Mana Pools National Park stretches across 2000km² of prime Zambezi riverfront vegetation, much of which is inaccessible except on foot and as a result is completely unspoilt.
©ngoko.comSize & Location: +-2 200 sq. kms, northern Zimbabwe along the banks of the Zambezi river
When to visit the park: May to early October during the dry season. Insects are respectfully less active and the foliage is sparse enabling easy viewing - summer can be too hot for most.
Climate: Winter - Cool and dry (April to August) / Summer - very hot and wet (November to March)
In northern Zimbabwe the Zambezi river emerges from a deep gorge to spread across a flattened, fertile floodplain which is being methodically ground away to form pools and ox-bows. Four main pools and several smaller pools are scattered along the river course, and the cliffs hanging over the river and floodplains provide shelter to a large and varied wildlife population. The landscape includes islands and sandbanks fringed by dense forests of baobabs and indigenous trees, as well as the rugged Zambezi escarpment. Long Pool is the largest and extends some 6km in a west to east direction. Lovely big old trees, mainly faidherbia (used to be known as acacia albidia), provide a shady canopy with sparse undergrowth. This makes for easy walking and is one of the reasons why this area is perfect for walking safaris. During the dry season, canoe safaris to and through the Mana Pools can be absolutely stupendous experiences. Another attraction of this park is that walking safaris are the only other means of touring allowed in certain sections, ensuring not only quiet but also many fewer signs of other visitors.
©the-travels.comThe area is home to a remarkable concentration of wild animals, including the Big 5 and cheetah. Year after year, magnificent elephants return to the same places and are well known to the locals in the area. It is also a haven for Nile crocodiles and large hippo pods as well as several black rhino. Amongst the 380 bird species are the Nyasa lovebird, Livingstone’s flycatcher, white-collared pratincole, banded snake eagle and yellow spotted nicator.
©viajeros4x4x4x.files.wordpress.comThis is believed to be the only place where elephants rear up on their hind legs to reach high branches.
©astepahead.esMain Camp has facilities including self-catering lodges, cottages and chalets, a camping and caravan site, bar and restaurant, grocery store, curio shop and petrol station.
©tripadvisor.comRuckomechi Camp is situated on the western boundary of Mana Pools. The chalets and main camp buildings are sheltered by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, and the thatched bar, dining and lounge area overlooks the scenic Zambezi River.
©africaodyssey.com
©rhinoafrica.comNyamepi Camp is popular among campers, having showers, baths, toilets and sinks. Campers need to bring their own stoves or fuel. There are several other small camps sites.
©worldcupandup.comFor reservation enquiries contact: http://www.zimparks.org/