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Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe flag

3 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$1200PP

Overview

Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and wildlife paradise. Mana Pools has been shaped over centuries by the rushing of the Zambezi River through the valley, leaving afterwards are a bunch of islands, shoals and channels, just as numerous little oxbow lakes, all lavish with vegetation and a magnet for wildlife. It's as yet perhaps the best spot in Southern Africa to do a canoe or walking safari. The pools, or waterways, are the place where hippos, crocodiles, zebra and other wildlife prosper.

High Season
July to September
Best Time to Go
June to October

Pros & Cons

  • Amazing wildlife viewing with four of the Big 5 animals except for Rhino
  • Game drives, night drives, Canoe Safari and walking safaris are available
  • Amazing birding destination
  • Excellent river fishing
  • Some of the best guides in Africa work here
  • Less accessible than other parks in Zimbabwe, 4WD is essential
  • Very Limited road network

Map in Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Mana pools have the country's biggest concentration of hippo and crocodile populations and enormous dry-season mammal populations of the zebra, elephant and Cape buffalo. The region is additionally home to other threatened species including the lion, cheetah, Cape wild dog, and near-threatened species including the leopard and the brown hyena. The park is generally known for its elephants; enormous bulls get everyone's attention when they raise themselves up on their rear legs to arrive at the highest point of the trees.

Elephant

Elephant

Abundant
Buffalo

Buffalo

Common
Hippo

Hippo

Common
Lion

Lion

Occasional
Leopard

Leopard

Occasional
Zebra

Zebra

Common
Hyena

Hyena

Common
Wild Dog

Wild Dog

Common

Wildlife Highlights

Four of the Big five can be spotted at Mana Pools, with the last remaining black rhinos moved to different areas for their safety. Mana pools have an exceptionally high density of wild dogs. There are at present six packs with 100 grown-up dogs in the park. Seeing these social animals interface while on a chase or while denning is a genuine delight. The fearless honey badger, generally incredibly clandestine, may some of the time be spotted around evening time around a portion of the camps where they have become acclimated to people.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Mana Pools National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from July to October when Animals gather around the pools on the floodplains of the Zambezi River. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. The park becomes totally inaccessible in the Wet season from November to April.

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Birds

Mana Pools National Park offers a wide variety of feathered beauties with over 350 species recorded so far. The Zambezi River and the floodplain is the main attraction. Here there are some specials. Rufous-bellied Heron and Long-toed Lapwing like the areas of fringing weed along the river banks and White-fronted Plover and African Skimmer favour the open sandbars for breeding; White-crowned Lapwings and Water Thick-knees are common along the edges of the banks and along the waterline and their calls are non-stop.

Long-toed lapwing

Long-toed lapwing

Common
Pel’s Fishing Owl

Pel’s Fishing Owl

Common
Rufous-bellied Heron

Rufous-bellied Heron

Common
African skimmer

African skimmer

Common

Best Time for Birding

Mana Pools offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April. It is also the time when migratory birds are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. The Dry season is best for wildlife viewing and occurs from June to October.

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Best Time to Visit – Mana Pools National Park

The best time to visit Mana Pools National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from July to October when Animals gather around the pools on the floodplains of the Zambezi River. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. The park becomes totally inaccessible in the Wet season from November to April.

High Season
July to September
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Mana Pools National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Canoe Safaris

Canoe Safaris

Canoe safaris offer a feeling of excitement, adventure, and engagement. In Botswana, it is possible to go down the Okavango Delta in a dugout kayak.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Fishing

Fishing

Fishing safaris are especially famous in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. River, lake and deep ocean fishing are all possible in Africa.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Hot Air Balloons

Hot Air Balloons

A hot air balloon safari is a must-do adventure activity. It's easy to see why being inspired across the African landscape is such a memorable experience.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.

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