MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
Wild and remote Zambezi Valley >

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, beckons adventurous travelers with its rugged beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled wildlife experiences. Imagine yourself stepping back in time to an untouched Eden, where the Zambezi River winds its way through ancient, sand-colored cliffs and the scent of wild Africa fills the air.

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Mana Pools' story stretches back millions of years, the Zambezi's power carving out the dramatic gorges and floodplains that define its character. Declared a national park in 1963, it stands as a testament to Zimbabwe's dedication to conservation, protecting over 20,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness.

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Mana Pools, nestled in northern Zimbabwe, is a bit more off-the-beaten-path than its cousin Hwange. But reaching this hidden gem is part of the adventure. Charter flights from Victoria Falls offer stunning aerial views, while adventurous souls can opt for a scenic self-drive or a shared transfer, soaking in the changing landscapes on their way. Once there, Mana Pools boasts a kaleidoscope of habitats, from dry acacia woodlands and mopane scrub to seasonal floodplains and papyrus swamps teeming with life. Each ecosystem shelters a unique array of creatures, making every exploration a thrill.

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Mana Pools is famous for its incredible wildlife viewing, offering some of the best walking and canoeing safaris in Africa. Imagine yourself trekking alongside majestic elephants, the largest population in southern Africa, or gliding in a canoe past basking hippos and crocodiles. Watch lions basking under ancient trees, or witness the silent stalk of leopards on moonlit nights. Other resident stars include wildebeests and zebras thundering across the plains, giraffes stretching for acacia leaves, and a dazzling array of birdlife filling the air with their songs. 

 

While game drives are a highlight, Mana Pools offers a plethora of activities to deepen your connection with the wilderness. Embark on guided walking safaris, again with some of the most highy qualified and experienced guides in Africa, feeling the thrill of being on foot in the wild. Canoe and boating safaris down the Zambezi River provide a unique perspective, gliding past pods of hippo and basking crocodiles. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines in the Zambezi, hoping to land a tigerfish or bream. 

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Mana Pools offers a delightful contrast to the luxury lodges of other parks. Here, the focus is on immersion in the wilderness. Choose from intimate, tented camps nestled among the trees, offering breathtaking views and the sounds of the bush serenading you to sleep. Some of teh private concessions lying on either side of the national park offer luxury accommodation and even have private plunge pools, allowing you to cool off after a day of exploration. Mana Pools is traditionally visited in the dry season (April to October) transforms the park into a photographer's paradise, with clear skies and animals concentrating around waterholes. 

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Mana Pools National Park is more than just a safari destination; when you have been everywhere else on safari you will realise that fancy rooms and fine dining miss the point of being on safari - it is about the guides, the wilderness and connecting with the real Africa. And that's what you will find at Mana, a place where time slows down, senses heighten, and memories are etched forever in your heart.