A small camp overlooking the floodplains on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park
Lounge, dining area, bar, open-air deck, pool, fire-pit, and boutique shop
Five king-sized tents and one family quad tent, each with a private deck, plunge pool, and free-standing bath-tub
Game drives, walking safaris, boating, birding, and catch-and-release fishing
Mana Sands is located on its own private concession, so activities take place both here and within Mana Pools National Park.
Game drives take place in custom-built vehicles during the early mornings and late afternoons, led by experienced professionals with expert knowledge of the area. Perhaps you’ll spend time observing a lone elephant, tracking a pack of African wild dog, or watching a spotted hyena on the prowl. Each game drive is completely different! While night drives aren’t allowed inside Mana Pools National Park itself, Mana Sands sits within its own private concession where limited drives take place after dark. As night time takes over the bush, you might encounter porcupine, genet, civet, and hyena, amongst your sightings.
Mana Pools is known for its incredible walking safaris, when you get to explore this ancient landscape on foot, guided by some of Zimbabwe’s leading guides. This is your chance to slow down and connect with the land. Identify the animal tracks on your route, feel the sensation of a branch crunching beneath your boots, stop to look at the extraordinary architecture of a termite mound, and admire the colours of a rare bird as it darts overhead.
Canoeing on the Zambezi is a truly memorable Mana Pools experience, where you’ll drift along the water, taking in the sights and sounds of the bush on your way. You’ll be guided by an experienced river specialist, who’ll select the route according to water levels and conditions.
Mana Pools has 380+ recorded bird species, making it a paradise for ornithologists. You might spot a decadent carmine bee-eater, a Pel’s fishing owl, or a lilac-breasted roller on your travels. All the guides have encyclopaedic knowledge on the birdlife in the region, so if this is your interest, you’ll be in good hands!
Mana Sands offers seasonal catch-and-release fishing, so don’t forget to try your hand at catching a tigerfish or bream out on the river. Your guide will fill you in on the best locations and times of day for this activity.
Mana Sands is located on a remote private concession within Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Guests usually access the camp via light aircraft flight from Harare or Victoria Falls to Mana West Airstrip, followed by a 5-minute game drive. Another option is to arrive at Mana Pools Airstrip, a 2-hour scenic drive from Mana Sands.
The central space at Mana Sands features a lounge, a dining area, a bush bar, a boutique shop, and an open-air deck for unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness.
Wi-Fi
Plunge pool
Fishing
The communal plunge pool overlooks an active seasonal pan, where comfortable sunloungers and parasols create a shady spot for relaxing and observing passing wildlife. For special occasions, a separate secluded deck offers the perfect setting for romantic, lantern-lit private dining overlooking the waterhole. Dining is varied and designed to surprise guests with changing settings and experiences. Days include sunrise bush breakfasts, picnic brunches, and delicious spreads while you’re out for an afternoon of fishing. As the sun sets, enjoy scenic sundowners on the river, complete with a bonfire and a full drinks table. Wi-Fi is available throughout the main communal areas for those who wish to remain connected.
Mana Sands features six luxury canvas tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, a spacious outdoor deck, and a private plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi floodplains.
The tents are furnished with extra-length super king-sized beds, mosquito netting, and an integrated air-cooling system to ensure a restful sleep on warm evenings. Every bathroom comes with a double vanity, double indoor shower, and freestanding bath-tub perfectly positioned to maximise the wilderness views. Sliding glass doors open onto a private veranda outfitted with comfortable lounge seating, a drinks table, sunloungers, and a shady parasol. One of the units is a fully wheelchair-accessible family tent designed for up to four guests. This suite includes two separate sleeping areas divided by a privacy wall, furnished with an extra-length super king-sized bed and two three-quarter beds, making it an ideal configuration for families or small groups of friends travelling together.
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