A charmingly simple, authentic camp in a remote part of Mana Pools National Park
An open-sided mess tent, outdoor communal dining, and a fire-pit
Six classic tents with en-suite bathrooms, including two family suites, all with ceiling fans and private decks
Game drives, walking safaris, boating, birding, and catch-and-release fishing
Little Mana Sands is located on its own private concession, so activities take place both here and within Mana Pools National Park.
Little Mana Sands has custom-built game-drive vehicles for morning and afternoon game drives. You’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who’ll provide a detailed introduction to Mana Pools and its varied flora and fauna. Frequent sightings include elephant, lion, African wild dog, hyena, and lots of plains game. Night drives aren’t allowed inside Mana Pools National Park itself, but since you’re staying on a private concession, limited drives are conducted after dark, when you might cross paths with the odd porcupine, genet, or civet cat.
Explore Mana Pools on foot, led by your expert guide, who’ll point out lots of interesting details as you embark on your walking adventure. Perhaps you’ll see fresh lion tracks, a lizard basking in the sun, an insect kingdom, or a pack of dwarf mongoose scurrying along. Each day brings something new to light!
Glide along the Zambezi River in a canoe, looking out for wildlife along the banks and admiring the landscape from a unique perspective. You’ll be guided by an experienced river specialist, who’ll select the route according to water levels and conditions.
Mana Pools has over 380 recorded bird species, so ornithologists have plenty of ground to cover! Favorites include the carmine bee-eater, Pel’s fishing owl, and the lilac-breasted roller.
Seasonal catch-and-release fishing is offered from Little Mana Sands, so you can have a go at catching a tigerfish, tilapia, or a giant catfish on the Zambezi River. September to November are the best months for fishing. Your guide will fill you in on the best locations and times of day for this activity.
Little Mana Sands is located on a private concession in the western part of Mana Pools National Park. Guests travel to the camp via light aircraft from Harare or Victoria Falls to Mana West Airstrip, followed by a 5-minute game drive. It’s also possible to fly to Mana Pools Airstrip, which is a 2-hour scenic drive from Mana Sands.
Little Mana Sands has a main lounge tent with a laidback atmosphere, where guests can relax between activities, for a cold drink or to catch up on some reading.
Outside, there’s a communal dining table for open-air meals besides the campfire. Rustic charm is the ethos, and you’ll be encouraged to slow down and tune into the rhythm of the bush. Meals are designed as shared experiences, whether a picnic brunch, breakfast by a waterhole, or sundowners and snacks on the river, accompanied by a bonfire. The camp is completely off-grid, with energy coming from renewable sources, and power is provided for lighting, fans, and charging small electronics. Wi-Fi is available in the privacy of your tent on request.
Little Mana Sands offers six traditional zipper entry tents with en-suite facilities, including two larger family suites.
Each of these comes with an extra-length king-sized bed, or twin configuration on request, a ceiling fan, and USB charging points. Mesh windows allow for air circulation, and shady wooden decks provide an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy the sunlight filtering through the trees and the early-morning birdsong. While there’s no air conditioning at Little Mana Sands, the tents are naturally ventilated and shaded beneath a tree canopy. Every en-suite bathroom includes a double vanity and a walk-in hot-water shower. Finally, the two family tents work well if you’re traveling with young children, as each has an extra-length king-sized bed and two single beds, separated by a wardrobe screen, plus a shared bathroom.
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