We’re passionate about preserving & protecting this piece of paradise
Our mission is to invite you to observe the wonders of Mhara River Bush Camp, but at the same time do everything in our power to preserve it in its pristine state, respecting the wildlife and rules of nature. We want to give you the unique opportunity to experience the wild majesty of life here, feel it, and then when you leave us - “leave no footprints behind and take only memories away”.
Understanding the landscape
Mhara River Bush Camp is situated in a completely untouched part of Mana Pools National Park. The scenery is spectacular and varied. You can walk up the Chitake Gorge, where you will find giant tangled boulders gouged out of the mountains by millions of litres of flood water over the ages, springs which hold water into the dry months and varied mammals, birds, and plants not found elsewhere in our concession.
A bit further down, you can explore the riverine forests along the Chitake and Mhara rivers, where you will find Mahoganies (Trichelia Emetica) and giant Sausage trees (Kigelia Africana) providing welcome respite from the hot midday sun under their shady canopies. The tangled and twisting Combretums and other riverine shrubs drop leaves and litter in order that insects may thrive and hence attract birds such as the rare African Pitta that so favor this insect bonanza.
Respecting the local flora and fauna is fundamental to our approach here at Mhara. Initially, when we began developing Mhara River Bush Camp, we observed that the wildlife was generally afraid of vehicles and humans. Due no doubt to past experiences of being persecuted by mankind, hunted initially, and then latterly succumbing to poaching. So, we adopted a strategy of habituating them to our presence by keeping ourselves visible to them but at a distance whereby they felt safe, never overstepping the mark.
This gap has gradually been closed and has also at times involved “talking“ quietly to the wildlife - particularly to the elephants, who quickly realized we meant them no harm. They, in turn, have responded by passing this relaxed and trusting aura to the other animals. (It should serve as a lesson to mankind to be kind to one another and learn to forgive!) It is something we are proud of, and we are determined to maintain and improve upon this “communication”, so that we are regarded by the fauna of this unique piece of wilderness as being part of the unfolding tapestry. We are, after all, visitors in their world.
Remember, we are all visitors here…
Views into the heart of Africa
You will notice the setting and layout of the camp, where we invite guests to enjoy accommodation that is private and secluded. The bush that surrounds each tent is natural and untouched, attracting birds and their early morning songs, leopards, and lions, and resident bull elephants that from time to time enjoy a drink of cool clean water from the many birdbaths in the camp. The seasons change around us from harsh hot, scorching summer months, and suddenly to times when distant lightning is observed and then the river comes down in flood and the rains are with us. The landscape changes and is made up of every shade of green imaginable. This is the season when migratory birds arrive from distant lands, insects, frogs, cicadas, and butterflies abound.
The camp is situated in the heart of all this, the changing seasons and jigsaw of life. If you look you will see it, it is all around you. Enjoy the wonders of nature and this wilderness – it is the heart of Africa.
Where to find us
Mhara River Bush Camp is situated under shady rain trees (Philenoptera Violacae) on high ground with stunning views of the Chitake River 50 meters below. The backdrop is the wild and untouched Zambezi escarpment.