Great Plains is poised to open Mpala Jena Private Villas, its newest retreat in Zimbabwe.
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s untamed wilderness, where the Zambezi River carves a lifeline through ancient landscapes, Great Plains Conservation, the celebrated eco-tourism venture founded by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, will open Mpala Jena Private Villas this August.
Located five kilometres upstream from the iconic Mpala Jena camp near Victoria Falls, the new addition introduces an unparalleled level of seclusion and sophistication, with just two exclusive-use villas, nestled along the river’s edge, blending bespoke design, immersive wildlife encounters, and a deep commitment to conservation.
Each villa accommodates up to six adults—or four adults and three children—across three opulent riverfront suites, complete with a private pool, dedicated butler, and personal guide. Designed by owners Kevin and Shannon Lang in collaboration with architect Julia Rotherford and award-winning interior designer Tracy Kelly, the villas pay homage to the original Mpala Jena camp, a cherished destination known for its prime Zambezi location and abundant wildlife. Yet, they elevate the experience, offering families or small groups a sanctuary of privacy amid one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.
The villas’ design draws inspiration from the timeless elegance of Puglia’s architecture, featuring steep thatched roofs, smooth arches, and open spaces that harmonise with the environment. These structures remain cool during Zimbabwe’s scorching summers and cosy through crisp winters, ensuring year-round comfort.
Tracy Kelly’s interiors weave a narrative of rustic authenticity and modern luxury, employing a soothing palette of earthy neutrals—stone-inspired beiges, muted greens, and terracotta accents—drawn from the Zambezi’s natural hues. Natural fibres, handwoven rugs, and subtle patterns evoke a sense of place, while locally crafted artworks and traditional African textiles add warmth and character. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow, with expansive verandas and relaxed riverfront seating, invites guests to immerse themselves in the landscape.
Each villa commands breathtaking views over the Zambezi, overlooking either a private waterhole or a tributary where zebras, impala, and elephants gather at dusk. The suites, designed for solitude, feature private river pavilions perched above pristine white sands, offering serene retreats for reading, reflection, or simply watching hippos glide through the water.
Every detail, from bespoke wooden furnishings to soft linens, reflects Great Plains’ dedication to craftsmanship and guest comfort. “Our vision was to create spaces that feel both authentic and tranquil,” Kelly explains. “The villas fuse Mediterranean elegance with the soul of safari living, inviting guests to connect with Africa’s wild heart.”
Adventure lies at the core of the Mpala Jena experience. Guests enjoy exclusive access to private open safari vehicles and motorised boats, included at no additional cost, with activities tailored to their preferences. Game drives reveal the Jao Reserve’s rich tapestry of wildlife—leopards stalking through acacia groves, buffalo herds thundering across floodplains, and rare African wild dogs on the hunt.
River explorations offer close encounters with crocodiles and fish eagles, while seasonal dhow cruises aboard a historic Zanzibar vessel elevate sunrise or sunset outings into unforgettable rituals. For those eager to explore beyond the reserve, each two-night stay includes transfers from Victoria Falls International Airport or Victoria Falls Town, plus a guided half-day tour of Victoria Falls, where mist rises from one of the world’s largest waterfalls.
Great Plains’ commitment to conservation underpins every aspect of the villas. Built with sustainable materials and low-impact methods, they harmonise with the Zambezi’s delicate ecosystem. The organisation supports anti-poaching initiatives and community-led projects, ensuring the region’s wildlife thrives for generations. “These villas reflect our mission to offer ‘homes’ for extended stays, catering to families and groups seeking deeper connections with nature,” says Dereck Joubert, Great Plains’ CEO. “They’re a response to our guests’ desire for exclusivity, crafted with the same passion we’ve poured into this land for decades.”
The villas’ location enhances their allure. Set in a favoured drinking spot for wildlife, they offer front-row seats to the Zambezi’s daily dramas—elephants bathing, antelope grazing, and kingfishers darting across the water. The surrounding Jao Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot, teems with over 450 bird species and iconic megafauna, making every moment a potential safari highlight.
Guests can customise their days, blending high-adrenaline game drives with leisurely river picnics or cultural visits to nearby villages, guided by experts who share the Jouberts’ reverence for the land.
Mpala Jena Private Villas are more than accommodations—they are gateways to Africa’s soul. They invite travellers to slow down, to savour the rhythm of the Zambezi, and to forge memories in a setting where luxury and wilderness intertwine. As the sun sets over the river, casting golden reflections across the villas’ thatched roofs, guests will find themselves enveloped in a timeless sanctuary, where the call of the wild meets the comfort of home.