Best places to stay in Mana Pools

Adjacent to the Lower Zambezi and on the Zimbabwe side of the river lays Mana Pools. It gets its name from the four pools that have formed on this side of the Zambezi River and is renowned for its walking and photographic safaris. Especially during the dry season, huge amounts of game congregate on the open flood plains that surround the Zambezi and with a backdrop of the Rift Valley Mountains, you can understand why its the photographer's and nature enthusiast's paradise. It is the perfect place for a remote and authentic safari experience.

Featured on BBC's Dynasties, Mana Pools hosts a great population of wild dogs, lion and buffalo, yet one of their most spectacular sights are the elephants. When the dry season is in full swing, the foliage becomes very thin and hard to reach. The elephants therefore stand on their back legs to reach the fruits and vegetation that is not accessible to the other animals. People have travelled worldwide, and will continue to do so, to capture this extraordinary spectacle.

The lack of walking restrictions in Mana Pools makes it an unmissable safari destination. If you haven't set out from camp on foot, then at any point on your drive your guide may ask if you wish to do so. You will proceed to track and trail animals including elephants, buffalo and lions! These walking safaris are extremely exhilarating experiences and there is no better way to feel at one with nature.

The camps are unfenced and generally in isolated positions. They are set on their own giving you plenty of privacy but their back drop is the magnificent of the Zambezi River. Set against the beauty of Mana Pools and with these spectacular views, the camps are a mixture of rustic and luxurious. Small additions of hammocks in some really add to your safari experience and make relaxing in between activities a pleasure. Mana Pools really is a perfect destination for seasoned safari goers and keen photographers. We have listed a couple of our favourite camps below:

Chikwenya

Since it opened in October 2018, Chikwenya has proved itself to be a really exciting addition to Mana Pools. Set on the eastern Mana Pools border, it is a world away and very much off the beaten track. Remaining wholly luxurious, Chikwenya is an excellent pick for the seasoned safari goer and truly a phographer's paradise.

Ruckomechi Camp

Ruckomechi is a superb lodge in a private concession bodering Mana Pools. It is set on the banks of the majestic Zambezi and is one of Africa's best kept secrets. It lies along Zimbabwe's northern border on the banks of the Zambezi River, downstream of Lake Kariba. Mana Pools is famous for having some of the best walking and canoeing safaris in Africa as well as superb resident game, especially during the dry season.

Nyamatusi Camp and Mahogany

Opened in April 2019, Nyamatusi Camp and its more family orientated camp Nyamatusi Mahogany are located in the far East of Mana Pools in the wilderness area of the park. These are the two new flagship camps from Africa Bush Camps in Zimbabwe.

Sapi Explorer Camp

Sapi Explorer Camp is the new camp from Great Plains. Small, intimate and located in a very large private concession that runs adjacent to the Eastern borders of Mana Pools National Park, Sapi is a must for safari lovers. This is a newly opened concession which has some wonderful game viewing opportunities and is an excellent addition to a Mana Pools safari.

Vundu

Vundu and its smaller season camp Little Vundu are owned and run by husband and wife team Nick and Des Murrary, both excellent and well-respected professional guides. Both camps are located in a small private concession in Mana Pools National Park which is one of the best game viewing parks in Africa.

Zambezi Expeditions

As per the other Expeditions camps run by Africa Bush Camps, Zambezi Expeditions is an excellent yet simple option along the banks of the Mana Pools National Park. The camps has a unique feel and strcuture and is styled similarly to the East African mobile tented camps instead of your typical Southern Africa permanent camps.

Kanga

Located in a very isolated area eep within Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Bush Camp is named after the pan it overlooks. Arguably some of the best game viewing in Mana Pools, the sheer diversity of game that comes to the pan is incredible, with some guests choosing not to leave the main area, but just to sit and watch.

Best places to stay in Mana Pools