Mana Pools is Africa at its most cinematic: a UNESCO-listed floodplain on the Lower Zambezi where ancient albida forests filter blue light onto elephant that rise on their hind legs to reach the seed pods — a behavior found almost nowhere else.
This is a park for doing, not just watching: guided walks among the herds and canoe stages drifting past hippo pods and drinking buffalo, with the Zambian escarpment glowing across the river. It is remote, uncrowded and utterly wild.
Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness on the Lower Zambezi where the safari goes hands-on: canoeing past hippo pods, walking with world-class guides and watching elephants stand on their hind legs to reach albida pods. It is remote, seasonal and, for many connoisseurs, the best wilderness experience in Africa.
Highlights of Mana Pools National Park
Canoe safaris
Silent stages down the Zambezi — elephant at the waterline, fish eagles overhead.
The standing elephants
Mana’s bulls famously rear upright to browse the albida canopy.
Walking in the open forest
Park rules allow walking — with a pro guide the floodplain feels primeval.
Wild dog & lion
The floodplain supports strong predator populations, including habituated painted-dog packs.
Best time to visit
Dry season — game concentrates on the river; September and October are extraordinary.
The rains — most camps close; the park rests.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Zimbabwe
A Zimbabwe safari runs from Victoria Falls to Hwange’s elephants and the wild canoeing of Mana Pools.
Explore → ExperienceWalking Safari
A walking safari is the bush on foot — led by expert armed guides.
Explore → ZambiaSouth Luangwa National Park
South Luangwa — the birthplace of the walking safari and Africa’s leopard capital.
Explore →Mana Pools National Park FAQs
Getting to Zimbabwe — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Mana Pools National Park journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
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