Experience our latest riverside retreat on the Zambezi, where luxury, seclusion, and adventure meet in perfect harmony.
We are pleased to announce the opening of the first of two new exclusive-use Mpala Jena Private Villas, located just five kilometres upstream from the main Mpala Jena Camp, near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The second villa is scheduled to open in November 2025, extending our presence within this remarkable riverine ecosystem in Zambezi National Park.
Situated along the river’s edge, the three-bedroom villas offer ultimate privacy and barefoot elegance. Each villa accommodates up to six adults or four adults and three children, and features a private lounge and dining area, a swimming pool, a personal butler, and a dedicated safari guide, providing a fully exclusive experience.
Designed by Mpala Jena owners Kevin and Shannon Lang, architect Julia Rutherford, and interior designer Tracy Kelly, the Mpala Jena Private Villas celebrate the charm of the original Mpala Jena Camp while redefining what private safari living can be.
“We are delighted to welcome the Mpala Jena Private Villas as the newest addition to the Great Plains Zimbabwe portfolio,” says Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains Conservation. “These exceptional residences meet the increasing demand from our guests for expansive private retreats, perfect for extended families and longer stays. From white-water rafting beside Victoria Falls to cultural encounters that showcase Zimbabwe’s spirit, Mpala Jena Private Villas combine adventure, comfort, and privacy in perfect harmony.”
Inspired by Puglia, Rooted in Africa
Drawing inspiration from Puglia’s timeless Mediterranean architecture, the villas feature smooth arches, steep thatch roofs, and airy interiors that remain cool in summer and cosy in winter. Tracy Kelly’s interior design seamlessly combines natural materials with an earthy palette and subtle textures, creating tranquil, light-filled spaces that blend Mediterranean elegance with African authenticity.
“Our vision was to create something rustic yet refined – authentic and functional,” says Tracy Kelly. “Neutral tones inspired by local stone, muted greens, and terracotta accents evoke calm, while natural fibres and open-plan spaces fuse Mediterranean ease with the rhythm of safari living.”
Private Adventures on the Zambezi
Guests at Mpala Jena Private Villas enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace, with an exclusive safari-drive vehicle and motorised boat included for personalised experiences on land and water. When conditions permit, a historic dhow offers sunset and sunrise river cruises.
Each villa offers views of either a private waterhole or a tributary flowing to the Zambezi River, and every suite features a peaceful river pavilion – an ideal place to read, reflect, and watch the afternoon light as elephants, zebras, and impala pass by.
