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, the park lies at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Its untouched landscapes, teeming with animals and birds, 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 African wild dogs, the park boasts a rich variety of species that roam freely across its 2,196 square kilometres. Visitors 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 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 blend of raw natural beauty and exclusive experiences promises lifelong memories for all who venture here.
Mana Pools National Park Facts
- Size: 2,196 km² (about 220,000 hectares)
- Location: Northern Zimbabwe, on the Zambezi River opposite Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park
- Altitude: 350 to 1,200 metres above sea level
- Best time to visit: The dry season – see when to visit Zimbabwe. Much of the park becomes inaccessible by vehicle once the rains start, though a few camps stay open year-round by boat and road. The Zambezi Valley is at its hottest just before the rains break.
- Malaria: The Zambezi Valley carries malaria risk all year – see malaria in Zimbabwe
- Accommodation: Lodges in Mana Pools
Information on Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park comprises 2,196 km² of some of the wildest and remotest country in southern Africa. Add the neighbouring Sapi Safari Area (1,180 km²) and Chewore Safari Area (3,390 km²) and you begin to realise just how big the wildlife area really is: 6,766 km² in total, all of it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For a little fun exploring, open Mana Pools on Google Maps, switch to satellite view and zoom in and out. Note how there are no towns, no farms and barely a road – this is wild Africa at its very best.
Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi National Park are among our top five wildlife destinations in Africa; the Zambezi Valley is truly spectacular.
Main Attractions of Mana Pools National Park
- Canoeing safaris
- Boating excursions
- Tigerfish fishing
- Birding and wildlife photography
- Predators
- Huge herds of elephants
- Large pods of hippos
- Stunning lodges and camps
Mana Pools National Park: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mana Pools National Park?
Mana Pools National Park lies in the Zambezi Valley in far northern Zimbabwe, between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment. Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park faces it across the river. Lake Kariba lies upstream to the west, and Mozambique’s Cahora Bassa to the east, downstream along the same river.
How big is Mana Pools National Park?
Mana Pools National Park covers 2,196 km², about 220,000 hectares. With the neighbouring Sapi and Chewore safari areas it forms a 6,766 km² World Heritage Site, and all of it sits within a protected Zambezi ecosystem of around 10,500 km² – vast, roadless country with no towns or farms anywhere in it.
How do you get to Mana Pools National Park?
You can reach Mana Pools by light aircraft, by road transfer or on a self-drive safari. Flying in is the quickest and easiest way to arrive, while the road brings you down the Zambezi Escarpment into the valley. Once the rains start, much of the park becomes inaccessible by vehicle.
What does “Mana” mean?
“Mana” means “four” in Shona, and the park is named after four large pools on the floodplain inland from the river. They are old oxbow lakes, left behind as the Zambezi shifted its course, and they hold water well into the dry season – which is exactly why the wildlife gathers here.
Why is Mana Pools a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Mana Pools was inscribed by UNESCO in 1984, together with the Sapi and Chewore safari areas, purely on natural grounds: exceptional wilderness scenery, intact ecological processes and rich wildlife along the Zambezi. The floodplain was also designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 2013, a second seal of approval.
How does Mana Pools compare with the Lower Zambezi National Park?
They are two banks of the same river, facing each other across the Zambezi, and much of the wildlife moves between them. Mana Pools is the Zimbabwe side and slots naturally into a trip with Hwange and Victoria Falls; the Lower Zambezi fits a Zambia itinerary better. Both are superb for canoeing.
How does Mana Pools compare with Hwange National Park?
Mana Pools is a river park and Hwange a dry-land one. Mana’s game gathers on the Zambezi floodplain beneath the ana trees, with canoeing and walking the signature experiences. Hwange, Zimbabwe’s largest national park, sits on Kalahari sand, where the elephants rely on pumped waterholes. Many of our itineraries combine the two.
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