Why is Mana Pools so special?

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi River with floodplains and albida forests that invite walking and canoe safaris for rare, intimate wildlife encounters.

When is the best time to visit?

June to October is the classic dry season with concentrated wildlife and excellent canoeing. November to March is green with rewarding birding and moody skies.

What wildlife and birdlife can I expect?

Elephants, wild dogs and big cats are highlights along with prolific hippos and crocs on the river. More than 400 bird species are recorded across woodland, pools and channels.

What experiences can you arrange?

Guided walking and canoe trails, day and night game drives in appropriate areas, star bed sleepouts, photographic hides and catch and release tigerfishing.

Choose riverfront Nyamatusi or Ruckomechi for water based days, or Kanga Camp on its wildlife rich pan inland. We match properties and pacing to your travel style.

MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK

Canoe safari gliding past an elephant on the Zambezi River in Mana Pools

Mana Pools is Zimbabwe’s wild Zambezi heart: albida forests, open floodplains, and the river’s broad channels create a dreamy stage for elephants, wild dogs, and prolific birdlife. Days flow between canoeing, game drives, and walks; evenings glow with river sunsets and stars. It’s a UNESCO wilderness of rare, raw beauty.

Explore Experience Inspiration

Male lion resting on sandy riverbed, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

QUICK FACTS
UNESCO World Site
Canoe the Zambezi
Walking safaris
Tigerfish fishing
Albida forests

Expert-led walking safari as elephants browse the albida woodland, Mana Pools National Park

Alfresco riverside dining and campfire circle on the Zambezi at dusk, Mana Pools National Park

Riverside days, timeless walks

Drift past hippos on a guided canoe, then track elephants on foot across dappled floodplains. Ease into sunset along the river, or linger at a hide as kudu step to drink. Stay beside the water at Nyamatusi or Ruckomechi, or retreat inland to Kanga’s wildlife-rich pan, unforgettable in this wild Eden.

Experiences & Highlights

Signature Mana experiences span guided walking, canoe trails, catch-and-release tigerfishing, photography from hides, and magical sleep-outs under the stars. Riverfront stays like Nyamatusi set the tone for water-based days; Ruckomechi adds a dreamy treehouse sleep-out; and Nyamatusi Mahogany brings thoughtful family comforts, perfect for relaxed, wildlife-filled evenings.