Mana Pools National Park Safaris
Mana Pools is located in the north of Zimbabwe, alongside the beautiful Zambezi River and is one of the finest parks in Africa for a walking safari.
When to go to Mana Pools
Best Time to Go
Scenic location along the Zambezi River
Impressive wildlife & birdlife
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Outstanding walking safaris
Impressive Wildlife & Epic Scenery
The word ‘mana’ is Shona language for four, referring to the number of pools created by the river’s changing course in ancient times. The park consists of river banks, sandbanks, islets and smaller pools. All this, together with the baobab, ebony, mahogany and fig tree forests that frame the area, accounts for Mana Pools’ reputation as the finest national park in Africa.
Mana Pools Trips
Activities & Wildlife
Explore Mana Pools impressive landscapes by land and water on game drives, walking safaris and canoe excursions.
Wildlife
Walking safaris
Explore by land and water
Birdwatching
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Mana Pools teems with wildlife, including Zimbabwe’s largest populations of hippopotamus and crocodile in addition to impressive concentrations of elephant and buffalo during the dry season. Other animals spotted frequently are zebra, warthog, waterbuck, eland, impala, monkey and baboon, feasting on the fruit of acacia trees. Carnivores are less prevalent in these parts, but it is unusual for visitors not to enjoy a sighting of lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. And there are over 350 species of bird!
Mana Pools is situated in the Lower Zambezi Valley and walks present astonishing vistas of the Zambezi River, with the mountainous Rift Valley Escarpment forming a breathtaking backdrop! The river terraces, studded with Faidherbia albida (a type of acacia), offer safe and easygoing terrain for walkers – and the park’s wildlife is relatively relaxed, unthreatened by human presence here. Herbivores, including elephant and buffalo, graze the shores and feast on the acacias’ fallen fruit, while predators such as big cats and hyena lurk close to the forest borders.
Vehicle and canoeing safaris make this area special with elephant bulls and lion being relatively at peace with the guides in the park. This gives rise to heart-pounding yet safe close encounters, unmatched anywhere else in Africa! Zimbabwe’s extraordinarily difficult professional guides licence examinations ensure that guides are able to track and walk with dangerous game. This is a huge draw for safari in Zimbabwe generally, let alone in Mana, which boasts several of Africa’s best guides.
It is possible to enjoy some brilliant bird sightings too – the park plays host to approximately 380 species, including specials like the blue-cheeked bee-eater, Lillian’s lovebird and the rare Pel’s fishing owl!
Our Favourite Camps
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Wilderness Chikwenya
From AU$2,327 – AU$2,327 ppMana Pools and the Lower Zambezi are arguably the most stunning game-viewing areas on the continent. Yes, it’s that good! The rich mineral deposits made by the Zambezi in this stretch of river, as it bends and slows, give rise to the nutrient-rich floodplains…
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Wilderness Ruckomechi
Enquire for pricing Contact Us for pricing detailsSupremely positioned on the banks of the Zambezi, with river views and set to the stunning backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment, Wilderness Ruckomechi is one of the finest camps in this region of Zimbabwe. As it’s located in its own private reserve just to the…
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Wilderness Little Ruckomechi
From AU$2,085 – AU$2,085 ppWilderness Little Ruckomechi is an excellent option for travellers seeking authentic accommodation and top-notch safari close to and within Mana Pools. Wilderness runs lodges and camps across Safari Africa, and Wilderness Little Ruckomechi is a traditional…
History
The park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, after a plan to flood the area as part of a hydroelectricity project was dismissed. In early 2013, it became a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Threats of mining, drilling and poaching continue, but since 1982 the Zambezi Society has fought in the best interests of Mana Pools.
The history of the Zambezi River is turbulent in places, especially concerning its status as a trade route for slaves. Now, however, it flows serenely through the north of the park and offers some superb opportunities for boating safari or simple appreciation of its sunsets.
Mana Pools is a raw and wild park where ancient forests meet the mighty Zambezi River. Walk amongst the wildlife, paddle the Zambezi and toast to magical sunsets on a safari for the soul.Talk to someone who’s been there
Real expertise doesn’t come from a few trips to Africa. All our specialists have either been guides, run the camps, or grown up and lived in Africa. That’s over 600 years of genuine safari experience.Good to Know
01.Where is Mana Pools located?
Mana Pools National Park is located in the very north of Zimbabwe. It is positioned so that its border forms part of the southern bank of the Zambezi River, which in turn is the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
02.When is the best time to travel to Mana Pools?
We recommend May to September for both canoeing and walking, before the heat really sets in around October. However, if you are able to tolerate temperatures over 38 degrees, you will be richly rewarded with the very best game viewing!
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