Mana Pools National Park
The Mana Pools National Park is a spectacular wilderness area running along the southern bank of the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. A combination of permanent water and rich food along the alluvial floodplain bring large herds of game to this area. Mana Pools holds a special place in the heart of all fortunate enough to experience a safari here. It is a particularly atmospheric place.
Mana Pools National Park occupies the floodplains of the Lower Zambezi Valley on the southern bank of the Zambezi River in the far north of Zimbabwe. To the West is Lake Kariba and across the Mozambique border to the East: Lake Cabora Bassa. The mighty Zambezi makes its stately progress between these two great man-made lakes forming the border between Zimbabwe and her northern neighbour Zambia.
The landscape running back from the river bank has often been likened to parkland. It is a fair comment, at first glance it does appear groomed: the large albida acacia trees are clipped at a regulated level, the highest browsing height of elephants, and the grass below is clipped short by the herds of game that move back and forth through the area. It is, however, ‘parkland’ on a truly African scale, a real wilderness where you feel truly privileged to be permitted to walk accompanied by the expert guides operating in this area.
Mana Pools holds a special place in the heart of all who have been fortunate enough to experience a safari here. It is a particularly atmospheric place, walking through the albida acacia soon after dawn on the tracks of the lion you heard from your bed the night before is an extraordinary experience. As the sun climbs in the sky the rays are filtered by the leaves above giving the air a blue tint, sometimes talked of as ‘cathedral like’, the sense of grandeur is intensified by the colonnades of trees spreading across the floodplains.
There is a real sense of safari history here, some of the great names in guiding: John Stevens and Garth Thompson among others, have called Mana home through great periods of their careers. The guides of Mana Pools have years of experience between them, their stories can at times be hard to believe, and certainly fill you with excitement at the anticipation of what is to come on a safari in this iconic national park.
Tembo Plains Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Nestled in a wildlife-rich sanctuary on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Tembo Plains one of Zimbabwe’s most exclusive and intimate luxury camps. Expect a private safari experience like no other.
Kanga Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Kanga Camp is set in private concession on the edge of Mana Pools National Park. The camp is built around Kanga Pan, a permanent water hole, which as the only source of permanent water in the area, draws in incredible game during the dry season.
Nyamatusi Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
The newest addition to the African Bush Camps collection, Nyamatusi Camp is a wonderfully luxurious option in the wildlife haven of Mana pools. The camp consists of six luxurious tented suites each boasting a private plunge pool and views of the river
Ruckomechi Camp
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Ruckomechi Camp lies on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River, 100 kilometres downstream from Lake Kariba, in the heart of Mana Pools National Park. The ten-tented camp sits under the shade of an acacia grove and enjoys dramatic views towards Zambia.
Zambezi Expeditions
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Zambezi Expeditions is an authentic tented camp set on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park. This exclusive 6 tent camp offers direct access to the river and a wealth of safari activities in the area.