8:00am - 17:00PM
The Mana Pools National Park is quite remote but delivers a true sense of being in the wild. The area has pride for its remarkable concentration of wild animals, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, and cheetahs.
This is an area of dramatic landscape and spectacular wildlife. Designing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park offers a plethora of wildlife from large mammals to over 350 bird species.
Meaning “four” in the local Shona language, Mana refers to the park’s four large pools that are the left marks of ancient oxbow lakes carried out by the mighty Zambezi.
Embarking on a Zimbabwe Safari to Mana pools National Park offers an incredible opportunity to explore the hidden treasure of Africa.
The Best Time To Visit Mana Pools National Park is during the Dry season, from June to October. Animals are easier to spot because the dry weather thins the bush and wildlife concentrates around the Zambezi River and the pools on its floodplains. Part of the park might get closed off for vehicles during part of the Wet season (from December to March).
Mana Pools National Park Wildlife, Eland, elephant, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, baboons, monkeys, zebra, warthog, and hippo are some of the larger herbivores to be seen regularly on the river terraces as they come out to eat the fallen albida fruit. Lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, wild dogs and cheetah are present in the area. Birding is also phenomenal in this region.
The Mana Pools National Park is located in Zimbabwe and is physically protected by the Zambezi River. This vast landscape stretches around 676,600 hectares. Mana Pools (219,600 ha) extends over 2,196 square kilometres together with the Sapi (118,000 ha) and Chewore (339,000 ha).
Mana Pools was combined with the Sapi Safari Area and Chewore Safari Area to create a single UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. The national park area is also contiguous with Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.
Mana Pools generally feels warm weather. During the winter season between mid-May to mid-August, the mornings and evenings can be chilled at around 12°C (54°F).
The days are clear, warm, and humid at 28°C (82°F). The dry months from august to October are the hottest months with temperatures between 40°C and 50°C (104°F - 122°F).
December to February are the heavy rainy days that usually take up with afternoon thunderstorms. The average temperature remains between 21°C -31°C (70°F -88°F) during this time period.
Between August to early November is the best time for game viewing in Mana Pools National Park.
During these dry months, the need for water forces the animals naturally migrate to the Zambezi River and the natural pools of Mana. You will get a chance to spot animals in the bush and roaming around the water sources.
Some Parts of the park might get closed off for vehicles during the Wet season from December to March. So, choose the dry season to visit Mana Pools National Park and make your Zimbabwe Safari Tours remarkable.
The remote Mana Pools National Park is located in the northern tip of the country, 388km/241 mi from Harare. The park is mostly off-limits to vehicles during the wet season from November to April.
By Air:
Travellers will most likely enter Zimbabwe via Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), a short distance from the town of Victoria Falls.
The closest international airport to Mana Pools is in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. It is around 240 miles away from the park and takes roughly 5 and a half hours to reach.
Chartered Flights:
Although there are no scheduled flights to Mana Pools, many people find it easier to arrive by charter plane. Chartered flights are booked by your tour operator to transfer from park to park. Your tour operator takes care of your further transportation throughout Zimbabwe.
Resident Pensioners above 60 Years are to pay 50% on entry fees. All children between 6 and 12 years old will pay entry fees as in the entry fees schedule. Children under 6 years old will not pay entrance fees.
Age limit |
Local |
SADC |
International |
---|---|---|---|
Adults |
US$ 8 |
US$ 15 |
US$ 20 |
Children (6-12 yrs age) |
US$ 4 |
US$ 4 |
US$ 10 |
Children (below 6 yrs age |
Free |
Free |
Free |
There are some essential things that should be considered before visiting Mana Pools National Park. Those are:
Let our experts guide you for the best Things To Do In Mana Pools National Park during your Safari In Zimbabwe.
Game Drives in Mana Pools National Park:
When in Zimbabwe Safari, you cannot miss the game drives that are offered by the national parks. Game drives allow you to get close to the animals and also give you a glimpse of the entire place.
Mana Pools provides early morning and afternoon game drives to the visitors. Through the game drives, they can encounter amazing wildlife games with some endangered species. They also get to know more about the entire region by travelling in an open safari vehicle.
Guided walking tour:
No African tour will be complete without a guided walking safari. It allows you to understand the spectacular beauty of nature and close sightings of the wildlife roaming in the park.
Visitors will be escorted by a guide who will tell them about the park as well as the epic wildlife.
Bird Watching:
Mana Pools National Park boasts various bird species that have garnered tourists from all across the globe. If you are a bird lover, the park will never get you disappointed. You can easily watch these birds in their natural habitat making your Zimbabwe Safari Tour worth the while. You can spot grey-crowned cranes and other bird species. All you need to do is take binoculars and spot the birds by standing up in the canopies.
Fishing:
Fishing is the most exciting thing to do in Mana Pools and has gathered popularity from all across the globe. Visitors have a good chance to go fishing in the Zambezi River and catch large fish. The region is so peaceful that everyone can fall in love with this region. Enjoy fishing in the quiet, unspoiled bush around you and admire the beauty of Mana.
Despite the disappearance of the black rhino, the Mana Pools National park continues to have its Big Five status. This park also comes on the bucket list of many people because of its good concentration of wild dogs.
So, there are several ways to explore these wild treasures of the Mana Pools National Park. A traditional game drive safari is the most popular option offered by most lodges and camps.
It’s also possible to travel around the park with a self-guided safari in your own private vehicle. Zambezi River also offers the opportunity for canoe safari, you can opt to see the wildlife around the river.
“TRAVEL ACROSS THE SAVANNAH PLAINS OF THE MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK AND TAKE A GLIMPSE OF WILDERNESS IN AN OPEN SAFARI VEHICLE”
A game drives through Mana Pools National park is an authentic way to explore the rich flora and fauna of Africa. This wildlife conservation area located in the north of Zimbabwe is one of Africa’s most significant game-viewing regions.
Mana Pools National Park is home to Zimbabwe’s largest population of hippos and crocodiles as you can see on a game drive. During the dry months, these animals along with others can be spotted around the pools. Large numbers of elephants, buffalos and various antelopes are found gathering around the water sources.
A lot of herbivorous means many predator actions! So, the sightings of lions, wild dogs, and hyenas are very interesting through the game drive.
A definite highlight on a game drive in Mana Pools is the views of elephants balancing on their legs and stretching their trunks to the sky. They skillfully pull nutritious leaves and pods off the white acacia trees. This mastered skill helps them to survive during the dry season when food is scarce.
Birdwatching is also so impressive with more than 450 species that can be spotted on a game drive in Mana Pools. An absolute favourite is observing the carmine bee-eaters during summer as they make their nests on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Discover the true charm of wilderness on a game drive in Mana Pools and be amazed by this epic African adventure.
The untouched wilderness and abundance of Zimbabwe Wildlife make Mana pools National Park a top safari destination in Zimbabwe.
Thinking of visiting this park on your next trip Well, make sure you plan your Safari To Zimbabwe before your travel. It will help you to explore Mana Pools with no worries and with sufficient time.
Peak
Low
Mixed
All of our camps in Mana Pools are closed for the rainy season. January – March and the whole of December, with the exception of Nyamatusi which remains open during December.
All of our camps in Mana Pools are closed for the rainy season. January – March and the whole of December, with the exception of Nyamatusi which remains open during December.
All of our camps in Mana Pools are closed for the rainy season. January – March and the whole of December, with the exception of Nyamatusi which remains open during December.
Kanga Camp, Zambezi Expeditions, Nyamatusi Camp & Nyamatusi Mahogany open for the season. The vegetation is still very green and thick after the rainy season and there is still a lot of surface water around. This means the animals are not as dependent on the Kanga waterhole as during the dry season. This time of the year is one of the best for birding and sighting the smaller species like insects and butterflies as well as walking safaris and experiencing the area on foot but it is limited to more open areas for big game approaches. At this time of the year, Kanga is best combined with Zambezi Expeditions or the Nyamatusi Camps, based on the river to get the full Mana Pools experience. Temperatures can be high during the day and a little cooler in the evenings and mornings on the early game drives, so a light fleece is advisable.
As things start to dry out the Kanga Pan becomes more and more popular with animals. This is still a great time of the year for birders and for those looking for a little more adventure exploring the land on foot. Combine Kanga Camp with Zambezi Expeditions the Nyamatusi Camps to get the full experience. Wild dogs often start to den on the concession, but getting close to the den site is not allowed as it may cause the stress which may cause them to move the site. Temperatures start to drop at night and in the mornings, but can still be warm during the day. A light fleece is advisable.
The dry season starts to set in and the surface water starts to dry up which means more activity in front of camp at the permanent waterhole. The bush is still quite thick, but it is a great time for walking. It is advised to combine Kanga with Zambezi Expeditions so that guests are getting the complete Mana Pools experience.
As we move deeper into the dry season we start to see more and more herds of elephants in search of water at the Kanga Pan as well as moving down to the Zambezi River, near Zambezi Expeditions. Night temperatures start to drop more, so warmer evening clothing is recommended. Days are still very warm, and with the bush beginning to thin out, spotting on game drives becomes slightly easier. Dry season setting in nicely. The waterhole is starting to fill up with animals.
Temperatures start to become more extreme, with cold evenings and warm days. The dry season has settled in well at this stage, therefore as water has become more scare you will be able to spot more species around the watering holes. The bush has thinned out more, so walking safaris and game drives are great, with greater visibility.
Competition for water begins to intensify and the famous Armchair Safari, at the Kanga Pan, really starts to become a highlight. Here you will spot several species visiting the pan, as it is the only water source for many kilometres around. Evenings are still cold and days are warm, so packing for varying temperatures is advisable. It is advised to combine Kanga with Zambezi Expeditions to see the mighty Zambezi, and the wildlife teaming nearby, as it is the major water source. Combining the two will ensure you are getting the complete Mana Pools experience.
October is the peak of the dry season, with water sources being at their most scarce. Wildlife travel for many kilometres to reach the Kanga Pan. Whilst experiencing our famous Armchair Safari, it is not uncommon to see large herds of elephant, lion, baboons, various herds of antelope, fish eagles and a huge variety of bird life, buffalos and leopards visiting the pan within the space of a few hours. Great for those with an interest in Botany as most bushes, trees are in some stage of flowering.
The rains begin to come in towards the latter half of the month, with brief spectacular afternoon thunderstorms, cooling temperatures nicely. Before that the landscape is very dry and wildlife sightings on the armchair safari at Kanga Pan are unparalleled. Day time temperatures are still very hot, with warm evenings. Combining Zambezi Expeditions and Kanga Camp will provide a beautiful contrast in landscape, with the Zambezi River providing sufficient water for wildlife on its banks. Great for those with an interest in Botany as most bushes, trees are in some stage of flowering.
All of our camps in Mana Pools are closed for the rainy season. January – March and the whole of December, with the exception of Nyamatusi which remains open during December.
We'd be delighted to help you with any questions you have about properties & safaris. Please fill in the form below so that we can help you create your perfect safari holiday.
Feel free to give us a call or send us an e-mail:
The safari guide is arguably the most important part of the whole safari experience. Get a great guide and you’ll have an incredible time.
Falcon Safaris is a moderate-to-luxury safari operator dedicated to providing guests with the ultimate African experience. Get more ideas on what to do on the Victoria Falls Travel Guide
We have intimate knowledge and superb long-term relationships with our partners, guides and exclusive connections across Africa.
Africa is an enticing destination, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some and a repeat trip for others. Book your flights to Victoria Falls today.
We travelled with Falcon Safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana for 16 days. Falcon designed a wonderful trip with private guide to the most interesting sites in both countries. The organization of the whole trip was excellent, flights within the country, accommodation and activites. The guides were very knowledgable and told us a lot about the countries, their history, people, economy and much more. Wevisited the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Victoria Falls and a number of national parks in both countries.
Rhino tracking was a real adventure! We had tremendous further game drives and saw very many animals - we did the Big Five. We had much more activities than planned and enjoyed very much.We strongly recommend Falcon Safaris to everyone planning a trip to Southern Africa and East Africa.
Our Consultant Vimbai was very helpful and accommodating. We stayed at the Elephant hills hotel which was nothing short of amazing.Our activities included a helicopter flight, dinner cruise as well as a morning game drive. All the activities were absolutely amazing.
We worked with Gertrude to schedule and organize everything and she did an excellent job. I asked a lot of questions via e-mail and she answered everyone in a timely helpful manner. Our guide at Victoria Falls was also great. He met us at the airport, provided a thoughtful tour of the Falls and got us to our next guide in Botswana. Our lodgings at River View Lodge were just as described- very comfortable and excellent food. All the staff were so pleasant and helpful. If I had to do it again I would arrange a morning boat ride as well. We only did the sunset boat rides and they were the high point of our entire trip- we saw so many animals and our guide was very knowledgeable. Just a great experience. Our lodgings at Oddball's Enclave was rustic and we loved it. So great to disconnect from the world for a bit. Leo, our guide, was the best - got us out and about, saw fantastic wildlife and got back to camp safely each time. Doc manages the camp so well. This whole trip was planned and organized by Falcon Safaris and we could not have been happier.
Falcon safaris have given my the correct advice with excellent service. The only suggestion will be to work closer with the lodges to confirm bookings as soon as possible. We have booked and pay our deposit a year in advance. We have only receive our final convermation from Chobe Safari lodge a week before departure. I do realize its not within your controle but with limit alternatives and a group of 14 people it becomes an issue to find alternative accomodation if the booking was cancelled.
Our passion for Africa and her rich diversity is what drives us to deliver superior itineraries for you. With over 30 years’ unrivalled experience, we believe your trip should be as unique as you are and so we tailor-make them for you as an individual.