Into the wild: a luxury eco-safari in southern Africa worth the journey

Remote, responsible and offering an adventure of a lifetime, Wilderness’ camps at Toka Leya in Zambia and Linkwasha and Ruckomechi in Zimbabwe offer a rare kind of travel: up-close encounters with some of Africa’s most elusive wildlife. Along with the warmest hospitality and exceptional scenery, you’ll find encounters with nature at every turn.

Set on riverbanks and within vast, unfenced national parks, each camp is unique, with its own expert guides. Built around the wildlife, the camps allow animals to move freely and the landscapes to remain untouched – it’s not unusual to spot giraffes, baboons, hippos or passing elephants from the deck of your safari tent. Days are shaped by the best opportunities to see wildlife, and your guide will wake you as the sun rises to spot animals at their most active before they shelter from the heat.

Between your morning and evening safari, you can enjoy the camps’ hospitality: from cooling dips in a pool overlooking the great Zambezi to visits to local villages or fishing trips. There's rarely a moment that doesn’t feel like a unique and memorable experience.

Stay

At Toka Leya, swinging chairs and bathtubs outside invite you into the outdoor space, while treetop pathways link the camp to the restaurant area so as not to disturb the parade of wildlife. Set on the edge of the Great Zambezi River, it’s just a short drive from Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. River cruises are a must here and you’ll sail past meandering hippos, crocs and elephants having their evening bath. Three of the suites here offer family units with an extra bedroom.

In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers a more contemporary take on safari living. Pale woods, canvas and glass create a modern, safari-chic aesthetic, with suites positioned around a busy waterhole where giraffes, elephants and antelope gather throughout the day. There is a sunken viewing hide here for incredibly close-up photographs of the wildlife.

Further south, Ruckomechi, set within Mana Pools National Park, feels timeless and explorer-chic. Lantern-lit decks glow after dark and elephants frequently wander through camp. You can also book a night on their outdoor bed platform – perfectly safe, yet completely open to the night sky – where you fall asleep beneath the Milky Way and wake to hyenas laughing at dawn.

Eat

Food is an integral part of the Wilderness experience, the emphasis is on traditional menus that celebrate the bold, earthy flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Think flame-grilled bream from the Zambezi, slow-cooked game stews, vibrant salads and homemade cakes and sandwiches before every afternoon game drive.

Mornings begin gently with fresh fruit, wood-fired breads and eggs cooked to order before heading out on your first activity of the day. You’ll return to a lavish brunch with the menu changing daily, but the generous options mean that everyone is well looked after. Evening menus are three-course and served under the stars, there’s also an opportunity to sit with your guide on the last night for a relaxed opportunity to hear more about their adventures. Dinner ends with gin and tonics around the campfire and drinks from the bar.

Experience

The guiding across all three camps is exceptional – their knowledge of the surrounding area and wildlife is unrivalled. Days follow a natural rhythm: early-morning drives when animals are most active, lazy afternoons for swimming, spa treatments or simply watching the bush breathe, followed by a final outing as the air cools.

Planet

Sustainability underpins everything Wilderness does. Camps are solar-powered, toiletries are eco-friendly and ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible. Just as importantly, Wilderness works closely with surrounding communities, supporting conservation initiatives that protect both wildlife and livelihoods – ensuring these extraordinary places endure for generations to come.

How to do it

Toka Leya is accessed via Livingstone Airport in Zambia, while Linkwasha and Ruckomechi are closest to Victoria Falls or Harare. From £613 per person, per night including transfers, meals, drinks, and game drives or river excursions.

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