Mana Pools National Park
Located in Zimbabwe's remote and wild northern region, Mana Pools combines the Zambezi River, flood plains and steep hills of the escarpment into one of Africa's most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks teeming with both wildlife and birdlife alike.
Mana Pool is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including; lion elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena, to mention only a few.
Mana Pools National Park Facts
- Size: 2 200 kms
- Location: Northern Zimbabwe
- When to visit the park: The dry season (winter and autumn)
- Altitude: varies between 350 to 1 200 metres above sea level
- Accommodation: Lodges In Mana Pools
Where is Mana Pools National Park located?
Located in the far northern region of Zimbabwe, the park is found between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment opposite Zambia and the Lower Zambezi National Park.
To the east of the Park is Lake Kariba and to the west is Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique, all connected by the Zambezi River.
Click on this link to view for your self where Mana Pools is located on a Google Map; Google Maps - Mana Pools National Park
Best Time to Visit Mana Pools National Park?
The dry season is the best time to visit; when the summer rains start, a vast area of Mana Pools and surrounding safari areas become inaccessible, making accessing certain lodges and regions by vehicle impossible.
A few lodges and camps do, however, remain open year-round as they are accessible via boat and vehicle.
Note; November is a month known for incredibly high temperatures in the Zambezi Valley; we would suggest avoiding this period if you can.
Information On Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park comprises 2 200 km² of some of the wildest and remotest regions in Southern Africa. Combine the National Park with surrounding 'safaris areas' (Sapi Safari Area (1 180 km²) and Chewore Safari Area (3 390 km²) and all of a sudden one gets to realise just how big the total wildlife area actually is, 6 770 km² in total.
This total area combined is a 'UNESCO World Heritage site'.
Just as a little fun exploring experiment, click on the above Google map links, change it to 'satellite view', now zoom in and out of the area. Note how there are no towns, no roads, and no farms; this is what wildest Africa at its best looks like.
Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi National Park are within our top 5 best wildlife destinations to visit in Africa; the Zambezi Valley is truly spectacular.
Main Attractions Of Mana Pools National Park
- Canoeing safaris
- Boating excursions
- Tiger fishing
- Birding and wildlife photography
- Predators
- Huge herds of elephants
- Large pods of hippos
- Stunning lodges and camps
- 528 Victoria Falls
Nestled in Zimbabwe's stunning scenery, 528 Victoria Falls redefines the safari lodge experience, blending luxury with nature's untamed beauty. This retreat features eight elegant suites, each offering sophistication and cultural charm, inviting guests to relax in comfort.
With personal service from attentive owner-operators, every moment enriches your stay. The lodge's close proximity to Victoria Falls and the vibrant local town ensures an exhilarating adventure is always within reach, promising an exciting and rejuvenating holiday.
- Ruckomechi Camp
Ruckomechi Camp sits on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park, nestled in an ancient grove of Acacia and Mahogany trees. It offers exceptional views of the Zambezi River, perfectly framing the spectacular mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
Nestled in a grove of Acacia and Mahogany trees, Ruckomechi Camp offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Zambezi River. Located on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park, the camp looks out towards the dramatic mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley Escarpment.
- Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Nestled in a private game reserve, the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel offers an exquisite retreat near the breathtaking Victoria Falls. With elegant design and exceptional service, this boutique hotel combines luxury and comfort, making it ideal for a tranquil escape.
Guests can indulge in world-class dining at our elegant restaurants, savoring exquisite dishes crafted by renowned chefs. They can unwind in the lavish spa, where a range of rejuvenating treatments awaits to soothe body and mind.
- Mbano Manor Hotel
Mbano Manor Hotel is undoubtedly an oasis of luxury, nestled within the captivating beauty of the suburbs of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This opulent retreat invites discerning travellers to indulge in an exceptional blend of elegance and comfort amidst stunning natural surroundings.
Every detail of Mbano Manor's spectacularly spacious suites and villa, exquisite dining options, and world-class amenities reflects exceptional thought, ensuring an unforgettable guest experience. The luxuriousness of the lodge is, without a doubt, one of the best in the region.
- Deteema Springs Camp
Perfectly situated beside the magnificent Deteema Dam within the sprawling Hwange National Park, this camp offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of elephants and a plethora of other incredible wildlife you could ever imagine.
Guests will undoubtedly adore the extraordinary opportunity to embark on an immersive walking safari in Hwange, allowing them to witness every breathtaking detail of the wilderness up close – an experience that is, without a doubt, one of the best in the industry!
- Camp Hwange
Camp Hwange is set within a magnificent private concession in the Sinamatella area of Hwange National Park, a region renowned worldwide for its extraordinary wildlife and prolific birdlife. One of the best safari destinations and truly ranks among the very finest Southern Africa has to offer.
The wildlife sightings from Camp Hwange are truly unparalleled. Perched majestically overlooking an incredibly productive waterhole, the daily spectacle of animal activity is simply phenomenal, captivating guests with its raw beauty and abundance throughout every single season.