Mana Pools Canoeing Safari

Day 1: Start Of Trail

• Depart Kariba for two hour road transfer to Chirundu on the Zambezi River.
• Here we meet up with any pre-arranged transfers from Lusaka or Harare at our launch site by 10:30hrs.
• After launching the canoes we have a briefing from their guide on the river (this includes safety procedures, canoe orientation etc.)
• Here we may also decide to have an early lunch before setting off on the river.
• On this first day we cover a 15km stretch of river with some interesting channels to negotiate early on in the trip.
• Elephant frequently occur on the grassy islands that abound in the area.
• We all help with the setting up of camp, tents, bedding and own canoe contents.
• Distance: approx. 15 kilometreskm
• Meals: L/D
• Accommodation: Wild Camping

Day 2: Zambezi River Wild Camping

• To make the most of the cool part of the day we rise early with tea/coffee and biscuits.
• This usually calm time of day allows us to make reasonable head way before the wind picks up.
• After a few hours canoeing, we stop for an hour's breakfast before setting off downstream again until we find a shady stop.
• Lunch is taken on mainland where we are more likely to find deep shade to retreat into, for the day is at its hottest between 12:30hrs and 14:30hrs.
• There is time for a quick lie down on the camping mattresses while we wait out the heat.
• By 15:00hrs we are on our way to our next island camp site which the guide will choose according to the progress that has been made so far.
• Should all go according to plan, and with no wind factor, we should cover approx 25km comfortably on this day, with a variable river current carrying us along at 4 km/h.
• Distance: approx. 28 kilometreskm
• Meals: B/L/D
• Accommodation: Wild Camping

Day 3: Zambezi River Wild Camping

• On this day we strive to emulate the previous day’s distances with much the same routine.
• Today the scenery changes as the river splits into a multitude of interesting channels on the approach the Main Mana flood plain.
• Guides frequently take the opportunity to break off into these quiet back waters which open up an entirely different view of the fauna and flora along the river system.
• Camp on this day is set up on an island amongst a grove of Mahogany trees.
• Distance: approx. 22 kilometreskm
• Meals: B/L/D
• Accommodation: Wild Camping

Day 4: Mana Island Trail Ends

• Today we break with routine and have breakfast on the island followed by a leisurely 5 km paddle to the take out point in Mana Pools where we meet our support vehicle and we load up the canoes and equipment for the return journey to Kariba.
• Having packed up we enjoy a short game drive in the park before the 4 hour journey back to Kariba.
• Approximately two hours of this drive out is through thick inland Mopani woodland and scrub.
• We generally aim to be back in Kariba by mid to late afternoon.
• Connecting transfers can be made from Makuti and Chirundu taking you to either Harare or Lusaka on the same day if required.
• However we suggest transfers out are caught the following day from Kariba.
• Meals: B/L