Mana pools national park is a world heritage site based on its pure wilderness and beauty, it is home to a wide range of mammals, over 350 bird species and aquatic wildlife. More on mana pools national park holidays mana pools is one of the few parks in africa where you are actually permitted to leave the safety of your vehicle and walk unescorted through the bush. The close encounters with the game in the camp site was the best part of the visit. Its essential that you book ahead for a stay in mana pools, whether youre going to be staying at a luxury camp or at one of the zimbabwe national parks and. The apple ring acacia keeps the elephant herds alive during the fierce octobernovember dry season. Talk to safari online about a mana pools national park safari. The following are some of the main activities offered at mana pools national park. Forming the parks northern border is the broad zambezi river, its backdrop the mountains of the rift valley escarpment across the waters in neighbouring zambia. Mana pools national park is a 219,600 ha wildlife conservation area and national park in northern zimbabwe. Mana pools national park zimbabwe attractions lonely planet. This magnificent and extensive wildlife and wilderness complex is widely recognized as one of the finest in africa. Regarded as being both zimbabwes best park and one of the finest wilderness areas in africa, mana pools national park is a superb zimbabwe safari destination. The nyamepi camping area is a large communal camping site, in total it has 30 sites and is is situated along the zambezi river.
Start this article has been rated as startclass on the projects quality scale. The best way to spend your time at mana pools is to take a picnic lunch and park at one of the pools, especially chine pool or long pool, and relax while all manner of creatures come to drink. All are situated in the zambezi valley, along the middle and. Its flanked by zambias lower zambezi national park on its north bank, and zimbabwes mana pools national park to the south. We heard the park referenced many times and knew that it was a fact that those fortunate enough to make it to the park were rewarded with an amazing safari. Mana pools has large tracts of wilderness only accessible on foot. Hwange national park is the largest wildlife reserve in zimbabwe, occupying roughly 14,650 sq. The zambezi is the northern boundary of the park and the different pools in the park provide just enough water for the animals in the dry season where were in right now. Mana pools national park everything to know discover africa. Mana pools national park zimbabwe safari safari online. Mana pools on foot and by car in zimbabwes wildest wildlife park. Meaning four in the local shona language, mana refers to the parks four large pools that are vestiges of ancient oxbow lakes carved out by the mighty zambezi.
Mana pools national park offers a unique unguided walk in the wilderness, it allows experiencing nature at its best. Mana pools national park after leaving lake kariba, the zambezi river continues east through the huge rift valley, widening and slowing down as it meanders through the lower zambezi valley. Situated at the northern most point of zimbabwe straddling the zambian border, mana pools is remarkably beautiful. Mana pools national park travel northern zimbabwe, zimbabwe. Mana pools national park is located in the north park of zimbabwe and is one of the smaller parks in the country but despite its size, has much to offer the keen safarigoer. Open from april to december, its wild, remote and archingly photogenic one of the last wildwalking national parks in the world, wildlife encounters here are both. During the rainy season, the usual flood plains you see turn into a vast lake.
Mana pools national park travel guide at wikivoyage. This magnificent 2200sqkm national park is a unesco world heritagelisted site and its magic stems from its remoteness and pervading sense of the wild and natural. Mana pools national park is a very remote and undeveloped reserve situated on the lower zambezi river in the zambezi valley in northern zimbabwe. There are a number of camping sites within mana pools national park, where you can experience being right in the middle of wildlife and nature. This magnificent 2200sqkm national park is a unesco world. These four oxbow pools were formed over thousands of years by the changing course of the relentless zambezi river. You book a day before at the tourist office, you pay after the walk, and the price. Mana pools national park everything to know discover. The zambezi river begins its journey from a crack in a rock in the congo and passes through zambia, over two gorges victoria falls being one, through two of the worlds largest dams, and into the indian ocean. The wildlife conservation area is one of the wildest national park areas in southern africa and regarded as one of the best places to view wildlife with big populations of hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo. Book for a selfdrive in and have an experience of wildlife scenery and close. Mana pools national park together with charara, hurungwe, sapi, chewore and dande safari areas in zimbabwe and lower zambezi national park in zambia form the world heritage site. The national park is very remote and the nearest town is makuti which is 100kms away so it is recommended that visitors ensure they have enough provisions for the duration of their stay.
The area is home to a remarkable concentration of wild animals, including elephants, buffalo, leopards and cheetahs. Licensed to youtube by wmg on behalf of warner records label. Mana pools national park is located along the south bank of the zambezi river at the extreme northern end of zimbabwe, approximately 150 miles northwest of harare. Mana pools national park was one of the parks really on top of our parks bucket list. Mana pools national park zimbabwe attractions lonely. Set in mana pools national park in zimbabwe, the photographs show animal behaviour, landscapes and some of the wonderful trees and plants that are found in. Book between april july and receive 50% off internal flights. The cost of national parks is increasing, so now we pick our destinations carefully. These activities reflect some of the experiences theyve most enjoyed while visiting mana pools national park, and which use the best local guides. Mana pools is deservedly one of zimbabwes most popular wildlife destinations and the park facilities can become stretched in the main winter season. Only doma safari area, the furthest from the zambezi river is excluded from this designation due to poaching and human intrusion. Mana pools national park, which fronts onto the zambezi river is a unesco world heritage site a status it shares with its downstream neighbouring safari areas in sapi and chewore. The designated site consists of three different areas. Set in mana pools national park in zimbabwe, the photographs show animal behaviour, landscapes and some of the wonderful trees and plants that are found in this area.
A paradise for walking and canoeing safaris, mana pools is a wildliferich, biodiverse. Mana pools national park is within the scope of wikiproject zimbabwe, which aims to improve wikipedia s coverage of zimbabwe and zimbabwerelated topics. Available around the park at developed, minimum development and exclusive sites. Receive 50% off flights with safari logistics in and out of mana pools national park, when staying at any african bush camps zimbabwe property, with a minimum of 3 nights at nyamatusi camp, nyamtusi mahogany, kanga andor zambezi expeditions minimum 2 pax. Mana pools national park, northern zimbabwe southern. The best time for wildlife viewing in mana pools national park is during the dry. The annual congregation of animals in riparian parkland alongside the broad zambezi constitutes one africas outstanding wildlife spectacles. Well recommend the best tour or accommodation for your requirements. Situated at the northernmost point of zimbabwe straddling the zambian border, read more. Explore mana pools national park holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Three luxury camps thatll make you want to visit mana pools national park. Situated in the middle of the zambezi valley, the mana pools national park offers the incredible opportunity to embark on expertly guided canoe trails. Mana pools national park, zimbabwe strictly no advertising.
If you would like to participate, visit the project page. The protected area extends from lake kariba, right through to matusadona national park and several other game reserves. Ordinary camping is charged per site rate for maximum of 3 people whilst most exclusive sites are charged for 6 people with extras paying on arrival at the camp. You will have to stop at the top of the escarpment, just beyond. Aug 15, 2010 having only visited the mana pools national park once before, we were excited to visit the chitake bush camp having heard many great stories. All are situated in the zambezi valley, along the middle and lower zambezi river and near the border with zambia. Accommodation fees per park and facility accommodation rates will range between the low season and the peak season rate from 10%100% of off peak rates. The park is usually explored by canoe or on foot, uniquely offered as guided or unguided activities, and is particularly appealing to adventure seekers.
The park itself is a unesco world heritage site and is home to huge populations of buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a. Camping is directly on the zambezi river, and virtually everyone has animals wander directly through their. The park itself is a unesco world heritage site and is home to huge populations of buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, elephants and a colourful array of birds. Regarded as being both zimbabwes best park and one of the finest wilderness areas in africa, mana pools national park is a superb safari destination. Mana pools national park it is a region of the lower zambezi river in zimbabwe where the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As of this writing no visitor information was available. The number of cars allowed into the national park at one time is limited. Nov 09, 2012 filmmaker, ralph stutchburys movie trailer for mana pools national park. Zimbabwe highlights 11 days may november hwange national. Canoeing down the zambezi river through mana pools national park would have to rate as one of my alltime favourite african wildlife experiences. Mana pools national park zimbabwe a world of wonders.
It should, therefore, come as no surprise that the mana pools national park earned its name and its status as a unesco world heritage site from the four iconic pools dotted across its wetland waterscape. Other articles where mana pools national park is discussed. Mana pools national park zimparks rates zimbabwe connections. Mana pools national park is located on the southern bank of the zambezi river in northern zimbabwe. Mana is also central to the larger middle zambezi biosphere reserve. High this article has been rated as highimportance on the projects importance scale. Mana pools national park often felt like more of a myth than reality to us. It is a series of pools resulting from ancient oxbow lakes from the zambezi floodplain in northern zimbabwe.
Its northern boundary is the zambezi river wide and slowmoving at this point and with its banks covered in forest. The author was born to english parents in bulawayo. Mana pools camping some important things to note wild zambezi. Camping sites at mana pools national park 2020 all you need. Mana pools national park zimbabwe safari tours hills.
Mana pools is not open yearround as the soil type when wet becomes a sticky bog. This may also be the reason why canoe safaris, in particular, are popular here. Direct bookings for lodges, camping site, game drives, walking, canoeing, bird watching, school trips etc. As the lakes gradually dry up and recede, the region attracts many large animals in search of water, making it one of. Experienced guides and reveal big game as well as many smaller things such as animal tracks, insects and brightly coloured birds. Mana pools national park in the middle zambezi valley covers an area of 2196 square kilometres 848 square miles extending from the zambezi river in the north to the escarpment in the south. Visit mana pools national park, zimbabwe audley travel. Gliding along this magnificent stretch of one of the worlds wildest rivers in a small fiberglass canoe past writhing pods of grunting hippos makes you realise how insignificant you are in the world. Mana madness special 6 nights minimum 1 april to 31 july 2020. On the banks of the zambezi, great cliffs overhang the river and the floodplains. You should know that this unique park has two faces. Life in nature has a cruel way to show us that survivors arent always the strongest, or the smartest, but more often simply the luckiest. It is a region of the lower zambezi river in zimbabwe where the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season.
I was very excited to be finally visiting mana pools having heard so much about it. By browsing through this site you agree to our use of cookies. Ten years after it first came out, the national parks. Mana pools is one of those national parks people talk about for years and years after their visit. Mana pools national park zimbabwe safaris tailormade. Rugged mana pools national park set deep in the rugged zambezi valley, mana pools national park is one of zimbabwes premier game viewing areas. Mana pools safari mana pools is the golden child of the zambezi valley, rugged and beautiful, it is home to a wonderful mix of grassy floodplains, woodlands and riverine forest. Mana pools camping mana pools national park forum tripadvisor. As registered zimparks and kariba ferries booking agents with our own 4. Like in the tv series of the same title that it follows almost word for word, the story is very well told. Its the core of the unesco world heritage site which covers the manasapichewore complex. Ideally, the best time to visit this park is a little after dry season begins, around the end of junemiddle of july, to give the bush a chance to dry up inland and nudge the game toward the permanent pools and the river.
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download. Mana pools national park accommodation lucky bean travel. Mana pools is deservedly one of zimbabwes most popular wildlife destinations and the park facilities can. Mana pools national park, a world heritage site, is pristine wilderness on the zambezi river. Mana pools seasons, is a collection of photographs that reflect the different conditions in a wildlife area, between the wet and dry seasons. Mana pools world heritage site pictures, info and travel. Mana pools national park gondwana safari tour operators. Mana pools national park holidays book for 20202021 with our. Friends of mana pools, zimbabwe public group facebook.
Compare camps, lodges and canoe safaris around mana pools national park. Entry to this park a unesco world heritage site is strictly controlled by the zimbabwe national parks and wildlife management authority. Parks staff will take visitors on a 3 day hike in the wild of manapools national park. However, with its burgeoning elephant and buffalo populations as well as no shortage of lions, leopards and african wild dogs, most visitors will wisely. Mana pools is only partially developed as a tourist centre, but is so popular that the available facilities can become overcrowded. Jul 04, 2017 as a result of feedback received by wild zambezi from visitors who have enjoyed camping in mana pools national park, here are some important pointers to remember if you are planning a stay there. An important concentration of nile crocodiles is also be found in the area. These pools are the resulting oxbow lakes that the zambezi river carved out thousands of years ago as it changed its course northwards. As a result of feedback received by wild zambezi from visitors who have enjoyed camping in mana pools national park, here are some important pointers to remember if you are planning a stay there. It is essential to prebook accommodation and camping with the zimparks hq booking office prior to your trip. What sets mana pools apart from just about any other park in the world is that youre allowed to walk around on foot without a guide. For those wanting to get away from the crowds and experience the african wilderness as it was intended, mana pools national park is a popular choice. Mana pools national park national park, zambia britannica. For firsttime visitors its hard to fathom how such an arrangement is possible, especially given the prevalence of elephants wandering about.
Mana pools national park, a unesco world heritage natural. Hwange national park kazuma pan national park mana pools national. During the seasonal downpours the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes which, with the cessation of rain, gradually dry up and recede, thus attracting many. All this, together with the baobab, ebony, mahogany and fig tree forests that frame the area, accounts for mana pools reputation as the finest national park in africa.
Camping is directly on the zambezi river, and virtually everyone has animals wander directly through their camp. This was a recent development in 2010 which gave it an enhanced status in conservation. This refers to the four large pools found inside the national park. For firsttime visitors its hard to fathom how such an arrangement is possible, especially given the prevalence of elephants wandering about as well as cats and other predators. The zambezi valley, matusadona and mana pools kindle edition by gavin ford.
Mana pools is a unesco world heritage site and one of the least developed national parks in southern africa. Mana pools national park, northern zimbabwe southern africa. The four main pools have water all year round, a veritable magnet to the prolific wildlife, especially in the dry season august to october. A timeless wilderness considered by many to be the jewel of zimbabwes national parks and certainly a favourite of ours. Mana pools camping some important things to note wild. Aug 08, 2018 mana pools is one of those national parks people talk about for years and years after their visit. Camping sites at mana pools national park 2020 all you.
Please note that given the exceptional circumstances related to the coronavirus covid19 pandemic, regular mail sent to the world heritage centre in paris. Friends of mana pools, zimbabwe has 14,631 members. It was declared a world heritage site by unesco in 1984. As a unesco world heritage site, its not hard to see why mana pools national park is a wellknown place to visit in zimbabwe. We can also tailormake an itinerary for you that includes victoria falls and zimbabwes other top safari destination hwange national park, home to the biggest elephant herds outside of neighbouring botswana. Mana pools national park is a core nucleus for the lower zambezi biosphere. Luck is hard work i felt helpless as i watched a cruel african drama unfold in front of me at mana pools national park, zimbabwe. We were greeted by the smiling, enthusiastic team in the cool, lush camp on the on arrival, and instantly felt welcomed.
The name mana means four in the local shona language. Safari logistics mana pools national park unesco world. Mana pools national park offer a number of activities including canoeing, guided walks, lion tracking, fishing and game drives. Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. Zimparks zimbabwe parks and wildlife management authority. Mana pools is one of the ultimate safari destinations in africa and can be enjoyed in a safari vehicle, on foot or by canoe with the best guides in africa. A timeless wilderness considered by many to be the jewel of zimbabwes national parks and certainly a. Mana pools national park travel guide and information. Mana pools is the finest safari spot on the zambezi river. Americas best idea remains hands down the best book about the history of the national parks. Mana pools national park in the middle zambezi valley covers an area of 2196 square kilometres 848 square miles extending from the zambezi river in the. Mana pools is a wildlife conservation area centered around four large permanent pools. Mana pools national park is a unesco world heritage site in northern zimbabwe. It is in the northwest corner of the country, about onehour.
The 10 best mana pools national park hotel deals mar 2020. Its flanked by zambias lower zambezi national park on its north bank, and zimbabwes mana pools national park to. With our local knowledge on your side, you get to affordably experience major heritage sites in the region such as victoria falls, mana pools, chitake springs, kariba. The park was named a unesco world heritage site in 1984, after a plan to flood the area as part of a hydroelectricity project was dismissed. Professional photo gallery of mana pools national park showing stunning images, photos and pictures from award winning wildlife photographers. Inside zimbabwes mana pools national park your ultimate.