Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: John Camp with three elderly people enjoying beers while sitting in chairs surrounded by nature.

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Discover Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools is about 2,000 square kilometers in size and consists of a collection of channels, lakes, pools, islands and sandbanks created by the meandering Zambezi River, on its way to the Indian Ocean from Victoria Falls. These pools, islands and floodplains all combine to create an area of great biodiversity where one is always in awe of the sightings on offer.

Why Visit Mana Pools National Park?

Where the River Breathes and the Wild Still Walks Free

​Spectacular is the word most appropriate to describe Mana Pools. It is one of Zimbabwe's most remote and least developed parks, which creates all the charm one could dream of when searching for a truly wild African experience.

On top of the usual game drives, Mana Pools also offers walking and canoe safaris, with excellent specialist guides. Canoeing in the most hippo and crocodile dense waters in Zimbabwe adds another level to your safari experience. Mana Pools is known for its huge herds of big elephants and buffaloes and you can also find lions, the endangered wild dog; zebras, eland, kudu and impala amongst other, smaller plains game; leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena, which are rarely seen however; and a rich collection of birdlife - about 380 different species.

Nyamatusi Camp with Elephant

Best Times to Visit Mana Pools National Park

Seasons of Still Waters and Wild Encounters

Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Africa’s most evocative wilderness areas — a place where wildlife roams freely along the Zambezi River and safari moments unfold in serene, cinematic beauty. Each season offers a unique perspective of this riverine paradise.

🌀 May to October – The Best Time to Visit

The dry season is ideal for game viewing and photography. As water sources dwindle inland, elephants, lions, and wild dogs gather along the Zambezi floodplains. Walking and canoe safaris are at their finest, offering immersive encounters and stunning light.

🌀 November to April – The Emerald Season

The rains bring a lush transformation. The park turns vibrant green, birdlife flourishes, and the landscape feels untouched and renewed. Though access is limited, this is when Mana reveals its quiet, soulful side.

🌀 April to May – The Season of Change

As the rains fade and the bush clears, the park bursts with life. Wildlife becomes more active, and the light softens — perfect for travellers seeking beauty in transition.

Start Planning Your Journey Along the Legendary Zambezi

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Stories from the Heart of the Zambezi Wilderness

Step into the wild rhythm of Mana Pools through our collection of stories and travel insights. Discover when to visit, what to expect, and why this untamed floodplain captures the soul of every safari lover. From walking with elephants to drifting down the river at sunset, Mana is where Africa feels truly alive.