Mana Pools – Safari gem in Africa's South

Located on the lower Zambezi, approximately 500 kilometres downstream from Victoria Falls, lies one of the world’s unique and pristine wildlife regions. Mana was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 due to the ecological value of the area, and it is established as the core area for the Middle-Zambezi Biosphere Reserve.

Zambezi River as Mana’s pulse

The Zambezi, unsurprisingly, is the pulse. The legendary river is some 3.5 kilometres wide at Mana, and the ebb and flow of its floodwaters have created a series of ancient ox-bow lakes, backwaters, forest fringes and floodplains. The diversity of habitat is superb for birding and with over 350 species recorded, Mana is a hotspot of note.

In times of good flood, various pans set away from the permanent water of the Zambezi fill and hold water into the dry season. The fact that there are four of these pans gives rise to the name ‘Mana”, which means “four” in the local Shona language.

Scenic nature and abundant wildlife

The volume and quality of game viewing around these pans in the dry season, when most others have dried, is a principle reason to visit Mana. Lion, wild dog, buffalo, elephant and numerous antelope species abound. Game drives are fantastic but the real highlight here is the walking activities, which often produce incredible interactions with notably wild dog and elephant.

You may have seen classic photographs of elephant bulls balancing on the back legs stretch up to feed on foliage and pods of the giant winter-thorn trees. This is an iconic Mana image, although the behaviour is relatively uncommon and confined to a few individuals.

Closer to the river, vast floodplains are areas of primary production and invite huge herds of buffalo, as well as other grazers such as hippo and zebra. Not to mention elephant too. Canoe activities offer front row seats to game along the water’s edge and is a unique and alternative way to watch animals. Close up encounters are the norm and animals are remarkably tolerant of being viewed this way.

Visiting Mana Pools

The end of winter season (August to October) may be the best and most productive times to visit Mana. This normally conifers with drying pans and concentrated game viewing, not to mention cooler weather as summer temperatures here can be brutal.

Another must-do is a fly-camping excursion to the remote Chitake Spring which is located in the remote hinterland of the reserve. The natural spring, in the dry season, is the only water source for kilometres and is a veritable magnet of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and antelope…and of course skulking lion, leopard and wild dog.

Safari in Zimbabwe

Camping close to the spring, surrounded by this sensational array of wildlife, is one of the most incredible experiences. Not for the faint-hearted, it is Africa in the raw, in your face, and uncompromising. Three perfect reasons to go there!

Travel and safari-ing in Zimbabwe is convenient, safe, and thoroughly enjoyable. Feel free to contact us to discuss travel logistics to Mana, and the most viable ways to combine a visit to Victoria Falls into an epic Zimbabwean safari!