Zimbabwe

Mana Pools

One of Earth’s most beautiful and authentic safari destinations, Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park will leave you breathless.


Wilderness Zimbabwe Landscape Camp Fire
Wilderness Zimbabwe Photography Mana Pools

The untamed wilderness of Mana Pools National Park

Drift. Splash. Listen. Canoe down the Zambezi with the rising sun. Spot hippos bobbing to the surface while ghostly elephants drift through the cathedral-like trees, and a bright red flurry of carmine bee-eaters dazzles on the riverbank upstream. As the sun sets and the evening campfires start, listen to the local lore. Tales of river gods, guarding the land, while in the distance a lion roars.  

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Dreaming of an African Safari?

Explore one of the world's most scenic wildlife destinations. Mana Pools is known for abundant wildlife and spellbinding vistas. Travel by game vehicle, searching for elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, wild dog, and numerous antelope. Take to the Zambezi river by boat or canoe, scanning for wildlife and revelling in the avian abundance.

Key Facts

Mana Pools key facts

It’s easy to reconnect to the natural world in this pristine African wilderness. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mana Pools offers 2,500km² of untouched nature to explore. Home to over 100 iconic African mammals, and more than 450 bird species, it has the highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles in the country.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

6,766km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 450

MAMMAL SPECIES

+/- 100

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Dry months

WILDERNESS CAMPS

3

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

THINGS TO DO

Safari in Zimbabwe’s great wilderness

Supremely remote and wild, a safari to Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools is the ultimate African adventure. Spend warm days cruising the Zambezi River, spotting elephants, zebras and buffalo along the banks, a chorus of birdsong providing the soundtrack to the morning. Learn secrets of the wild from Africa’s finest guides, track cats like leopard on evening game drives.

MAP

Our camps in Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is set in the heart of the Lower Zambezi Valley, where Africa’s fourth-largest river meanders along Zimbabwe’s northern border on its way to the Indian Ocean. Little Ruckmoechi and Ruckomechi camps lie in a private wilderness area at the western end of Mana Pools. Luxurious Chikwenya sits on the eastern boundary of the park, also overlooking the Zambezi River.

Go to Destination Map

FAQ

General

JOURNAL

Mana Pools featured stories

Looking for the ultimate, untamed safari in Africa? Our featured stories about Mana Pools in Zimbabwe will have you wanting to pack for your next adventure. Watch our thrilling videos of the wildlife you can encounter and explore our intimate, luxury safari camps. Coffee hot? Comfortable? Enjoy.
SEE ALL STORIES

Wilderness Chikwenya Newsletter – April 2023

Come and discover this hidden gem nestled in our exciting wilderness at Mana Pools. This is a place ...

Read more

Edmond Mudzimu

23.05.2023

CITW Mana Pools

CITW Eco-Clubs in Mana Pools Area

Wilderness is thrilled to announce its new partnership with Zimbabwe Parks in the Hurungwe District ...

Read more

21.04.2023

Wilderness Jao Accommodation Pool

A safari for the senses through immersive architecture

Stay at Wilderness safari lodges and explore African design and sustainable architecture through the...

Read more

Wilderness Blogger

18.04.2023

Let’s plan your next journey

Ready?

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.