Mana Pools is the golden child of the Zambezi Valley, rugged and beautiful, it is home to a wonderful mix of grassy floodplains, woodlands and riverine forest. Forming the park’s northern border is the broad Zambezi River, its backdrop the mountains of the Rift Valley Escarpment across the waters in neighbouring Zambia.
The name 'Mana' means four in the local Shona language and refers to the four large pools situated in the interior of the park. This abundance of water acts as a magnet for all manner of wildlife: elephant, buffalo and waterbuck graze on the wide green floodplains; predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog are often seen; and the rivers and pools are home to large populations of hippo and crocodile. The bird watching is superb - highlights include fish eagles, water fowl and colourful clouds of carmine bee-eaters.
Visitors can enjoy traditional game drive safaris and walking safaris as well as river-based safaris which include a mix of kayaking, boating, fishing, fly camping, game drives and walking activities. These exciting and interactive expeditions combine adventure on the great Zambezi River with excellent hospitality in comfortable, serviced tented accommodation, with hot bucket showers and 3-course dinners served on linen table cloths at the end of the day.
There are a handful of lodges scattered around the park. Our favourite Mana Pools safari accommodation are the thatched chalets at Ruckomechi Camp, set right on the bank of the Zambezi, as well as the intimate Kanga Bush Camp, which is tucked away in a private concession within the park.