Mana Pools National Park

Located in Zimbabwe's remote and wild northern region, Mana Pools combines the Zambezi River, flood plains and steep hills of the escarpment into one of Africa's most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks teeming with both wildlife and birdlife alike.

Mana Pool is home to a remarkable concentration of wildlife, including; lion elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena, to mention only a few.

Mana Pools National Park Facts

Size: 2 200 kms
Location: Northern Zimbabwe
When to visit the park: The dry season (winter and autumn)
Altitude: varies between 350 to 1 200 metres above sea level
Accommodation: Lodges In Mana Pools

Where is Mana Pools National Park located?

Located in the far northern region of Zimbabwe, the park is found between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment opposite Zambia and the Lower Zambezi National Park.

To the east of the Park is Lake Kariba and to the west is Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique, all connected by the Zambezi River.

Click on this link to view for your self where Mana Pools is located on a Google Map; Google Maps - Mana Pools National Park

Best Time to Visit Mana Pools National Park?

The dry season is the best time to visit; when the summer rains start, a vast area of Mana Pools and surrounding safari areas become inaccessible, making accessing certain lodges and regions by vehicle impossible.

A few lodges and camps do, however, remain open year-round as they are accessible via boat and vehicle.

Note; November is a month known for incredibly high temperatures in the Zambezi Valley; we would suggest avoiding this period if you can.

Information On Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park comprises 2 200 km² of some of the wildest and remotest regions in Southern Africa. Combine the National Park with surrounding 'safaris areas' (Sapi Safari Area (1 180 km²) and Chewore Safari Area (3 390 km²) and all of a sudden one gets to realise just how big the total wildlife area actually is, 6 770 km² in total.

This total area combined is a 'UNESCO World Heritage site'.

Just as a little fun exploring experiment, click on the above Google map links, change it to 'satellite view', now zoom in and out of the area. Note how there are no towns, no roads, and no farms; this is what wildest Africa at its best looks like.

Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi National Park are within our top 5 best wildlife destinations to visit in Africa; the Zambezi Valley is truly spectacular.

Main Attractions Of Mana Pools National Park

Canoeing safaris
Boating excursions
Tiger fishing
Birding and wildlife photography
Predators
Huge herds of elephants
Large pods of hippos
Stunning lodges and camps

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Set in the private Malilangwe Reserve, Singita Pamushana offers its guests, without a doubt, some of the most unparalleled game viewing in Southern Africa. While the famed ‘Big 5’ are all present, the sheer diversity of the birdlife is exceptional.

Beyond the magnificent wildlife, the lodge itself is captivating, with breathtaking 180° views over the surrounding bushveld. Singita Pamushana is, without question, one of the absolute finest lodges that Africa has to offer.
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Khayelitshe House

Khayelitshe House is a private, exclusive-use property perfect for a small group of friends or family on safari. Located just outside Matobo National Park, it offers both privacy and easy access to the area's stunning natural beauty.

Khayelitshe Guest House offers easy access to Matobo Hills National Park, where visitors can explore diverse wildlife, ancient rock art, and breathtaking landscapes. This charming retreat caters to your needs, whether you seek adventure or relaxation, ensuring unforgettable memories in a serene, picturesque setting.
Khayelitshe House
Ingwe Pan Camp

Ingwe Pan Camp enjoys an absolutely unparalleled location, offering a unique blend of convenience and seclusion. A mere 30-minute exhilarating game drive away from both the iconic Zambezi River, with its incredible hippo and crocodile populations, and the legendary Mana floodplain, renowned for its large elephant herds.

This gem of a camp is situated on the edge of the Ingwe Pan, surrounded by untouched bushveld. It is teeming with wildlife, including frequent sightings of painted dogs and lions, all within the magnificent Mana Pools National Park.
Ingwe Pan Camp
Pioneers Victoria Falls

Nestled just minutes away from the majestic Victoria Falls, Pioneers Victoria Falls captures the perfect blend of elegance and adventure. This charming upmarket hotel offers a serene retreat for those seeking luxurious comfort amidst one of the world's most striking natural wonders.

With stylish rooms and diverse dining options, guests can enjoy a unique experience that combines sophistication with exceptional service. Whether you want to relax or explore the surroundings, Pioneers Victoria Falls promises a stay full of unforgettable moments.
Pioneers Victoria Falls
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Perched high on dramatic cliffs overlooking the meandering Save River, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled gateway to the breathtaking Gonarezhou National Park. This is, without a doubt, one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness retreats, combining luxurious comfort with the raw beauty of the wild.

Gonarezhou, or "big game country," is Africa at its most untamed. Here, you'll find iconic wildlife: elephants, buffalo, elusive cats, and rhinos roaming free. If you're lucky, you might even spot rare African wild dogs—a safari highlight.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Verney's Camp

Verney's Camp is an exclusive private concession in a truly remote and untouched corner of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. This hidden gem offers a safari experience like no other, perfectly blending rugged wilderness with exceptional comfort and charm.

Verney's Camp is renowned for its tranquility and immersive wildlife encounters. Whether you’re gazing across the expansive plains from your luxury tent or sipping a drink as the sun sets over the horizon, every moment here feels like a scene from a dream.
Verney's Camp