Mana Pools National Park
Why Safari in Mana Pools National Park?
When it comes to sheer beauty, Mana Pools is hard to beat. From its setting on the banks of the Zambezi River to the wooded landscapes dotted with acacia, mahogany and baobab trees, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is breathtakingly beautiful at every turn. Four pools within the park – ‘Mana’ is the Shona word for ‘four’ – are a source of water for the wildlife, attracting large herds of elephants, hippos and crocodiles. The park is home to four of Africa’s Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard) along with African wild dogs, often referred to here as painted dogs, various species of antelope and almost 400 species of birds.
In addition to game drives, camps along the river also offer boating safaris, canoeing and fishing. Guided walks will get you closer to the wildlife, an intense and thrilling experience.
Mana Pools is remote and a little trickier to reach but in our view the experience far outweighs the effort. There are light aircraft transfers from Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Hwange and Harare and our team can advise on the best routes to ensure an effortless journey.
Wondering what to expect on safari? Read our guide.
Discover Mana Pools National Park
Wild dogs in Mana Pools
Canoe safaris
Carmine Bee Eaters Mana Pools
Lion cub under tree in Mana Pools
Hippos bathing Mana Pools
Bird life in Mana Pools
Where to stay in Mana Pools National Park
Unmissable Victoria Falls always has a warm welcome, but then I'm biased as it's my home town! You'll be immersed in the wildlife experience with elephant and buffalo roaming through the town regularly. For the adrenalin seekers there's white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi. You'll enjoy outstanding safari experiences at Mana Pools and Hwange, two of my favourite places in this beautiful country.
Nicky, African Pride Tours Consultant
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When to travel to Mana Pools National Park
For the safari experience, the best time to visit is in winter, from June to October. It’s still warm during the day but it is also dry, this means the vegetation is less dense and the animals are drawn to the water. During the wet season from November to March, parts of the park might be closed to vehicles.
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Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park is in the north of Zimbabwe along the lower Zambezi River, which makes it a great place for canoe safaris.
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