About Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park Flora and Fauna
The Mana Pools National Park is brimming with distinctive vegetation, with every turn. As you walk through the plains and terrains, you can explore old river terraces and find Faidherbia albida woodlands. Further you can look at the islands and sandbanks, which have abundant riverine forest area and long arrays of baobab trees. The National Park is segmented into four large pools created by the Zambezi River, where you will find large mahogany, wild fig, acacia and more. These trees and plantations allow the birds of the area to nest.
As you walk through the river terraces of the Mana Pools National Park, you will find herds of buffalo, waterbuck, baboons, elephant, eland, impala, warthog, monkeys, zebra and hippo. Some of the wildlife animals like lions, leopards, spotted hyena and cheetah are a rare sight as they are more hideous in their instincts and daily being. One of the major attractions of this UNESCO world heritage site are these large carnivores which you can explore while canoeing like hippopotamuses, crocodiles, aquatic birds and more. In the Long Pool, the largest of the pools you will find in thickly vegetated areas, and thus herds of elephants having their nutrients and hydration everyday. A home to 16 000 buffalo, and Zimbabwe’s second highest concentration of elephants approx to 12 000 elephants is worth discovering. Interestingly, you will get to see female elephants without tusks that are far more aggressive in nature.
Mana Pools National Park tour packages
This luxury 9 day Romantic Africa tour takes you through Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can explore your African fantasies in bush camps and relax on the serene safari packages. Checkout the vistas of wild Africa, indulge in some finest cuisines and sunset cruises for a paradise-like feel.
- Inclusions:
- 9 nights accommodation facilities.
- All transportation within the camps
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner for all days
- Light beverages tea, coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, except premium imported spirits and champagne
- Laundry
- 2 shared activities per full day.
- Price: $2,000 - $2200
Also Check: Africa Safari Packages
The 5 day safari tour takes you through the world heritage site of Mana Pools Park, through walks and drives. You will get to stay at the campsites in nature, check out the clusters of herbivores and carnivores wildlife, and have guided tours all along. This budgeted safari tour package gives you chilling experiences and thrills of tracking, trailing, camping and more.
- Inclusions:
Park fees for the non-residents.
All stays and meals
Camping equipment
Well informed driver/guide
All transfers from start to end.
All Taxes/VAT
- Price: $2,000 - $2100
The 8 day Mana Pools safari is chauffeured in 4x4 Safari which will take you to the Zim roads without complications. You can explore the wonders of Zimbabwe, the amazing herds of elephants and the other big 4 with an experienced driver. Staying in the heart of the park, you will be accompanied by trained, armed rangers to explore the wild.
- Inclusion:
Park fees for the non-residents.
All stays and meals
Camping equipment
Well informed driver/guide
All transfers from start to end including from and to airports.
All Taxes/VAT
- Price: $2,600 - $2800
Enjoy the lavishness of Africa with the 13 day luxury Zimbabwe tour package. You will explore wonderful destinations, 5-star properties, best wildlife and distinct yet diverse landscapes. Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba / Matusadona National Park, Mana Pools, and Victoria Falls are some of the major attractions of this package.
- Inclusions:
Park fees for the non-residents.
All stays and meals
Camping equipment
Well informed driver/guide
All transfers from start to end including from and to airports.
All Taxes/VAT
- Price: $14000 - $15000
With the 9-Day Zimbabwe Safari and Visit Victoria Falls tour, explore the mighty falls and wildlife like crocodiles, hippopotamus, some endangered rhinos all around. You will also visit Hwange, Lake Kariba and other amazing tourist attractions of Zimbabwe where you can enjoy some water and land based adventures.
- Inclusions:
- Park fees for the non-residents
- All stays and meals
- Camping equipment
- Well informed driver/guide
- All transfers from and to airports, and the connecting flights
- All Taxes/VAT
- Price: $5000 - $6000
Explore the pristine lights, wild dog packs, elephants, beautiful sceneries of the Zambezi Escarpment during this 6 day tour. It is one of the most favourite and thrilling experiences for safari aficionados with luxurious stays, new camps, leopard sightings, private vehicles and a guide.
- Inclusions:
Park fees for the non-residents
All stays and meals
Camping equipment
Well informed driver/guide
All transfers from start to end including the connecting flights
All Taxes/VAT
- Price: $5000 - $7000
Things to Do at Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools Safari is located at the banks of river Zambezi which inhibits sharp-toothed tiger fish and more aquatic life. You can easily partake in the thrilling river activities with some amazing tiger fishing spots of the continent and finding tilapia bream, barbel, or catfish. As you canoe along the quiet waterways, you can enjoy the water birds and wildlife like elephants, hippos and crocodiles from a safe distance. For more excitement you can pick your ferry, pontoon boat or speedboat as per your choice.
Suggested Read: National Parks in Africa
The magnificent landscape of the National Park stretches from Zimbabwe's border in the west to Mozambique in the east with vast wildlife that move freely in the park. You can partake in the Safari game drives to lookout for large herds of elephant and buffalo, zebra, kudu, eland, impala and other antelope species. Mana Pools offers guided tours to find individual animals in their particular zones.
Mana Pools, famous for some remote and beautiful walking safaris of Africa, is a must do activity. In the far stretched landscapes, the riverside banks you can explore the distinctive vegetation, the aquatic life and the close encounters of big 4 and other animals like elephant, wild dog and even lion. In the safari you will also be accompanied by a professional guide to learn a thing or two about the place and its inheritance.
To enjoy the best time in solitude you can go camping in the Mana Pools Safari National parks. The natural location, the extended wildlife adds to the worth of camping around the river Zambezi where you can also indulge in the thrilling challenges of the bush, the serene stargazing and more. Some of the camping sites are also located outside the park in the nearby locations like Nyamepi Camp, Nyamatusi Camp, Vundu camp and more.
The amazing clusters of bird species in the sparse woodland and riverine habitats makes the experience of birdwatching spectacular. Though there are no native species of Zimbabwe you can find Africa’s special species like African skimmer, Pel’s fishing owl and more. With over 450 resident and migrant birds, you can find rufous-bellied heron, long-toed lapwing, Lillian’s lovebirds, Ayres’ hawk-eagles and more.
Explore the Zambezi Valley paddling through your boats around a long stretch of 65 km on an average. The blend of peaceful tranquillity, and the rowing adventures adds worth to this leisurely adventure. During the trip you will encounter river crossing elephants, many resident and migrant bird species, 1200-or-so hippos, dangerous crocodiles and more.
Lodges and Camps at Mana Pools National Park
This private campsite of the Mana Pools National Park is located next to Kanga Pan. One of the best luxury camping sites has 6 tents individually built on a raised wooden platform to offer serenity and elevated panoramic views of the park, the wildlife and the calm sky overhead. You can enjoy the tasty meals or try adventures like game drives and walking safaris around the area of the camp.
Location: Kanga Pan
Amenities:
Fans
En-suite bathroom
Flushing toilet
Outdoor shower
Hot running water
A secluded veranda
Private seating
Dining areas
- Price: $550 - $850
If you want to have the best time around nature in the wildest and most remote parts of Africa away from the humdrums of a city life, this eco-friendly camp can be the best option. In this sustainable campsite you can experience comfort and relaxation, and look at the majestic views of the sweeping riverine landscape. You can also encounter wildlife around, especially during the sunrise and sunset times.
Location: Nyamatusi Wilderness Concession
Amenities:
Air-conditioning
Indoor and outdoor showers
A plunge pool and a private viewing deck
Solar powered
- Price: $ 550 - $ 1200
This Nyamusi Mahogany campsite is built under the ancient evergreen mahogany trees on the Zambezi River shores. The stylish camp offers serenity and calmness, and is one of the most demanded family-friendly options of staying in the Mana Pools National Park.
Location: Nyamatusi Wilderness Concession
Amenities:
A fire circle
A plunge pool
An elevated game-viewing deck
- Price: $ 500 - $ 1200
This Zambezi Expedition mobile camp in the heart of the wild is located on the Zambezi river bank. You can stay in the luxury tents that are built in the winter thorn and ebony tree’s shade. In the campsite park you will listen to the chuckles of hippo at times and during the early mornings the dawn chorus of sunrise in Africa.
Location: Long Zambezi River
Amenities:
En-suite bathrooms
Hot bucket showers
- Price: $550 - $850
The Chikwenya Camp, in the Mana Pools National Park is built amid the Albida dense forest and Natal mahogany trees. If you want to experience peace, the 360-degree vistas of the surrounding area of the camp is one of the best African experiences to observe wildlife, and stay away from the bustle of city life. You can take the pine walkways across wooden decks and observe the scenic sites around the park.
- Amenities:
Lounge
Dining
Bar areas
Pool
Deck with interiors
- Price: $1400 - $1600
A private camp 42 km from the Zambezi river, built on the hills, Kavinga Safari Camp is situated on the southern boundary of Mana Pools National Park. You get to observe the ephemeral Ruckomechi River, along with the scenic vistas of Zambezi escarpment, surrounding bush and its waterhole.
- Amenities:
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Housekeeping services
- Price: $200 - $700
Plan Your Visit to Mana Pools National Park
How to Reach:
- By Air: Harare is the closest international airport in the Zimbabwean capital, and is approximately 387 km away which takes 5.5 hours to reach Nyamepi Camp via the main Harare-Chirundu road. You can also book a private charter to Mana Pools. Kariba is another close airport which is 88 km away.
- By Road: You can drive up the main tarred road from Harare/Chirundu to reach the bottom of the Zambezi escarpment. Further you can ride along the 70 kilometre dirt road to go towards Nyamepi Camp.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Mana Pools National Park is from June to October. During this dry season you can spot the maximum wildlife species. From July to September you will find a little rush in this UNESCO site. In the dry season, you can find dust in the air, and the temperature is high enough before it rains in October. The sky is clear and sets the best location of various wildlife species.
Hiking boots, casual shoes, flips flops
Rain jacket/poncho
Binoculars
Refillable water bottles
Sunscreen, sunglasses, scarf/hat, and insect repellent
Dry Bag
Layers
Swimsuit
Travel Insurance (covers car rental + medical)
ID and Passport
Consult your doctor, and take appropriate precautions for Malaria, including the vaccinations for the same.
Get Prescribed the best prophylactics from your doctors, before the tour.
Wear mosquito repellent and an extra layer of clothing(long sleeves) particularly in the evenings to avoid getting bitten.
As per CDC, take precautionary vaccines before hand for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid.
Due to no fencing in and around the park, you should take care of younger members of the family.
You need to be self aware of the surroundings, as you will be amidst the wildlife at all times. Keep a distance from close encounters, and in the places where signages have been marked by the authorities.
Be sure to completely pack food away, as smell can arouse the wildlife.
Carry a torch, and a stick especially when walking around the camp at night. Beware of the venomous snakes, scorpions, or spiders.
You need to check well in advance to bring your own fuel, in case you are self driving as there are no gas stations in the park. The nearest refuelling stations are in Karoi, Makuti, or Chirundu (Zambia).
FAQ's of Mana Pools National Park
What activities can we do at Mana Pools National Park camps?
- Chitake Springs
- Game Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Guided Walks
- Lion Tracking
- Camping and many more
How many days do you need in Mana Pools National Park?
To explore the Mana Pools National Park, you need approx 8 days. In these eventful days you will get to explore the river banks of Zambezi, the beautiful sceneries of hills, rugged terrains, the flora and fauna and more.
What is the best time of year to visit Mana Pools National Park?
Best time to visit Mana Pools National Park is from June to October, the dry season. The temperature is high and the sky is clear to have the best possible encounters with the wildlife. Through November to March, the park gets wet as you will experience rain daily hence be prepared for muddy roads.
What facilities will I get in Mana Pools National Park?
The area of Mana pools National park is a little secluded and is in the remotest area of Zimbabwe. But you can enjoy the Leisurely Lodges for accommodation, amazing campsites with beautiful views away from the city life. You can also partake in activities like Canoeing, wildlife walks, birdwatching and the amazing scenic views to make one of the best lives.
Which are the best places to visit in Mana Pools National Park?
Ruckomechi Camp and Chitake Springs are two best places to visit in Mana Pools National Parks, offering a comfortable and authentic African safari experience.