The architect team of Craig Hayman and Hannah Charlton and interior designer Tracy Kelly have created a haven that epitomizes “Barefoot Luxury” at its best. Mpala Jena is located on the white sandy edges of Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River and in the Zambezi National Park. The team sought to combine natural elements using thatched roofs in the main areas and flowing canvas luxury tents for the bedrooms. The sand floor in the bar area, and adjacent swimming pool, set the scene for guests to kick their shoes off and relax after their morning game drive or river cruise.

The area under conservation within the Zambezi National Park is 56,000 hectares (138,000 acres) and has a healthy and ever-increasing number of wildlife species, with higher concentrations of buffalo and elephants from June through to October. It has become an absolute gem of a reserve with some of the highest lions per square km concentrations than any other Zimbabwean park. The river is a magnet for wildlife and ensures consistent sightings of massive crocodiles and hippos who make their presence seen and heard throughout the day and night.

Each suite has a shaded, private veranda area and en-suite bathroom facilities, including an indoor shower, separate loo, and double basins. The highlight of the suites is the outdoor bathrooms with a beautiful bathtub and outdoor shower. Decking in front of the tent leads onto views of the Zambezi River’s calming and peaceful flowing waters.

Additional cost activities are available for those who wish to participate in the varied adrenalin and more relaxing activities that this tourist hub has become renowned for. A range of activities exists, including navigating one of the world’s most intense white-water rafting, partaking in the numerous high-wire activities located at the Gorge / Lookout Cafe, conducting a cultural village tour, a historical guided high tea tour, or simply enjoying wandering the streets of this bustling tourist town.