Feature image: Mpala Jena Private Villas rendering
Great Plains, the esteemed eco-tourism organisation founded by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, is delighted to announce the upcoming debut of the Mpala Jena Private Villas, set to open in August 2025. Nestled five kilometres upstream from the main Mpala Jena Camp, these two exclusive-use villas provide an unparalleled retreat for families or small groups. Three opulent riverfront suites accommodate up to six adults, or four adults and three children.
Designed in collaboration with renowned architect Julia Rotherford and award-winning interior designer Tracy Kelly, the villas maintain the rustic elegance that has made Mpala Jena a sought-after destination, perched on the edge of the Zambezi River. The villas promise a heightened level of privacy and luxury, complete with private swimming pools, butler and guide services, and panoramic views over the Zambezi’s waters. The serene surroundings—where zebras and impalas are regular visitors—invite guests to unwind and connect with nature in an exceptionally peaceful setting.
Inspired by the timeless Puglia style, the villas feature sweeping thatched roofs, smooth arches, and airy open spaces designed to stay cool in summer and cosy through the cooler months. Interior designer Tracy Kelly has chosen an earthy palette of natural materials, with subtle touches of muted greens and terracotta, evoking the spirit of Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
Guests will enjoy a range of tailor-made experiences, with a private open safari vehicle and motorised boat included, offering a bespoke approach to exploring the Zambezi River and surrounding landscapes. When water levels permit, guests can also experience a historic dhow cruise, originally from Zanzibar, for sunset or sunrise sails on the river.
For those seeking a unique family adventure or couples looking for a world-class retreat with close friends, the Mpala Jena Private Villas provide an intimate and luxurious home away from home. Rates start at $6,625 per night for an all-inclusive experience, including meals, transfers, and guided tours of the iconic Victoria Falls.
Extend Your Stay with Tembo Plains Camp, Sapi Reserve, Zimbabwe
For an unforgettable twin-centre experience, guests can combine their stay at Mpala Jena Private Villas with a visit to Tembo Plains Camp, another exclusive property by Great Plains. Located in the Sapi Private Reserve, just east of Mana Pools National Park, Tembo Plains offers the perfect complement to a Victoria Falls getaway, blending the magic of the falls with a bucket-list safari experience.
Tucked within a lush riverine forest on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tembo Plains Camp features four elegant double suites, each with its own indoor lounge area and private plunge pool—ideal for watching the surrounding wildlife at dusk. Guests will be treated to sightings of wild dogs, lions, leopards, and buffalo, with the occasional elephant (or Tembo) making an appearance. The Zanji Suite is particularly suited for families or two couples, offering two bedrooms, a shared lounge, dining area, and private pool for the ultimate private safari experience.
With a range of activities, including guided walks, boating, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing, Tembo Plains Camp offers guests an intimate connection with the wild, along with access to a professional camera and binoculars for an enhanced experience.
Nightly rates at Tembo Plains Camp start from $1,205 (£903*) per person, with the Zanji Suite available from $3,616 (£2,711*) per night, all-inclusive.
For more information and to book, visit Great Plains Conservation.
Tanya co-founded Holidays for Couples with her mother Rhonda in 1996. For more than 25 years, the magazine defined romance travel in Australia before Tanya reimagined it as a digital platform with a strong SEO and social media presence. Tanya has lived in Canada, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Macao and now Saudi Arabia. When not in the office working on Holidays for Couples magazine, she is either planning her next trip or already boarding the plane.
