Mana Pools National Park
Which Month Is Best For Visiting Mana Pools National Park?
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park
  • When To Visit Mana Pools National Park

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
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Mana Pools Safari Camps And Lodges Map
Popular Zimbabwe Lodges
  • Changa Safari Camp

    Changa is set in an extremely remote location on the shores of Lake Kariba with views stretching out over the lake and onto the Matusadona mountains in the distance.

    Changa Safari Camp in the Matusadona National Park is the perfect safari option for those looking for something different without sacrificing game viewing.

  • Big Cave Camp

    Big Cave Camp is located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is here that one gets the chance to explore the boulder fields, Rhodes Grave and World's View, track rhinos, and view rock paintings when out on game drives.

    The surrounding Matobo Hills is as a spectacular a destination as one with find in Southern Africa.

  • Somalisa Expeditions Camp

    Nestled in the heart of Hwange National Park, Somalisa Expeditions Camp provides an enchanting escape into the wild. This safari camp, consisting of only six luxurious tented suites, invites guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying exceptional comfort and service.

    With stunning views of the floodplain and direct access to a lively waterhole full of wildlife, visitors are assured a memorable experience with the sights and sounds of the African bush. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, Expeditions Camp offers an unmatched safari experience.

  • Mpala Jena

    Step into the enchanting world of Mpala Jena, where the splendour of Africa comes alive! This luxurious safari lodge offers an extraordinary blend of adventure and relaxation, perfectly situated along the scenic Zambezi River.

    With its elegant design and commitment to sustainability, Mpala Jena serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and travellers alike. From soaking in the breathtaking views to indulging in gourmet meals, each moment is crafted to ensure a memorable experience.

  • Khayelitshe House

    Khayelitshe House is an exclusive use option best suited for a small group of friends or family on a safari together located just outside the Matobo National Park boundary.

    Khayelitshe Guest House is within easy access of the national park and all of the attractions that are found in the Matobo Hills.

  • Zambezi Expeditions Camp

    Zambezi Expeditions Camp, a semi-mobile camp is a fantastic option for exploring and experiencing all that is on offer within Mana Pools.

    Expeditions Camp is aimed squarely at those who want and need to get away from the modern world when on safari in the famed Mana Pools.