Mana Pools

A breathtaking wilderness haven can also be found at the remote Mana Pools National Park in the northern tip of the country on the banks of the Zambezi, bordering with Zambia. A designated World Heritage site, this wild and untamed park supports large game densities and numerous species of bird life. A guided canoe safari down-river is an unforgettable experience as you weave your way past territorial hippos and drift slowly as elephant herds swim across the river in front of you. There are a number of game-viewing roads that run along the ZambeziRiver and further inland from which you can view the wide variety of wildlife.

The name "Mana'' means “four” in the local Shona language. This applies to the four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. These pools are the remnant ox-bow lakes that the Zambezi River carved out thousands of years ago as it changed its course northwards. Hippopotamus, crocodiles and a wide variety of aquatic birds are associated with the pools. ''Long Pool'', is the largest of the four pools, extending some six kilometres in a west-east direction. This pool has a large population of hippo and crocodiles and is a favourite for the large herds of elephant that come out of the thickly vegetatedareas in the south to drink.

Mana Pools is 2,196 square kilometres in extent but is part of the 10,500 square kilometreParks and Wildlife Estate that runs from the Kariba Dam in the west to the Mozambique border in the east. This large area is without physical boundaries and the wildlife is free to move throughout the area - even northwards across the Zambezi River into Zambia, where there are also large wilderness areas set aside for wildlife conservation.

Lodges

There are 5 lodges in the Park, all located along the ZambeziRiver. There are 2 large lodges situated a short distance upstream from Nyamepi Camp, Musangu and Muchichiri. These lodges have a bathroom and shower with hot and cold running water; 2 toilets and a fully kitted kitchen with stove and deep-freeze and all utensils such as cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. All bedding and towels, etc are supplied. There is a large dining room and lounge, an outside braai area with seating where one can view the river and the wildlife coming down to drink or simply watch the African sun setting over the Zambezi

Camping Sites

There is one large communal campsite along the ZambeziRiver, and a number of exclusive campsites where visitors can ensure their solitude.

Communal Campsite

The Nyamepi Camp camping area located along the ZambeziRiver is situated near the Mana Pools National Park reception office. Visitors need to bring their own camping equipment, bedding, toiletries, cooking implements, etc. There are ablution blocks nearby with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and laundry basins. Visitors can buy firewood at the reception office, and each campsite has a braai area. This camping ground has 30 sites.

Exclusive Campsite

There are a number of exclusive campsites situated along the ZambeziRiver. These camps are for the visitor who seeks solitude and who wants to truly experience the wildness and challenges of the bush. There is a braai stand at each site and rudimentary toilet. Water is collected from the river or the reception office.

Canoeing

Canoeing on the Zambezi is a favourite activity in Mana Pools and affords an unparalleled opportunity to experience the river.

Fishing

Visitors can fish in the ZambeziRiver and experience the excitement of hooking large fish for the pot. Half of the joy is experiencing the quiet, solitude and beauty of the unspoiled bush around you.

Game Drives

Usually most rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon. Long Pool is often worth visiting soon after sunrise.