Mana Pools is one of the most exciting places to visit on a safari in Africa. The national park is 219 600 ha of pure, untouched wilderness in the northern parts of Zimbabwe. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Since then, the area has also become known for its abundant bird life and the endangered species it protects.
Need Advice?The park is closed during the rainy season from late November until April. From May, large numbers of animals migrate to the area to drink from the Zambezi, the waters of which get trapped in four pools that form on the flood banks. These four pools are where the name Mana Pools originated.
Visitors are treated to close encounters with some of Africa's best-known mammals, like elephants and wild dogs, and also experience the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi River – all from the comfort of a private safari lodge on the banks of the river.
Mana Pools is entirely untouched by the hand of man. There are a couple of lodges and camping sites next to the river, but campers will more likely run into a wild animal than a neighboring camper. It remains one of the few parks in Africa where visitors are welcome to wander into the bush unaccompanied. Keep in mind that there are wild animals around, and it is best to participate in a guided experience.
Guests can view the game in the park by exploring on foot in the company of a lodge ranger, renting a canoe from the park's main office, or participating in open-air 4x4 game drives in the morning and the late afternoon or early evening.
During the months when there is still a lot of water on the escarpment, bird watchers are treated to sightings of secretary birds, Goliath herons, Egyptian- and Spur-winged geese, storks, and bee-eaters. Fishing is also permitted, and the park's flora will intrigue all botany lovers.
The park offers distinct experiences, many of them unique to Mana Pools. These sights and adventures are considered iconic in this stunning wilderness area.
Mana Pools National Park is roughly 280km from Harare and is typically accessed via charter flight from Victoria Falls or Harare airport. From Harare, the charter flight is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the flight from Victoria Falls is 2 hours and 30 minutes. Overland from Harare, the drive is roughly 5 hours, so flights are recommended to maximize time spent on safari rather than time spent in transit.
The park is closed during the rainy season as the drenched floodplains make it virtually impossible for vehicles to operate. When the water starts to dry in April, the park turns into a green, lush environment and stays green deep into the winter. The animals become more visible in the dry months (May to September). The best time of the year to spot animals is between September and the beginning of November, though summer is scorching, with temperatures in the high 30s.
You will see large animals, including elephants, hippopotamuses, Cape buffaloes, and a wide variety of antelope species, to predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs. The river also teems with crocodiles and fish species such as tilapia and tiger fish. It's a bird viewer's paradise with colorful species such as Goliath herons and bee-eaters.
Mana Pools consists mainly of floodplains, mahogany forests, wild figs, ebony trees, and even the towering baobab.
Standard safari activities are available in Mana Pools National Park like guided game drives conducted by lodge rangers, immersive walking excursions, and birdwatching. Guests can also partake in canoeing adventures and fishing on the Zambezi flood plains.
