Regarded by many as the jewel in Zimbabwe's wildlife crown Mana Pools National Park is third only in size to Gonarezhou and Hwange. It covers an area of some 220 000 hectares of remote wilderness - it is a theatre of the wild where the abundance of water and good grazing attracts much game. The Mana Pools, (meaning four pools) are old river channels several kilometres from where the Zambezi now flows, and were formed by flooding when the river was in full spate. Since Kariba was built flooding of this nature no longer occurs, although the Pools remain, fed instead by streams running into them. Surrounding fertile flood-plains have grown giant mahogany and acacia trees a veritable paradise for eles. The largest pool, Long Pool supports a wide variety of acquatic life. It is a place where grunting, blowing hippos eye one suspiciously, crocodiles pose as tree logs and animals come to drink. Appreciate an African sunset at Long Pool while being witness to nature playing out its everyday dramas.

The Park is home to all predators, as well as a wide range of grazers and browsers. A good network of roads pass animal haunts, enhancing ones chance of seeing rare sights. A large pack of Painted Dogs, endangered species in Zimbabwe, moves between Nyamepi and Vundu camps. The wealth of bird life is reflected in the statistic of 350 recorded species, many of them water birds living along the banks of the Zambezi where reeds, marsh and shallow waters provide rich pickings.

Mana Pools is a Malaria zone. Visitors should observe all precautions:- a prophylactic, insect repellant, mosquito nets or mozzie-proof tent, and light cover-up garments for evenings, particularly during the hot summer months. (October to April). Visit our Malaria Page for more information.

A note on tents: those with gauze windows opposite eachother allowing air circulation are most suitable Nights can be uncomfortably hot but under no circumstances should campers sleep in unzipped tents.

Drinking water should be boiled or chemically treated.

It is highly recommended that visitors resist the temptation to swim. The Pools and Zambezi waters are infected with bilharzia. (a water-borne parasite) added to which encounters with hippo and crocodiles are to be avoided at all costs.

Visitors are warned that monkeys throw caution to the wind if they think there is food to steal. Leaving anything edible uncovered or untended is an open invitation.

Secure cool boxes containing food inside your vehicle or tent at night.

Sturdy vehicles for the rough gravel roads are best, and only 4 x 4s would ensure safe arrival during the rainy season. (November to May).

There are no shops, no fuel stations and no restaurants at Mana. Take everything you need for the duration of your stay.
Accommodation is primarily in National Parks Lodges, Camp Sites and Exclusive Camps.

Four self catering Lodges are situated up-stream from Nyamepi camp sites. Two accommodate 4 persons and the other two accommodate up to 8. Each is self contained, serviced and fully equipped, including mosquito nets.
Nyamepi Camp has 29 sites shaded largely by beautiful Natal Mahogany trees. There are shared ablution blocks.
Exclusive Camps are Mucheni, Nkupi and Ndungu, Chessa and Gwaya.