Overview
Barefoot by the Falls
Mpala Jena is an intimate and low-key luxury camp on the banks of the Zambezi River upstream of the epic Victoria Falls.
Part safari lodge, part barefoot retreat, there are just five suites – including two two-bedroom family options – with flowing canvas sides and open views over the river. Outdoor bathtubs and showers are a real highlight.
The main areas include a thatched bar with a sand floor, relaxed dining spaces and a swimming pool. Great spots to relax are a day out exploring the falls or on safari in the surrounding Zambezi National Park.
Facts
At a glance
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Five suites
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Swimming pool
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Barefoot bar and dining area
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Solar powered
Experiences
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![Mpala Jena18]()
Victoria Falls
Enjoy a half-day guided excursion to the thunderous and impressive wall of water at Victoria Falls from the lodge. There are also plenty of exciting activities such as rafting and helicopter flights around the famous wonder of the world.
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Game drives
The 56,000 hectare Zambezi National Park is a gem of a reserve with good numbers of of buffalo and elephants along with a hight . 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.
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Boating
Mpala Jena Camp has its own 8-seater aluminium hulled motor boat perfect for sun-downer cruises, wildlife watching and an exciting way to and from the falls.
Community & Culture
A Conservation and Community Levy is added to each stay here as a contribution to the Great Plains Foundation. Through this levy, every traveller is not only helping to conserve and expand natural habitats, but also contributing to conservation and community development across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Conservation
Great Plains Conservation exists to conserve and expand natural habitats using sustainable eco-tourism to protect and restore critical habitats and conserve wildlife. By staying at Great Plains Conservation’s camps, you are directly helping to protect Africa’s wild spaces. In Zimbabwe, they are working on one of Africa's biggest wildlife relocation efforts, Project Rewild Zambezi, transporting around 3000 animals from a reserve in the south, where overpopulation of wildlife that would have led to a cull is instead being moved north to Great Plains' Sapi Reserve in the Mana Pools ecosystem.
Footprint
The camp operates under a guiding principle that operations should have no negative influence on the land or any animal that uses it. Mpala Jena is by design sensitive to the environment of the Zambezi National Park. This is achieved by using canvas and local thatch in its construction and ensuring all the camp’s electricity needs come from its solar farm.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
