Mana Pools

Mana means ‘four’ in one of Zimbabwe’s official languages, Shona. The park was named for the four large permanent pools left inland by the meanderings of the Zambezi River.

Impressive concentrations of elephant, buffalo, eland, kudu, impala, waterbuck, monkeys, zebra, warthogs and hippo, as well as predators such as lion, leopard, spotted hyena, wild dog and cheetah occur. Plus over 450 species of birds.

The drier months are best for wildlife viewing in Mana National Park. Animals are easier to spot as they congregate along the Zambezi’s banks, and the water sources on the floodplains. Our camps are closed during the summer season. 

Mana Pools National Park is located in the Lower Zambezi Valley. 

Morning and evening game drives can be cool, but the afternoons are usually warm, so it’s best to dress in layers. A hat is essential and bring closed shoes if you intend to go on walks.

Abundant wildlife viewing. Most activities are centred around the Zambezi River. You can choose from canoeing or boat safaris, catch-and-release fishing, birdwatching, game drives and guided walking safaris.

Wilderness has three luxury safari camps at Mana Pools. Little Ruckomechi and its larger sister camp Ruckomechi are set in a private wilderness area on the western boundary of the park. Luxurious Chikwenya is found on the eastern boundary of Mana Pools, also overlooking the Zambezi.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mana Pools National Park in northern Zimbabwe is one of the most remote safari parks in the country, known for its scenic beauty, exceptional wildlife, huge concentration of elephants, and exceptional canoeing and walking safaris.

Zimbabwe's national parks and private concessions are entirely safe for safari travel and have been for many years. Zimbabwe's wildlife areas — Mana Pools, Hwange National Park — are among Africa's finest and least crowded. Wilderness operates exclusive concessions within both parks. Guests stay within the parks and Wilderness-managed areas; domestic travel logistics are managed entirely by Wilderness Air and ground transfers.

Zimbabwe offers two of Africa's greatest safari ecosystems. Mana Pools National Park on the Zambezi is world-famous for walking safaris, canoe trips, and spectacular concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, wild dog, and elephant that stand on their hind legs to reach albida pods. Hwange National Park holds the largest elephant population in the world (over 45,000) along with exceptional lion, painted wolf (wild dog) populations, and — uniquely for land-locked Africa — plains game in extraordinary variety.

Mana Pools is one of Africa's most extraordinary wilderness areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zambezi floodplain, backed by towering albida trees, creates a theatrical wildlife setting. Mana Pools is the most famous walking safari destination on the continent — guides operate on foot alongside elephant and buffalo. Canoe safaris on the Zambezi are equally legendary. The park is seasonal (usually open April/May through October/November) and limited-access, keeping it genuinely wild.