Mana Pools National Park Safaris

Mana Pools is one of Africa’s most legendary wilderness areas, set on the banks of the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. It is renowned for its walking safaris, canoe trips, and incredible wildlife encounters. The park’s UNESCO World Heritage status highlights its pristine environment, while its remoteness and low visitor numbers mean it feels like true, untamed Africa.

Wildlife here is prolific, with elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and wild dogs among the highlights. The park is particularly famous for its elephants, some of which rear up on their hind legs to reach fruit high in the trees. Hippos and crocodiles thrive in the Zambezi’s channels, and birdwatchers will find over 350 species including carmine bee-eaters and fish eagles.

Yes, Mana Pools is considered one of the finest walking safari destinations in Africa. Expert guides lead you safely on foot through open floodplains and riverine forests, offering thrilling but respectful encounters with wildlife. It’s one of the best ways to experience the park’s atmosphere and understand the bush on a deeper level.

The best time to visit is from June to October, during the dry season. As water sources shrink, wildlife congregates along the Zambezi, making sightings more predictable and dramatic. This is also the ideal time for canoe safaris and walking, when vegetation is thinner and conditions are cooler. November to April brings rain, lush scenery, and fewer visitors, but wildlife can be more dispersed.

Most visitors fly in on a light aircraft from Harare, Victoria Falls, or other safari hubs. Flights cut out long travel times and provide spectacular views of the Zambezi Valley. For adventurous travellers, it’s possible to drive, but you’ll need a reliable 4x4 and a good level of experience, as road conditions can be tough and remote.

Absolutely. Multi-day canoe safaris on the Zambezi are a Mana Pools signature experience. Paddling quietly past elephants, hippos, and birdlife gives you a unique perspective of the park. Trips are fully guided and supported, ranging from gentle explorations to adventurous expeditions between Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi.

Yes, but with some caveats. Certain camps do welcome children, though many walking and canoeing activities have strict minimum age requirements (often 12–16 years). Some lodges offer shorter, gentler activities or special child-friendly experiences. We can help match families to the right camps so everyone has a rewarding stay.

Accommodation ranges from rustic mobile camps that follow traditional safari style, to luxury tented lodges offering fine dining and en-suite comfort. Most are set along the Zambezi River, with views of hippos and elephants from your deck. The remoteness of Mana Pools means camps are small and intimate, blending adventure with exclusivity.

Yes, Mana Pools offers a wonderfully wild, uncrowded experience. Visitor numbers are strictly controlled, so you’re unlikely to see many other vehicles. This makes it perfect for adventurous travellers and safari purists who want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience without sacrificing comfort or guiding quality.