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

Nehimba Lodge

Nehimba Lodge within its own private safari concession in the Hwange National Park offers guests exceptional wildlife and birdlife sightings year-round.

Evenings at the lodge can be most entertaining with close encounters with those famed Hwange elephants at the waterhole should one be lucky enough.
Nehimba Lodge
The Wallow Lodge

Embark on an unforgettable journey at The Wallow Lodge, where luxury meets the wild beauty of Victoria Falls. This exquisite safari lodge is designed for those who seek both adventure and relaxation, offering an intimate connection with nature in a breathtaking setting.

With its elegantly appointed tented suites and stunning views of the Masuwe River, The Wallow Lodge provides a unique blend of comfort and wilderness, ensuring that every moment spent here is unforgettable.
The Wallow Lodge
Davisons Camp

Davisons Camp in Zimbabwe, a classic African tented camp located in the private Linkwasha Concession in the south-eastern wildlife-rich region of Hwange National Park.

The camp overlooks a waterhole that is teeming with outstanding Hwange wildlife and birdlife throughout the day and night.
Davisons Camp
Ilala Lodge

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge offers an unforgettable blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure. This charming boutique hotel is ideally situated for guests eager to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the nearby falls, just a short stroll away.

With exceptional amenities, including a refreshing swimming pool, welcoming bar, and the opportunity to experience the stunning Zambezi River through a sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane, Ilala Lodge is the ultimate retreat for families and adventurers alike.
Ilala Lodge
Insika Lodge

Nestled on the edge of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Insika Lodge offers a luxury safari experience with stunning natural beauty. Capturing African charm, Insika provides a serene escape with exhilarating adventures.

With a choice of rooms overlooking lush gardens and waterholes, guests can immerse themselves in captivating wildlife and landscapes. At Insika Lodge, each day is a new journey as you explore the Zambezi River, enjoy gourmet meals, and experience the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Insika Lodge
Somalisa Camp

Nestled in the breathtaking Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. This award-winning camp combines luxury with a genuine bush experience, providing guests with an intimate connection to the wildlife surrounding them.

With its stunning tented suites, each offering a unique vantage point of the park's diverse ecosystem, Somalisa Camp is perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation of Africa’s natural beauty.
Somalisa Camp