Mana Pools
One of Zimbabwe’s most evocative safari destinations, Mana Pools is where floodplains, forest and the Zambezi River come together to create a beautiful wilderness backdrop for any safari. This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes its name from four seasonal pools as “Mana” means “four” in Shona. Framed by the dramatic escarpment rising beyond the Zambezi, the landscape is unforgettable: elephants move quietly through ancient forests, hippos travel through the channels, and Zambia’s distant shoreline is visible across the water.
This reserve is a part of the larger Mana Pools-Sapi-Chewore ecosystem, which is a protected area spanning a vital part of the middle Zambezi Valley. With riverine forests, open grassy floodplains, inland pans, and woodland an impressive concentration of wildlife is able to live and thrive here, especially elephants. A common sighting is to see elephants on their hind legs reaching for seedpods high in the trees. Buffalo, impala, waterbuck, zebra, hippo, crocodile, lion, leopard, hyena, and endangered African wild dogs can all be found here. This is also a great location for birders.
Like many other premiere places in Zimbabwe, Mana Pools invite guests to explore the bush on foot. Guided walking safaris offer the chance to explore at ground level with an expert guide, following tracks through the sand and discovering the smaller details of the landscape. The Zambezi adds another unforgettable dimension, with canoeing safaris allowing guests to drift quietly past hippos, crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and abundant birdlife. Whether explored by vehicle, on foot, or from the water, Mana Pools offers an immersive and wonderfully varied safari experience.
The accommodations in Mana Pools are designed to be small, intimate, and thoughtfully positioned which immersing the feeling of an authentic wilderness experience. Mana Pools is for travelers looking for a deeply connected and personal safari experience, where the wilderness and wildlife sightings unfold at their own pace. With intimate camps, outstanding guiding, and the beautiful setting along the Zambezi River, Mana Pools offers a truly memorable safari experience that will remain with you long after you leave.
