Mana Pools National Park
Experience the thrill of intrepid walking safaris in this fertile floodplain
Overview
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park, part of the broader Zambezi UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an unmatched, authentic Zimbabwe safari experience.
The name ‘Mana,’ meaning ‘four’ in the Shona language, refers to the park’s four ancient oxbow lagoons, shaped by the Zambezi River thousands of years ago. These lagoons are now teeming with Zimbabwe’s densest population of hippos and crocodiles and support vibrant aquatic birdlife, making Mana Pools a true haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Nestled within a lush valley on the wide Zambezi floodplain, Mana Pools is one of Southern Africa’s most untouched parks, perfect for families seeking a genuine Zimbabwean safari experience away from human development.
Over 70% of the park can be traversed on foot, with many of the lions and wild dogs accustomed to human presence, allowing for an extraordinary walking safari where visitors can encounter four of the Big Five in their natural habitat. The mighty Zambezi River is also navigable on unforgettable multi-day canoeing safaris guided by some of the finest guides in Southern Africa.
Overview
Mana Pools National Park
Where is Mana Pools National Park?
Mana Pools National Park lies in the far north of Zimbabwe, along the banks of the Zambezi River at the Zambian border.
Spanning approximately 2,196 square kilometres, this relatively small park is known for its untouched character, set far from any human settlement, which gives it an exceptionally authentic atmosphere.
The shores of the lagoons are populated by mature riverine woodlands, with mahogany, apple ring acacia, and striking winterthorn trees creating beautiful vistas set against the distant Zambezi Escarpment.
Despite its secluded location, Mana Pools is accessible via charter flights, with a convenient airstrip providing easy connections from Harare or Victoria Falls.
What to do in Mana Pools National Park?
Mana Pools National Park is one of Southern Africa’s top destinations to encounter four of the Big Five on immersive walking safaris or multi-day canoeing adventures.
With its lush woodlands and floodplains, the park is home to around 12,000 elephants, including the famous Boswell—a mature male known for his remarkable ability to stand on his hind legs to reach seed pods on tall acacia trees. Visitors may spot other elephants adopting this unique behavior on game drives throughout the park.
Renowned worldwide for its walking safaris, Mana Pools allows access to 70% of its landscape on foot. Veteran safari guide John Stevens, who began his career as the park’s warden in the early 1980s, leads captivating walking safaris that bring the landscape to life through personal stories—such as his experiences tracking the park’s last black rhinos in the 1990s.
Canoeing safaris down the Cheruwe River offer yet another way to explore Mana Pools, with chances to spot endangered wild dogs along the riverbanks. For a more in-depth adventure, try the Ruwesi Canoe Trail, a multi-day journey where guests paddle to different riverside camps each night, guided by a seasoned professional.
Mana Pools is also a haven for birding enthusiasts, with sightings of rare species like the rufous-bellied heron, spur-winged goose, and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Mana Pools for exceptional game viewing is during the dry winter months from June to October. During this season, elephants, wild dogs, and antelope gather around increasingly limited water sources, drawing predators like lions and cheetahs. The sparse foliage improves visibility, while clear blue skies and cool nights offer ideal conditions for a family safari.
From November to March, the rainy season transforms Mana Pools into a lush, green landscape as animals begin their breeding season. Visitors may spot newborn antelope and zebras, enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Zambezi, and witness the arrival of migratory birds like the Southern carmine bee-eater.
Who should visit?
Mana Pools National Park is the perfect safari destination for adventurous families eager to discover the wild side of Zimbabwe.
With exhilarating guided walking safaris and multi-day canoeing adventures, families can enjoy the thrill of getting up close to wildlife—spotting playful elephant herds and tracking lions and wild dogs along the Zambezi riverbanks. The park’s exceptional visibility even permits travellers to walk without an armed guide, a feature that is unique to Mana Pools, providing a truly authentic safari experience.
While for families with younger children, guided game drives and birding safaris offer a more relaxed way to appreciate the park’s stunning wildlife.
Places to stay
Recommended Mana Pools National Park accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Mana Pools National Park accommodation
Why travel with Coral Tree?
We are the specialists in luxury Africa family safari holidays
We are Africa experts and also parents. We understand what makes a memorable family adventure.
Our knowledge and connections are unsurpassed
We have been living and working in African tourism for over two decades.
Every journey is tailored with your specific wishes in mind
No off-the-shelf packages or cookie-cutter itineraries. Unique family safaris.
Each trip funds grassroots conservation and girls education projects
You pay no more for the privilege, we support causes close to our hearts.
