Mana Pools National Park
Discover the Untamed Beauty and Abundant Wildlife of Mana Pools National Park
Nestled in the northern reaches of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools National Park is a sprawling wilderness that leaves its visitors in awe. Stretching along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River and framed by the dramatic Zambezi Escarpment, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its untouched landscapes, teeming with diverse animals and bird species, make it one of Africa’s most incredible safari destinations.
Mana Pools is a haven for those seeking unforgettable wildlife encounters. From elephants and lions to elusive leopards and agile African wild dogs, the park boasts a rich variety of species that roam freely across its 2,200 square kilometers. Visitors often marvel at the enormous pods of hippos and the vibrant birdlife, which add to the park's unmatched sense of vitality and serenity. This land of contrasts, where the floodplains meet rugged hills, holds endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Whether it’s paddling through the Zambezi on a canoe safari, capturing nature’s finest moments through wildlife photography, or simply soaking in the magic of the pristine wilderness, Mana Pools offers something for everyone. Its unique blend of raw natural beauty and exclusive experiences promises to etch lifelong memories in the hearts of all who venture here.
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
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