Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular parks: remote, wild and beautiful, with spectacular views of the river and its wide floodplain, particularly at sunset. It is home to a wide range of animals, over 350 bird species and aquatic wildlife.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the name ‘Mana’ means four in the local Shona language, and the park is named for the four large pools that lie inland from the Zambezi. Hippopotamus, crocodiles and a wide variety of aquatic birds are associated with the pools, all of which can be seen by canoe.
'Long Pool’, the largest of the pools, has a large population of hippo and crocodiles and is a favourite for the large herd of elephant that come out of the thickly vegetated areas in the south to drink. Moving northwards the vegetation changes to Faidherbia albida woodlands on the old river terraces, and the light filtering through the trees gives Mana Pools a distinctive, cathedral-like, atmosphere. It is possible to walk unaccompanied along the old river terraces, through the open woodland – where visibility is good and there is little chance of coming across dangerous animals unexpectedly – a privilege that is unique to Zimbabwe.
Elephant, eland, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, baboons, monkeys, zebra, warthog and hippo are some of the larger herbivores to be seen regularly on the river terraces as they come out to eat the fallen albida fruit. Lions, leopards, spotted hyena and cheetah are present in the area, but their secretive nature makes them more difficult to see. Despite this, it is not often that the visitor leaves Mana Pools without seeing at least one of these large carnivores.
Join us for a unique safari for close encounters and unrivalled photographic opportunities of the wild dogs and bull elephants of Mana Pools National Park. Accompanied by wildlife photographer Bret Charman, you will also view the majestic Victoria Falls as part of this Zimbabwean adventure.
Find out more about Mana Pools: Wild Dogs & Elephants Photography
This upmarket flying safari combines three of southern Africa’s most fruitful wildlife areas: Hwange and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the vastness of the Kafue in western Zambia. Staying in delightful tented camps in the best locations, enjoy day and night game drives and boat trips to see the abundant wildlife.
Find out more about Best of Zimbabwe & Zambia
Zimbabwe rightfully deserves its place as one of Africa's truly great safari destinations. Its wildlife and accommodation rival the very best on the continent, whilst the guiding is amongst the finest in the world. This exclusive tailor-made holiday offers you the chance to experience it all.
Find out more about Classic Zimbabwe Safari
This trip focusses on the essence of Zimbabwe and Zambia – neighbouring countries that boast some of Africa’s finest wildlife areas. From the stunning Mana Pools and its aquatic wildlife, fly to the remote Busanga Plains in Zamiba’s Kafue National Park for vehicle safaris to see plains game and their predators.
Find out more about Distinctive Zimbabwe & Kafue
Enjoy game drives, walks and canoe safaris in Zimbabwe's premier wildlife and wilderness locations. Explore the rivers and floodplains of Mana Pools, admire the sunsets and the seclusion of Lake Kariba and witness the wildlife of Hwange National Park – home to huge numbers of elephants.
Find out more about Wild Zimbabwe
This trip idea makes the most of your time by flying between comfortable safari lodges and tented camps. From the imposing spectacle of Victoria Falls, head to Hwange National Park, renowned for its elephant and buffalo herds. Continue with spectacular aerial views of Lake Kariba to Mana Pools in the Lower Zambezi.
Find out more about Wings over Zimbabwe
This flying safari is a combination of some of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife areas in Zimbabwe. The journey starts at the unforgettable Victoria Falls, before taking in the country’s foremost national park, Hwange. The final stop is Mana Pools, famed for its scenery and magnificent wildlife viewing.
Find out more about Zimbabwe Highlights
Destination: Zimbabwe
Price
(inc. flights): 10 days
from £5,995
Trip type:
Tailor-made Holiday
When to go:
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Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park, John’s Camp is a true wilderness camp within the only wild walking national park in Africa. The camp consists of five meru-style canvas tents with en suite facilities, surrounding a central dining area.
Find Out More about John’s Camp
Amidst the iconic albida trees of Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park lies the classic camp of Little Ruckomechi. With three en suite tents built on wooden decks, this elegant camp offers an intimate experience overlooking the Zambezi River to the Zambian foothills in the distance.
Find Out More about Little Ruckomechi
This camp nestles in a grove of acacia and mahogany trees on the western boundary of Mana Pools. Ten spacious tents with full en suite facilities include a honeymoon suite and a family room, all with views of the Zambezi River and the mountainous escarpment of the Great Rift Valley beyond.
Find Out More about Ruckomechi Camp
Situated in the heart of Mana Pools National Park, along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, the eight en suite thatched chalets of Vundu Camp are nestled under a forest of riverine trees, with breathtaking views of the river and passing wildlife, which includes a pair of resident leopards.
Find Out More about Vundu Camp
Set on the banks of the mighty and iconic Zambezi River, Zambezi Expeditions Camp is the perfect place to explore the waterways and flood plains of Mana Pools National Park. With canoe, vehicle and walking safaris all on offer, you can enjoy this region of Zimbabwe in every way possible.
Find Out More about Zambezi Expeditions Camp
