5 Days Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe Safari
Our 5 Days Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe Safari will focus on walks and drives in one of Africa's greatest parks. We will stay in our exclusive campsite from where we will make our exploring forays into the park. Your knowledgeable guide will ensure your safety and help you understand the workings of nature in this wildlife-packed area. During the rainy season, mid-December to the end of February, we do not offer safaris in Mana.
Your Zimbabwe Safari will be based at an exclusive tented camp nestled within the heart of Mana Pools, known locally as "Mana Hupenyu" (Four Pools of Life). Each day of your Zimbabwe Safari brings new encounters with the park's diverse inhabitants, from elephants that stand on their hind legs to reach acacia pods to packs of wild dogs hunting across the open plains.
The Zimbabwe Safari at Mana Pools combines walking safaris, game drives, and river experiences for a comprehensive exploration of this remarkable ecosystem. Expert guides share their intimate knowledge of Chitake Springs, Long Pool, Chine Pool, and other iconic locations during your five-day immersion into one of Zimbabwe's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries.
Tour highlights
Exclusive tented camp experience in the heart of Mana Pools
Guided walking safaris tracking big game on foot
Game drives across the legendary Mana floodplains
Close encounters with Zambezi wildlife, including elephants and wild dogs
Exploration of natural pan systems and ox-bow lakes
Bird watching along the shores of the Zambezi River
Witness the famous "standing elephants" of Mana Pools
Spectacular views of the Zambezi Valley and escarpment
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a 4x4 custom safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives and walks
- Full board accommodation at an exclusive tented camp
- Services of a professional English-speaking guide
- Driver allowances and fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Zimbabwe Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond the provided water
- Tips for camp staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and The Mana Pools Safari Experience
Your Zimbabwe Safari adventure begins with a rendezvous at Harare, Kariba, or Chirundu, followed by a scenic 4–5-hour drive to Mana Pools National Park. The Zimbabwe Safari experience continues as you enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site and make your way to an exclusive tented camp nestled among towering albida trees. Your afternoon Zimbabwe Safari activity introduces you to the park's incredible biodiversity with a short game drive to Mana Mouth, approximately 30 minutes from camp, where the Zambezi River attracts various wildlife.
- Day2More Exploring in Mana Pools
Day two of your Zimbabwe Safari starts with an early morning walking safari led by an expert guide across the Mana floodplain, locally known as "Nyamera" (place of many animals). Your Zimbabwe Safari exploration continues with close encounters with wildlife along the 8km stretch between Nyamepi and Vundu areas. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari activity includes a game drive to Long Pool, the largest of the four main pools, offering spectacular views of hippos, crocodiles, and elephants against the backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment.
- Day3Mana Pools Tour
Your Zimbabwe Safari journey delves deeper into Mana's wilderness with a morning game drive to the famous Chitake Springs, located about 45km inland from the main camp. This Zimbabwe Safari excursion provides opportunities to witness predators and prey gathering at this vital water source during the dry season. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari experience takes you along the Zambezi shoreline, where you'll spend approximately 3 hours exploring the riverbanks and observing the rich birdlife and wildlife that congregate along this lifeline.
- Day4Visiting the Mana Pools
Day four of your Zimbabwe Safari focuses on the inland pan systems and ox-bow lakes that give Mana Pools its name. Your Zimbabwe Safari guide leads you on a walking safari to Chine Pool and Green Pool, located about 7km from camp, where you'll track wildlife following ancient game trails. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari drive takes you to the western section of the park near Mucheni area, approximately 20km away, offering opportunities to encounter the park's famous wild dog packs and lions in their natural habitat.
- Day5Last Morning in Paradise
The final day of your Zimbabwe Safari begins with a sunrise walking safari near camp to absorb the magic of Mana Pools one last time. Your Zimbabwe Safari concludes with a farewell breakfast overlooking the floodplain before beginning the journey back. The memories of your Zimbabwe Safari will remain as you depart Mana Pools, taking the approximately 6-hour drive back to Harare through the scenic Zambezi Valley.