Mana Pools National Park

Magical Mana

Mana Pools is my favourite wildlife park in Africa. It is one of the few places in Southern Africa where one can still experience the 'old' Africa. The setting next to the mighty Zambezi is spectacular. The daily visit by elephant and Cape buffalo in camp and by predators at night is unrivalled. The bird life is varied and birding is excellent.

The Zambezi river adds so much to this scenic area and the highlight for me was watching hippos only a few meters away as the sun set.

the river explains it all.

Lots of wildlife and birdlife and excellent fishing

Mana Magic!

Mana Pools is one Africa's most magical wilderness areas. It is a United Nations World Heritage Site for good reason. Here the Zambezi river gives life to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, all of which rely on one another to maintain a healthy and diverse ecosystem. The tall Acacia albida trees that line the river provide much needed shade from the hot sun and their apple ring shaped pods, rich in protein, are highly sought after by elephants, who will even stand on their hind legs to reach them, a truly amazing site to behold! Wild dogs exist here in large packs, lions and leopards are abundant as are big herds of buffalo. The river is home to an incredible density of hippos that create a cacophony of sound, which lulls you to sleep at night a midst the haunting laugh of the spotted hyenas. Mana Pools is typically only accessible during the dry months of the year i.e. April to October. It is possible to get in by air, road and also on the river. Zimbabwean air charter companies have light aircraft that can access Mana Main, Dandawa or Chikwenya airstrips all within the vicinity of the national park. There is a dirt road into Mana Pools from the main Makuti-Chirundu tar road. Depending on whether this has been graded or not will determine how long this section takes. If it has not been graded for a while then the trip can take up to 4 hours due to severe corrugations. It is advisable to travel this road in a 4x4. There are only one or two companies that offer road transfers. Most people that drive in are self drivers. It is possible to canoe the river with a reputable canoeing company. Trips range from a few days up to nearly two weeks and this is determined by the stretch of river you run between Kariba dam wall and Kanyemba. A popular stretch is the 4 day, 3 night canoe trip from Chirundu to Mana Pools. Mana Pools is in a remote area of the country, which has meant that it has remained pristine, adding to its already renowned fame for excellent game viewing. A visit to this park is a must for any African wildlife lover.

Amazing

Mana pools has always been a special place for me to visit, the scenery is unique and the wildlife is amazing . The rare beauty of mana pools is what makes me want to visit again.

Mana Magic

Mana Poolsis is one of the most interesting and wonderful reserves in Southern Africa. I have now been 3 times and each time has been magical in it own way. Mana Pools is not easy to get too, it is a 4 hour drive from Harare, if you have to take everything you need with you and unless you are staying in private camp the accommodation is basic, but adequate. However all these things add to the charm on Mana. It is also one of the few reserves you are able to walk around without a guide. This is an amazing experience, if you feel up to doing this and are careful. To me it is not only one of the best reservesit is my favourite place in the world!

Very scenic, diversity of wildlife in a fantastic setting, good guides

Highlight of the country, without a doubt. Stunning river scenery and unparalleled wildlife, with the best canoe safari guides in the world at Natureways. Hands-on safari, with tent set-up and paddling, but plenty of time to relax and take photos. Food was too good--we gained weight!! Would recommended above all else.

Magical Mana Pools

This great flood plain of the Zambezi is 2500 square kilometres , dotted with pools, islands and sandbanks. It is home to four of the Big Five ( didn't see any rhino)...it is an excellent area for anyone wanting to see big game. Elephant and buffalo herds are a plenty, and there is very good opportunity to see lion. It is home to endangered wild dogs - and their natural enemy, the hyena. And in the many small "pans" of receding water swarm hippos and Nile crocodiles. The area is filled with stretches of mahogany and acacia trees, interspersed with the odd and prehistoric looking baobab trees.
I made the trip in September - and it was hot (36 degrees Celsius), dusty and dry....but game drives and wildlife viewing was rewarding, with the ever dwindling water sources bringing together herbivores and the great predators. There are quite a few lodges and safari groups that do business in the area, and the camp that I stayed in was quite good, boasting twin occupancy tents with en suite facilities, and hot water. The food was fabulous! Home away from home! It pays to have a good guide who knows the local area, something I would whole heartedly recommend!
I am not a birder, but even in the dry summer season I was there, there was no shortage of fish eagles, herons, exquisite lilac breasted rollers, the odd looking hamerkop... I did see the odd martial eagle. Night time game drives are not permitted within the Mana conservation area.