Mpala Jena
Mpala Jena is an intimate safari lodge tucked deep within Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park – just over an hour from Victoria Falls, yet blissfully remote. Located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, this Great Plains partner property embodies “barefoot luxury” at its finest. With only a handful of suites, solar-powered design and a seamless connection to nature, Mpala Jena offers the perfect blend of privacy, style and authenticity. Watch elephants pass from your deck, unwind in a swing-seat bar, or set out on a game drive or river cruise. Whether traveling as a couple or family, you’ll find space, comfort and raw wilderness – all in one unforgettable place.
Details
Country
Zimbabwe
Location
Zambezi National Park
Price
from €840 per person/night
Best time to visit
May - October
Rooms
Mpala Jena features three luxurious canvas suites and two spacious family suites, each overlooking the Zambezi River. Blending natural materials with refined elegance, the rooms offer indoor and outdoor showers, a soaking tub beneath the stars, air conditioning, ceiling fans and private verandas. Families enjoy two-bedroom setups with a central lounge, while honeymooners will love the sense of seclusion. In August 2025, two private villas with pools, dedicated guides and full exclusivity will open nearby. Whether you seek romance, space or a place to reconnect – Mpala Jena’s suites invite you to live comfortably, yet fully immersed in nature.
Culinary
Dining at Mpala Jena is as relaxed as it is refined. Enjoy à la carte menus tailored to your preferences, with flexibility in timing and setting – breakfast on the riverbank, a picnic lunch beneath trees, or dinner under a canopy of stars. The camp caters to all dietary needs with advance notice, including vegetarian, vegan and child-friendly options. The sand-floored bar with swing seats adds a playful touch, while private dining can be arranged for special moments. With excellent wines and warm, attentive service, meals at Mpala Jena become part of the safari experience – thoughtful, fresh and deeply satisfying.
Activities
Mpala Jena offers a variety of guided safari experiences, including game drives, walking safaris, and seasonal river cruises – by motorboat or traditional dhow. Catch-and-release fishing and birding are also excellent year-round. Wildlife sightings include elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and crocodile, with birdlife especially rich from November to April. A guided visit to Victoria Falls is included for stays of two nights or more. For those seeking more adventure, optional activities include white-water rafting, gorge swings, high teas and cultural village visits. Mpala Jena is a base for both relaxed exploration and high-energy experiences – all within easy reach.
Location
Located 19 kilometers inside Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena enjoys a prime position along the river, away from the crowds of Victoria Falls but close enough for easy access. The 56,000-hectare park is a thriving conservation area with high lion densities, seasonal elephant migrations and excellent birdlife. Guests arrive via road or boat transfer, often combined with a scenic game drive through the park. The lodge is unfenced and open to wildlife – hippos grunt nearby at night, elephants may roam past during the day. Mpala Jena invites you to experience raw Africa, with comfort and care at every step.
