Set in the heart of the wild Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools National Park is a jewel of Zimbabwe, famed for its dramatic scenery, rich wildlife, and luxury safari experiences. The mighty Zambezi River forms its northern edge, where forests fringe the banks and vast savannahs open into four shimmering pools that draw remarkable concentrations of game in the dry season. Expect close encounters with elephants, buffalo, predators, and rare wild dogs, paired with elegant fly-in lodges, guided walks, river cruises, and exclusive game drives.
Set deep in the rugged Zambezi Valley, Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s premier game viewing areas. Its northern boundary is the Zambezi River – wide and slow-moving at this point and with its banks covered in forest. Away from the river, a wild savannah landscape opens up, dominated by four pools (‘Mana’ means ‘four’ in the local language). In the distance, across the river in Zambia, silent shimmering mountains provide an impressive backdrop.
The abundance of water attracts great numbers of animals, especially in the long dry season when wildlife gathers in increasing concentrations around the pools and the river. A Mana Pools safari is generally very rewarding at this time: elephant and buffalo crowd the water along with zebra, warthog and many kinds of antelope. Predators make the most of the bounty – lions, leopards and spotted hyena are all resident, and it’s one of the best places in Zimbabwe to see African wild dog.
Mana Pools is best experienced as a fly-in destination. There are comfortable safari lodges, set in the park or in an adjoining private concession, each offering a wide range of activities. Guests enjoy morning and afternoon game drives as well as spot-lit night drives for those in a concession. Guided walking safaris are also conducted, and you’ll explore the river by motorboat. For the adventurous, you can paddle the Zambezi in a kayak – choose between morning excursions and overnight journeys, all in the company of expert guides.
Talk to Safari Online about a Mana Pools National Park safari. We’ll recommend the best tour or accommodation for your requirements. We can also tailor-make an itinerary for you that includes Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe’s other top safari destination – Hwange National Park, home to the biggest elephant herds outside of neighbouring Botswana.
The best time to visit Mana Pools National Park is considered to be during Zimbabwe’s long and dry winter. Temperatures between May and August are warm to mild – daytime averages are 28°C/82°F – with nights averaging a cool 12°C/54°F. The malaria risk is at its lowest, there is no rain, and animals are relatively easy to see.
Note that the late winter months of September and October are extremely hot with temperatures often over 40°C/104°F. Game viewing can however be very rewarding at this time as the great concentrations of thirsty animals – and their predators – build up at water sources.
The rains begin in earnest in November and continue until April. December, January and February are the wettest months and travel to Mana Pools is not recommended at this time. Many animals have moved away from the river and the malaria risk is at its highest.
There are only a handful of Mana Pools lodges but they occupy prime position in or next to the park in areas famous for their game viewing. Travellers have a decent choice of accommodation types too: there are riverside chalets as well as tented bush camps and even an exclusive-use tented camp, perfect for multi-generational families and groups.
Lodges at Mana Pools are comfortable enough without being over the top. You’ll have everything you need for complete comfort and convenience – en suite bathrooms, private viewing decks and home-cooked meals – as well as one of the widest ranges of safari activities in the region. Stay at a Mana Pool lodge and choose between game drives, guided walks, and canoe and boat safaris. There is superb bird watching, the chance to do night drives and even go fishing.
Browse our recommended Mana Pools lodges below or contact us for more information about suitability and availability – we can make all the bookings for you.
A unique experience, this seasonal camp aims to showcase the wildlife & natural beauty of the Zambezi. Explore by canoe & 4X4 with expert local guides & return to the camaraderie of the campfire in the evening.
Set in the most remote part of the World Heritage Site in Mana Pools is the Kanga Pan. The 12-bedded luxury tented camp has en-suite bathroom facilities with outdoor showers and basins overlooking the water hole.
As you relax in the comfort of your luxury tented suite or explore this mighty destination on foot, experience the wild intertwining with timeless luxury. The Camp's sophisticated design and elegant architecture beautifully blend with the rugged landscape of the Zambezi.
Against the grand backdrop of the Zambezi River, Nyamatusi Mahogany’s beautiful design exudes natural elegance. Its ambiance is enriched by handwoven lighting fixtures and furniture, showcasing the skilled artistry of local craftswomen.
Newly opened, this intimate camp is suited for discerning travellers looking to balance exciting safari activities (drives, walks & boating) with bush camp authenticity but without losing any comfort. Accommodation consists of only 3 elegant suites.
Shaded by a canopy of albida trees frequented by the local elephants, the camp offers a truly memorable, immersive wildlife experience. A short drive from camp, a night in our Star Bed, safely elevated above the ground, is unforgettable.
Showcasing the wildlife and landscapes of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park is Zimbabwe’s wild child – remote and mostly undeveloped. It is a must-do on the list of anyone who wants to enjoy heavyweight game viewing by canoe and boat but is also an experience best planned in combination with other destinations in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Most easily accessed by air, a Mana Pools safari combines with Zimbabwe’s other top destinations – Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park – to make for a very rewarding game viewing combination. Travellers would expect to see many elephants, buffalo and hippo, especially in the dry season. You could also add on destinations further afield such as Botswana or Cape Town in South Africa.
Browse our recommended tours below, each including a Mana Pools safari. If you’d like something a bit more personalised then simply contact us and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary that suits your needs and budget.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
A Mana Pools National Park safari is usually part of a bigger itinerary featuring Zimbabwe’s other top destinations such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park. It’s a destination that can also be combined with places further afield – Botswana and South Africa for example – as well as Indian Ocean destinations or Lake Malawi, giving you the chance to kick back on a beach after your safari.
