Located in the far north of Zimbabwe, across the Zambezi River from neighbouring Zambia lies one of Africa's last true wilderness areas - Mana Pools National Park. Indeed, when it comes to wild and remote, there's nowhere quite like Mana which is home to some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 2196 square kilometres and is where you'll find huge herds of elephant, buffalo, eland and other species of plains game dotted along the banks of the mighty Zambezi, sheltered by endless groves of albida trees (also known as ana trees or winterthorns) and other tall riparian species like pod mahogancy, sycamore fig and sausage tree. 

Part of a much larger 10,500 square kilometre area of wilderness that stretches from Kariba Dam in the west to the border with Mozambique to the east, Mana is also known for its packs of painted wolves (African wild dogs) which are habituated enough to a human presence to allow them to be followed and tracked on foot - one of the most amazing experiences in Africa! Its big cats are equally legendary, with lion and leopard sightings a regular occurence. There are also cheetah in Mana, as well as a healthy population of hyena.

Renowned for most of its history as a premier camping spot, thanks to its spectacular views across the river to the towering peaks of Zambia's Lower Zambezi escarpment, Mana is also a popular spot for keen fishermen, with tiger fishing high on the list of "must do" activities. 

The tiger fish is a fearsome predator sporting impressive teeth that's among the top game fish in Africa. All fishing in Mana and along the Lower Zambezi valley is done on a catch and release basis to protect future fish stocks of this critically important river. 

One of the other leading activities in Mana is walking safaris, thanks to the easy topography and abundance of natural shade, but it's the river where the real adventure takes place, with canoeing and boat-based game viewing the stars of the show. 

Getting out on the river allows you to view wildlife in a different, more relaxed manner as you watch animals come down to drink at the river's edge or, in the case of elephants, swim across to the islands that dot the river's course. The birding is sensational too!

Mana retains a wonderful authentic quality and the camps we use are small, intimate and designed to immerse guests in a total wilderness experience. With the added advantage of unlimited access to the Zambezi, the safari offering is wonderfully diverse.

Whether it's walking safaris, sunset cruises, paddling the islands and channels of the river or just relaxation on the river banks, Mana is absolute safari magic.

The safari season in Mana runs from April to November each year - the area is difficult to access in the rainy season (December to March) and as this is the time when most of the wildlife moves further inland, thanks to standing water, the game viewing is more intermittent. The ideal time to visit Mana is in the dry winter months between May and September.

Talk to us today to find out more about Mana Pools and let us put together an amazing safari itinerary for you to this amazing African destination!