5 Days Zimbabwe African Safari to Mana Pools National Park
Our 5 Days Zimbabwe African Safari to Mana Pools National Park takes you to Mana Pools is a world heritage site, and the 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, from mid-December to the end of February, we do not offer safaris in Mana.
During your Zimbabwe African Safari journey, you'll explore the legendary Mana Pools ecosystem, known locally as "Mana Hupenyu" (Four Pools of Life), where elephants perform their famous "standing" feeding behavior. The exclusive tented camp serves as your perfect base for daily game drives and guided walks through this untamed paradise, allowing for intimate encounters with lions, leopards, and the park's diverse wildlife.
Your Zimbabwe African Safari adventure is enhanced by expert guides who share their profound knowledge of Mana's intricate ecosystems while ensuring your safety during thrilling walking safaris. From the open floodplains of the Zambezi to the interior mopane woodlands and hidden water pans, each day reveals new wonders and creates lasting memories of wild Zimbabwe.
Tour highlights
Exclusive tented camp experience in the heart of Mana Pools
Guided walking safaris with expert naturalists
Game drives across the famous Long Pool and Chine Pool areas
Close encounters with Mana's famous elephant populations
Exploration of Nyamepi's ancient riverine forests
Spectacular wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River frontage
Visits to secluded inland water pans and ox-bow lakes
Opportunities to spot the legendary wild dogs of Mana Pools
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during game drives and walks
- Full board accommodation at an exclusive tented camp
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide and walking safari specialist
- Driver allowances and park 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 staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival and proceed for the Mana Pools Safari Experience
Your Zimbabwe African Safari begins with a morning rendezvous in Harare, followed by a scenic 4–5-hour drive (approximately 380km) through the Zambezi Valley to Mana Pools National Park. This immersive Zimbabwe African Safari Day includes entering through Nyakasikana Gate and your first game viewing opportunity across the famous Mana floodplains. Your Zimbabwe African Safari experience continues with arrival at your exclusive tented camp, where you'll enjoy a welcome lunch before an afternoon exploration of the nearby Zambezi riverfront areas.
- Day2More Exploring in Mana Pools National Park
Wake before dawn on your Zimbabwe African Safari to the sounds of the wilderness and depart for an early morning walking safari through the Ana tree forests of Mana, lasting approximately 3 hours. Your Zimbabwe African Safari adventure continues with encounters with Mana's famous "standing" elephants in the Nyamepi area, located just 7km from camp. The afternoon Zimbabwe African Safari activity focuses on a game drive to Long Pool (Dziruni), the largest of Mana's four permanent pools, where hippos and crocodiles gather in impressive numbers.
- Day3Mana Pools Game Drives
Today's Zimbabwe African Safari explores the open river front plains of Mana, starting with a 3-hour morning game drive to Chine Pool, situated 15km east of camp. This exciting Zimbabwe African Safari Day offers opportunities to spot lions and leopards hunting along the water's edge in an area known locally as "Muchafuya." Your Zimbabwe African Safari continues in the afternoon with a leisurely walk along the Zambezi shoreline, where you'll witness spectacular birdlife and possibly elephants crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park.
- Day4More Game Drives in Mana Pools National Park
Your Zimbabwe African Safari ventures inland from the Zambezi to discover Mana's hidden treasures - the natural pan systems and ox-bow lakes that comprise the famed flood plains. This full-day Zimbabwe African Safari expedition takes you to Kanga Pan, located 25km inland, where diverse wildlife congregates during the dry season. The afternoon Zimbabwe African Safari activity includes exploring the Chitake Springs area, known among locals as "Mvura Yamaruva" (Water of Ghosts), where predators frequently ambush prey coming to drink.
- Day5Last Morning in Mana Pools National Park
The final day of your Zimbabwe African Safari begins with a sunrise farewell walk near camp, offering last opportunities to connect with this remarkable ecosystem. Your transformative Zimbabwe African Safari experience concludes with a hearty breakfast before departure at approximately 8:00 AM for the return journey to Harare. Reflecting on your incredible Zimbabwe African Safari adventure, you'll travel approximately 380km back through the scenic Zambezi Valley, arriving in Harare by mid-afternoon.