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Mana Pools

Travel Packages & Tours

Travel To Mana Pools

Mana Pools National Park, located in northern Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exceptional wildlife and wilderness experiences. The park’s floodplains, riverine forests, and open woodlands create the perfect habitat for elephants, lions, hippos, and numerous bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Visitors come to experience walking safaris, canoeing on the Zambezi, and game drives in an unspoiled, remote environment. The sense of adventure is heightened by the park’s low human footprint and intimate encounters with wildlife, offering a true African wilderness experience. Its river-based activities and rich biodiversity makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most unique and sought-after destinations for eco-tourism and adventurous travelers.

The one thing you must experience when visiting Mana Pools in Zimbabwe is a walking safari along the Zambezi River, where you can observe elephants, hippos, buffalo, and a variety of wildlife up close in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas.

cOUNTRY
Zimbabwe
Currency
Zimbabwean Dollar & US Dollars widely accepted
Language
English, Shona & Ndebele
Canoeing at Wilderness Little Ruckomechi in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Canoeing at Wilderness Little Ruckomechi in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Travel Information

Most travelers fall into Group A. Nationals from countries such as the United Kingdom, most European Union nations, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points or apply for an eVisa online before travel.

Citizens of countries in Broup B do not require a visa to enter Zimbabwe for tourism or business. Examples include South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and several Caribbean and Asian countries.

Travelers visiting both Zimbabwe and Zambia (and entering through Victoria Falls or Livingstone) can apply for the KAZA Univisa.

A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations, but proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from affected countries.

Harare International Airport (HRE)
Harare

Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)
Victoria Falls

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo (BUQ)
Bulawayo

Harare
The capital and largest city of Zimbabwe, known for its markets, modern business district, and nearby wildlife reserves such as Lake Chivero.

Bulawayo
Often called the “City of Kings,” it is famous for its culture, colonial architecture, and proximity to Matobo Hills National Park.

Victoria Falls
A resort town built around one of the world’s largest waterfalls, offering adventure activities, scenic flights, and river cruises on the Zambezi.

Mutare
Located in the Eastern Highlands, it is known for its mountains, tea estates, and access to Nyanga National Park.

Masvingo
Home to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most important archaeological landmarks.

Kariba
Located on the shores of Lake Kariba, it is popular for houseboat safaris, fishing, and sunset cruises.

Zimbabwean food is hearty and largely based on staple ingredients such as maize, grains, vegetables, and locally sourced meats. The national staple is sadza, a thick maize meal porridge served with a variety of relishes including meat, vegetables, or beans.

Meat dishes are common, with nyama meaning grilled beef, goat, or chicken being a favorite. Zimbabweans also enjoy braaied meats, often cooked over open fires. Fish, especially from Lake Kariba, is popular, with kapenta meaning small dried freshwater fish frequently served with sadza.

Mopane worms are a traditional delicacy, usually dried or cooked in tomato-based sauces. Other traditional dishes include derere meaning okra stew, covo meaning leafy greens, and mutakura meaning a mix of boiled maize and beans.

Meals often focus on communal eating emphasizing sharing and hospitality. They are usually accompanied by maheu, a non-alcoholic fermented maize drink, or locally brewed beers.

Avoid public criticism of the government or political leaders, as this can be sensitive.

Do not point with your finger; use your whole hand or nod when indicating directions.

Avoid littering or damaging the environment, especially in national parks and protected areas.

Do not take souvenirs from historical or cultural sites without permission.

Avoid loud or disruptive behaviour in public, particularly in rural communities and near sacred sites.

What's Happening in Mana Pools

January is part of the rainy season. Floodplains are beginning to fill, creating greengrazing areas. Elephants and other herbivores feed on fresh vegetation. Predator activity is less concentrated as prey is dispersed. Birdlife is abundant, including migratory species arriving for the wet season.
Heavy rains continue, keeping the park green and water sources plentiful. Many animals give birth during this time, particularly impala, waterbuck, and zebras. Predator activity is widespread but less predictable due to dispersed prey. Hippos are active in flooded areas of the Zambezi.
March sees the end of the heavy rains. Floodplains remain green, and wildlife is still widely dispersed. Predator-prey interactions occur across larger areas. Bird populations remain high, and the Zambezi is full, allowing hippos and crocodiles to thrive.
Water levels begin to recede as rainfall decreases. Predators such as lions and leopards increase hunting activity near remaining waterholes. Herbivores start concentrating around shrinking water sources. Elephant herds are often seen moving between the river and grazing areas.
May marks the start of the dry season. Wildlife begins to congregate around permanent water sources. Predator kills are more visible and predictable at waterholes. Hippos and crocodiles are still prominent along the Zambezi. Vegetation is slightly drier but still plentiful.
June is dry and cooler. Game viewing improves as animals cluster near water. Lions and wild dogs are actively hunting, and cheetahs may be seen with cubs. The park is ideal for observing predator-prey dynamics. Bird diversity is lower, but waterbirds remain near the river.
July is one of the best months for wildlife viewing. Dry conditions concentrate animals around the Zambezi and permanent pools. Predator activity is high, with lions and hyenas hunting frequently. Elephants may migrate along traditional dry-season routes. Vegetation is sparse, making tracking easier.
August is hot and dry, with excellent visibility for spotting wildlife. Large herds of elephants, buffalo, and antelope are seen at waterholes. Predators continue hunting regularly. Some animals start marking territories and mating activity may be observed in certain species.
September remains dry and hot. Water is limited, and wildlife is highly concentrated. Predator kills are easier to observe. Herbivores may show signs of stress due to scarce grazing. Elephants dig for water in dry riverbeds. Birdlife is lower, except for species adapted to dry conditions.
October is the hottest month, with extreme dry conditions. Wildlife congregations at remaining pools peak. Predators are very active around waterholes. Vegetation is dry and brown. Early signs of the approaching rains may stimulate mating activity in some species.
November marks the beginning of the rainy season. Early showers transform the plains and stimulate new plant growth. Herbivores disperse to feed on fresh grass. Many animals give birth during the wet season, especially impalas and zebras. Predator activity spreads as prey becomes more dispersed.
Rainfall increases, and floodplains start filling again. Young animals born earlier in the season begin to explore under watchful eyes of mothers. Predators have less predictable hunting patterns. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants enjoy replenished river and pool systems. Birdlife increases as migratory species return.
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