and strategically situated, to offer guests endless safari possibilities. Activities at Tembo Plains Camp include wildlife-viewing drives, guided walking safaris, canoeing, fishing and boating on the Zambezi River. With birdlife in abundance, endless bird watching opportunities are at hand. Children (aged six +) have incredible options of activities to choose from as part of the Tembo Plains Young Explorers Program, including bush walks around camp, learning conservation and survival skills from guides, bracelet making with Zimbabwean Ndebele beads, movie nights in the bush, stargazing, learning how to cook Zimbabwe-style in the interactive kitchen and more!

Introducing Great Plains' New Tembo Plains Camp, Zimbabwe

Great Plains, the iconic eco-tourism company is thrilled to announce the much anticipated Tembo Plains Camp, scheduled to open in August 2021. The new Zimbabwean opening, located on the private 118,000-hectare Sapi Reserve, whose northern border is over 40kms of the Zambezi River. The well-known Mana Pools Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forms the Sapi Reserve's western border.