On the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, just upstream from Victoria Falls, Mpala Jena (part of the Great Plains Conservation collection) offers an intimate safari experience that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to nature. Arriving by boat — blankets, drinks and wildlife sightings included — sets the tone for a stay where elephants wander past your villa and sunsets glow over the river. Add world-class dining and expertly tailored safaris, and this Zimbabwean gem quietly becomes one of Africa’s most memorable lodge stays.
Welcome 10/10
Some hotels greet you with a bell. Mpala Jena greets you with a river safari.
The journey begins at the Kalambezi jetty where you step onto a small boat for the 45-minute transfer up the Zambezi River. Warm blankets are waiting, drinks are handed out and suddenly the pace of life slows to river speed.
It quickly becomes clear this is no ordinary transfer. Birds skim across the water and glide alongside the boat as you travel through one of Africa’s most beautiful river corridors. The captain often stops the engine to quietly point out wildlife – elephants moving through the trees, pods of hippos snorting in the shallows or crocodiles stretched out like prehistoric statues on the banks.
By the time the boat pulls into Mpala Jena’s private jetty you already feel like the safari has begun. Waiting on the shore, the lodge team break into song – smiling, clapping and welcoming you to camp in true Zimbabwean style. Within minutes you have a cold drink in hand and the unmistakable feeling that you’ve arrived somewhere very special.
Location 10/10
Mpala Jena sits on a pristine stretch of the Zambezi River inside Zambezi National Park, just upstream from Victoria Falls yet far enough away to feel wonderfully remote.
The river flows quietly past the lodge, framed by mopane trees and sandy banks that seem to attract wildlife throughout the day. Elephants regularly wander through camp, hippos grunt from the river and birdlife fills the air.
It’s the perfect balance – close enough to visit Victoria Falls easily, but wild enough to feel like you’re deep in the African bush.
Rooms 10/10
The suites at Mpala Jena are elegant, spacious and perfectly positioned along the riverbank. Floor-to-ceiling doors open onto private decks overlooking the Zambezi, making the landscape feel like part of the room itself.
From my villa, the sunrise and sunset were spectacular. Early mornings brought soft golden light across the river, while evenings delivered those slow, glowing African sunsets that seem to stretch on forever.
Wildlife sightings here can be wonderfully unexpected. During my stay, a resident hippo affectionately known by staff as William regularly crossed the river right in front of the villas as if doing his daily rounds.
One night brought a moment I will never forget. A group of elephants quietly appeared just metres in front of my room, calmly feeding and moving through the trees. I’ve seen elephants many times on safari, but never this close, in such a peaceful and natural setting. It was one of those rare travel moments where you simply sit still and watch in awe.
Facilities 9/10
Mpala Jena is intentionally small and intimate, with just a handful of suites creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere. The main lodge area overlooks the river with comfortable lounges and a small swimming pool perfect for cooling off between safari activities.
Game drives explore the surrounding Zambezi National Park – a beautiful and less crowded safari area. One of the highlights for me was seeing elephants on foot with an experienced guide. It’s exhilarating and humbling at the same time, reminding you just how powerful these animals are.
Safaris here are flexible and tailored to your pace. Want to stay out longer tracking wildlife? No problem. Prefer a slower morning with coffee and river views? That works too.
The intimate nature of the property means that this isn’t the place for clients wanting big resort style facilities with large pools, kids’ clubs and multiple restaurants.
Wildlife & Safari Experience 8/10
The wildlife viewing around Mpala Jena is excellent, especially for elephants. During my stay we saw large herds moving through the park along with zebras, hippos, kudus, impalas and giraffes. However, this isn’t a ‘tick off the Big Five in a day’ kind of place, it’s more refined, more raw and ultimately more real.
Because I visited during the rainy season, the birdlife was extraordinary. Bird lovers will be delighted by the sheer number of species flying along the river and across the park.
Another favourite safari ritual is the relaxed bush stops. The vehicle pulls over under a tree, drinks and snacks appear, and suddenly you’re standing in the middle of the African bush with a gin and tonic watching the world go by. It’s safari at its most enjoyable.
Dining & Drinks 10/10
The food at Mpala Jena deserves its own applause.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all genuinely world class – beautifully presented dishes that would impress in any major city, let alone in the middle of the African wilderness.
Breakfasts are generous and relaxed, lunches are light and fresh, and dinners often unfold under the stars with excellent wines and warm service. Every meal feels thoughtful and memorable.
Service 10/10
Zimbabwe is famous for its hospitality and the team at Mpala Jena deliver it with heart. Service is warm, intuitive and wonderfully genuine. Staff remember your preferences almost instantly and nothing ever feels forced or overly formal.
The singing welcome on arrival perfectly sets the tone. Joyful, authentic and full of pride.
Overall 9/10
Mpala Jena has that rare ability to feel both luxurious and deeply connected to nature.
From drifting up the Zambezi with birds flying beside the boat, to elephants wandering past your room at night, to world-class dining in the middle of the bush. It’s the kind of place that quietly steals your heart.
For more information on Mpala Jena and Great Plains Conservation contact Australian representative, Herbie Rosenberg. herbie@africareps.com | www.africareps.com
