Mana Pools National Park
About
Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s most spectacular and remote wilderness areas, situated in the lower Zambezi Valley along the banks of the Zambezi River. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its untouched landscapes, exceptional wildlife and remarkable walking safaris.
Exceptional Elephant Viewing – Mana Pools is famous for its large elephant population, including elephants often seen standing on their hind legs to reach nutritious branches.
Rich Wildlife – The park is home to lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog, buffalo, hippo, crocodile and numerous antelope species.
World-Class Walking Safaris – One of Mana Pools' greatest attractions is the opportunity to explore the wilderness on foot with experienced guides, offering a more intimate safari experience.
Canoe Safaris – Canoeing along the Zambezi River provides a unique perspective of the wildlife, with hippos, crocodiles and elephants frequently encountered along the waterways.
Zambezi River – The river forms the northern boundary of the park and creates a spectacular setting for wildlife viewing, especially around the seasonal pools and channels.
Beautiful Wilderness – The landscape features vast floodplains, mahogany, albida and acacia trees, creating an iconic African safari environment.
Bird watching – Mana Pools is excellent for bird enthusiasts, with hundreds of bird species recorded, particularly around the Zambezi and its wetlands.
Photography – The open floodplains, dramatic skies, elephants and river scenery make Mana Pools an outstanding destination for wildlife photography.
Remote & Untouched – The park is deliberately low-density and has a strong wilderness character, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic safari away from large tourist crowds.
Exclusive Safari Experience – Accommodation is generally focused on intimate camps and lodges rather than large-scale resorts, complementing the park's remote wilderness atmosphere.
Best for: adventurous travelers, wildlife photographers, walking-safari enthusiasts and guests looking for an authentic, remote African safari experience. Mana Pools is particularly special when combined with other destinations in Zimbabwe or a wider Southern African safari itinerary.
Highlights
Exceptional Walking Safaris offering one of Africa's finest opportunities to explore the bush on foot with expert guides.
The Zambezi River Frontage featuring spectacular scenery, riverine forests, floodplains, and abundant wildlife year-round.
Iconic Elephant Encounters, including the famous elephants that stand on their hind legs to reach seed pods and leaves in the canopy.
Outstanding Predator Sightings with lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and the endangered African wild dog regularly seen in the park.
Long Pool Wildlife Viewing, where elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and numerous bird species congregate along the water's edge.
Chitake Spring, a renowned dry-season wildlife hotspot where predators and prey gather around one of the area's few permanent water sources.
Canoe Safaris on the Zambezi, providing a unique perspective of the landscape and close-up encounters with wildlife along the riverbanks.
Remote and Untouched Wilderness, offering an exclusive safari experience away from crowds in one of Africa's last truly wild landscapes.
Seasonal Wildlife Concentrations, particularly during the dry season when animals gather around permanent water sources, creating remarkable game-viewing opportunities.
Accommodations in Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools Safari Lodge, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools Safari Lodge set along the Zimbabwean side of the lower reaches of the Zambezi River within the iconic Mana Pools National Park, Mana Pools Safari Lodge offers an authentic and comfortable bush experience in one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife regions. As one of the few fixed camps in this remote wilderness area, […]
Ingwe Pan Camp, Zimbabwe
Set within a private concession in the central region of Mana Pools National Park, Ingwe Pan Camp offers a truly remote and immersive wilderness experience. Positioned beside a large, wildlife-rich pan, the camp enjoys a privileged location where animals from across the surrounding landscape converge to drink, particularly during the dry season. As water sources […]
Nyamatusi Mahogany Camp, Zimbabwe
Nyamatusi Mahogany, nestled within a mature riverine forest on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Nyamatusi Mahogany offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience in the heart of the Mana Pools wilderness. Combining exceptional comfort with authentic wildlife encounters, the camp provides the perfect setting for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and meaningful connections with […]
Molori Mashuma Luxury Safari Camp, Zimbabwe
Molori Mashuma set within a private concession in the heart of the Mana Pools ecosystem, Molori Mashuma offers an exclusive safari experience defined by exceptional luxury, outstanding wildlife encounters, and world-class cuisine. Located approximately 45 minutes inland from the Zambezi River, the camp overlooks the wildlife-rich Mashuma Pan, named after the majestic jackalberry trees that […]
Chikwenya Camp, Zimbabwe
Chikwenya Camp, nestled at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers in the eastern reaches of Mana Pools National Park, Chikwenya Camp offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience in one of Africa’s most celebrated wilderness areas. Surrounded by a grove of towering indigenous trees and overlooking the wildlife-rich floodplains of the Zambezi, the […]