About Us

Hideaways Mhara River Camp

We’re passionate about preserving & protecting this piece of paradise

Mhara River camp was conceived by a group of friends sitting quietly around the iconic African bush campfire, with the night sounds of the African bush providing a backdrop to this peaceful scene. The subject of the conversation was to speculate whether there were any true wilderness areas left and, if so, could they be developed in such a way as to preserve the wilderness itself without destroying the very essence and beauty of what it is.

This conversation, followed by a stroke of good fortune, some local knowledge of the beautiful Zambezi Valley and its secrets, and lots of perseverance over a period of two years, finally led to the establishment of Mhara River Camp. This private concession is situated in a true wilderness area, where time has stood still, and your spirit and soul can roam free, and you can still appreciate how it has always been.

Those 4 friends, all local Zimbabweans, are the owners and shareholders of Mhara River Camp; above all, they view themselves as the custodians and guardians of this magnificent place.

Meet the Custodians of Mhara

Click on each image to learn more about them

Derek Hinde

I am the current camp manager and director, and I have roamed the Zambezi Valley for more than 40 years. While the Zambezi River has always drawn people to this landscape, I spent many of those years camping in the bush, walking the southern reaches of Mana Pools National Park from Chitake Spring through to the Zambezi Escarpment. My knowledge of the bush was shaped through personal experience. Countless hours were spent walking unarmed, guided by awareness, patience, and respect for the wildlife that allowed me to move through their space. This deep connection with the wilderness formed the layout and construction of the camp itself, designed to preserve the area as a true wilderness that guests can see, feel, and experience for themselves.

Kudzaishe Chikawa

My passion for tourism and hospitality began at a young age and led me to study Hospitality Management at Bachelor’s (B.P.S) level. Over time, photography became a natural extension of this journey. First capturing people and cultures, and later wildlife brought through the early formation of the camp. I believe everyone should experience the wilderness at least once in their lifetime. Mhara is close to my heart because it reminds us that we are part of nature, and that caring for it is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Lara England

I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up with a deep love for the bush, shaped by family holidays spent on two-week camping trips in some of Zimbabwe’s most remote national parks. Those early experiences fostered a lifelong connection to the Zambezi Valley and inspired our family’s commitment to preserving it. This shared passion for the wild led us to create Mhara River Camp, with the aim of protecting a piece of the valley as we know it for our children and future generations. My father, Derek, laid the foundations for the camp, while my husband, David, is closely involved in its ongoing maintenance. I play an active role in camp bookings, resupply, and, when needed, managing the camp.

David England

I was born in Zimbabwe and built my career as a farmer, working with tobacco, cattle, and row crops. I now focus on citrus farming, producing lemons, easy peelers (naartjies), and oranges for export, alongside growing seed maize and wheat. Like the rest of my family, I developed a deep love for the bush, with many family camping trips spent in Mana Pools. It was there, sitting with a beer and looking out over the Zambezi River, that we first spoke about the idea of building our own camp. Derek was the one who ultimately rallied everyone and turned that idea into reality.

William Astley Maberly

Will has been involved in the wild places of Zim since he was a young lad. His love and attachment to the wilderness and in particular the Zambezi Valley is very evident! “As a young boy I grew up listening to my father and uncle talking about the wild places in East Africa and the start of the Kruger and it enthralled me and captured me at a very deep level.” An accomplished wildlife artist and photographer, Will’s passion for the Mhara River concession is palpable! “Awareness is everything and the modern world is so detached from reality and the present, most people will never understand or witness the magnificence of wild Africa. Mhara River Camp offers a truly unique experience in the wild Zambezi valley!“ “Privacy is fast becoming our greatest privilege!”

Understanding the landscape

Mhara River Camp is situated in a completely untouched part of Mana Pools National Park. The scenery is spectacular and varied. You can walk up the Chitake Gorge, where you will find giant tangled boulders gouged out of the mountains by millions of litres of flood water over the ages, springs which hold water into the dry months and varied mammals, birds, and plants not found elsewhere in our concession.

A bit further down, you can explore the riverine forests along the Chitake and Mhara rivers, where you will find Mahoganies (Trichelia Emetica) and giant Sausage trees (Kigelia Africana) providing welcome respite from the hot midday sun under their shady canopies. The tangled and twisting Combretums and other riverine shrubs drop leaves and litter in order that insects may thrive and hence attract birds such as the rare African Pitta that so favor this insect bonanza.

Remember, we are all visitors here…

Respecting the local flora and fauna is fundamental to our approach here at Mhara. Initially, when we began developing Mhara River Camp, we observed that the wildlife was generally afraid of vehicles and humans. Due no doubt to past experiences of being persecuted by mankind, hunted initially, and then latterly succumbing to poaching. So, we adopted a strategy of habituating them to our presence by keeping ourselves visible to them but at a distance whereby they felt safe, never overstepping the mark.

This gap has gradually been closed and has also at times involved “talking“ quietly to the wildlife – particularly to the elephants, who quickly realized we meant them no harm. They, in turn, have responded by passing this relaxed and trusting aura to the other animals. (It should serve as a lesson to mankind to be kind to one another and learn to forgive!) It is something we are proud of, and we are determined to maintain and improve upon this “communication”, so that we are regarded by the fauna of this unique piece of wilderness as being part of the unfolding tapestry. We are, after all, visitors in their world.

Meet the Team on the Ground

Click on each team member to learn more about them

Derrison | Pro Guide

Born in what is now Mana Pools National Park, Derrison began his career in the 1980s with Zimbabwe’s National Parks. He started guiding professionally in 1995. With a deep-rooted knowledge of the land, local history, and bushcraft, he offers guests an incredibly authentic and insightful safari experience.

Jennifer | Front of House

Originally from Bulawayo, Jen runs the camp like clockwork. She’s been in Mana Pools for two years, is passionate about the bush and a talented wildlife artist. She ensures everything behind the scenes runs smoothly while leading the catering team. Her favourite subject to paint? The elusive Wild Dog.

Liam - Field Guide

Liam has been with Mhara from the very beginning, part of the team that helped build and open the camp. Starting his guiding career straight out of school, he’s worked in both Hwange and Mana Pools. A talented birder and keen photographer, Liam brings the bush to life—and keeps guests entertained with stories around the fire.

Tor | Field Guide

With nearly a decade of guiding under his belt, Tor brings a calm confidence to the wilderness. He spent five years in Gonarezhou before making Mana Pools his home for the past four seasons. Whether tracking buffalo through mopane forests or watching birds at a quiet pan, Tor finds joy in every moment in the bush—and loves sharing that with guests.

Brighton | Head Chef

Brighton has been the heart of the kitchen since Mhara River Bush Camp opened in 2022. His culinary journey began in 2009, and his dishes continue to delight guests with every meal. Dedicated and creative, Brighton’s favourite animal is the eland – a graceful presence in the bush, much like his cooking on the table.

Terrence – Field Guide

Born and raised in Victoria Falls, Terrence grew up in the natural, following in the footsteps of his father, a Professional Guide. With eight years of guiding experience in Victoria Falls and Hwange, he now brings his knowledge and passion to Mana Pools. Terrence thrives on the daily encounters with wildlife and loves sharing these moments with guests.

More About Hideaways Africa

Life-Changing Experiences

The Hideaways eco lodge collection offers refined and rustic accommodations in some of the most spectacular natural settings in Africa. Our lodges are situated in world-renowned locations such as Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Chobe National Park and Khwai River in Botswana, and the beautiful Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in South Africa. Our lodges are designed to provide a perfect blend of luxury and environmental sustainability, offering guests an unforgettable experience that is both indulgent and eco-friendly. At Hideaways Africa, it is our mission to create bespoke, memorable and deeply moving safari experiences for our guests, to experience Africa’s sounds, scents, views and tastes in absolute comfort and style. Our eco lodges offer excellent service, gourmet food and lavish accommodation with a sustainable and eco-friendly approach.