Mana Pools National Park

Getting There

Expert

Philip is our Zimbabwe expert and author of more than 20 guidebooks to Africa.

The remote Mana Pools National Park is located in the northern tip of the country, 388km/241mi from Harare and far from any human settlement. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours*. The park is mostly off-limits to vehicles during the Wet season (November to March), when most camps and lodges close. Roads might still be difficult in April, and some lodges only reopen at the beginning of May. Travel by 4WD vehicle is essential.

Most people fly to Mana Pools, even though there are no scheduled flights there. The most popular option is to book a scheduled flight from Harare, Bulawayo or Victoria Falls to Kariba, then a charter flight to Mana Main, Mana West or Chikenwa airstrip, depending on the location of your lodge or camp. Charters can be booked from other destinations in Zimbabwe.

You will most likely enter the country via Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), a short distance from the town of Victoria Falls. Alternatively, you can fly to Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) and drive from there. Your tour package will likely include transportation throughout Zimbabwe, as arranged by your tour operator.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

22 Mana Pools Safaris