Africa by Lusso

At a glance

Exclusive camp with just four guest tents, all with private plunge pools, in a private concession within Zambezi National Park
The two-bedroom Mpala Jena Suite is perfect for families or two couples
Game drives, bush walks, boat cruises, canoeing and photography
Conveniently located near Victoria Falls town, but far from the hustle and bustle
Children six years and older are welcome

Overview

This is as intimate and boutique as it gets, with just four open-plan safari tents, each designed around a central four-poster bed, with half-moon stone walls cornering off a roll-top bathtub, indoor and outdoor showers, private plunge pools and private wooden decks with gorgeous river views. And should maintaining your fitness regime be high on your holiday wish list, you'll find in-room yoga mats, weights and even an exercise bike waiting on the deck. For something more exclusive, opt for the Mpala Jena Suite, a two-bedroom suite perfect for families or two couples that comes with its own chef and safari vehicle.

A large tented main area offers spectacular views of the Zambezi and features a central lounge and dining area filled with colonial-style collectibles hand-picked by the lodge owners, as well as a library, interactive kitchen, curio shop, single-room spa and wine cellar.

Activities include game drives, bush walks, boat cruises and canoeing. Victoria Falls is only 16 kilometres upstream from the camp, where a number of adrenaline-fueled and more relaxed activities are available.

When to visit

Best

Good

Varied

January

30ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

191mm

Average Rainfall

Water levels at Victoria Falls are increasing. This is the beginning of 'high water' season, when views of the falls can be obscured by mist and spay, so expect to get a bit wet when viewing them. This is a good time for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island close around mid-January due to high water levels.
February

30ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

180mm

Average Rainfall

The Zambezi River is starting to rise after the summer rains, meaning there is more water going over the falls, leading to an increase in spray and mist, guaranteeing a soaking when viewing the falls. This is still a good time for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
March

30ºC

Maximum Tempurature

16ºC

Minimum Tempurature

99mm

Average Rainfall

The Zambezi River is fast flowing from the summer rains and Victoria Falls is in full flow, a spectacular sight of sheer magnificence and power, sending up an immense cloud of spray. It's a good time to view the famous spray rainbows and at full moon the lunar rainbow or moonbow, though if visiting at this time expect to get very wet. This is a great time for flights over the falls. Many rafting operators stop white-water rafting at the end of March due to high river levels. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
April

29ºC

Maximum Tempurature

14ºC

Minimum Tempurature

29mm

Average Rainfall

This is one of the best months to experience the full force of Victoria Falls, with immense clouds of spray and a thundering soundtrack. It's an especially good time to view the spray rainbows and at full moon the lunar rainbow or moonbow. If visiting at this time expect to get very wet and bear in mind that the spray may obscure your view of the falls. This is a great time to see the falls from the air. Water levels are too high for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
May

27ºC

Maximum Tempurature

10ºC

Minimum Tempurature

2mm

Average Rainfall

The water flowing over Victoria Falls is still very high, making for some spectacular viewing and an opportunity to view the spray rainbows and at full moon the lunar rainbow or moonbow. If visiting at this time expect to get very wet and bear in mind that the spray may obscure your view of the falls. This is a great time to see the falls from the air. Water levels are too high for white-water rafting. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
June

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

6ºC

Minimum Tempurature

2mm

Average Rainfall

Lower water levels and less spray provide excellent visibility of the falls. The white-water rafting season opens as soon as the water drops to a safe level. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
July

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

6ºC

Minimum Tempurature

0mm

Average Rainfall

Lower water levels and less spray provide excellent visibility of the falls. The white-water rafting season opens as soon as the water drops to a safe level. Devil's Pool and Livingstone Island remain closed due to high water levels.
August

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

6ºC

Minimum Tempurature

0mm

Average Rainfall

Lower water levels and less spray provide excellent visibility of the falls. August is one of the best months for white-water rafting. Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool open as soon as the water drops to a safe level.
September

32ºC

Maximum Tempurature

13ºC

Minimum Tempurature

1mm

Average Rainfall

Water levels at the falls are low making visibility good. It's an excellent time for white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
October

33ºC

Maximum Tempurature

17ºC

Minimum Tempurature

27mm

Average Rainfall

Water levels at the falls are low making visibility good, although the falls can appear less impressive now. It's an excellent time for white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
November

32ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

64mm

Average Rainfall

The Zambezi River is at its lowest level of the year and the water going over the falls is at its lowest point. It's an excellent time for white-water rafting, swimming in Devil's Pool and visiting Livingstone Island.
December

30ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

175mm

Average Rainfall

Water levels at Victoria Falls are still relatively low making visibility good, although the falls can appear less impressive. This is a good time for white-water rafting and for swimming in Devil's Pool.

Location

Mpala Jena is located in a private concession in Zambezi National Park 16 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls town and airport are approximately 1 hour 20 minutes' drive away. A helicopter transfer can be arranged, and this takes approximately 30 minutes from Victoria Falls town.

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