A BUSH NYAYA...

Chitembe River Lodge began as a modest tented camp tucked deep within the thick, untamed foliage of Mana Pools during the quiet stillness of the 2019 COVID pandemic. While the world was in lockdown, Chitembe was envisioned as the remote, soul-soothing escape that so many needed—a place to reconnect with nature and find peace in the wild.

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Our very first guests camped along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, surrounded by untouched wilderness. It was there that Mhumhi Camp first took shape. Inspired by the remarkable number of wild dogs roaming the area, we named the camp "Mhumhi", meaning “wild dog” in the local language—a tribute to the spirit of the land.

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Two years later, a short journey just 600 meters upriver brought us to a breathtaking spot beneath a towering Jackalberry tree. There, our second camp took root, and Jackalberry Camp was born—offering a refined, elevated contrast to the rustic charm of Mhumhi.

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Today, both Mhumhi and Jackalberry Camps offer their own unique experience, yet together they tell the story of Chitembe—a place we have lovingly built and proudly call home. We hope you’ll come to love and cherish this piece of African paradise just as we do.