Zimbabwe
Northern Zimbabwe (Zambezi Valley)
National Park
2,200 km²
Heritage
A PROLOGUE
Mana Pools National Park covers around 2,200 square kilometers along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, named for four permanent pools left behind by the river’s shifting course. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is one of the few in Africa where unguided walking is permitted, drawing visitors seeking a more immersive safari experience.
The park’s floodplains and albida forests support large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with lion, leopard, and one of Africa’s most photographed sights: elephants rearing onto their hind legs to reach nutritious acacia pods. Hippo and Nile crocodile are abundant along the river, while the dry season draws wildlife to the Zambezi’s permanent water.
Total Area
UNESCO Listing
Namesake Pools
Famous for rearing on hind legs to reach acacia pods in the trees.
Dense pods gather in the park's permanent pools and lagoons.
Common along the Zambezi River and the park's namesake pools.
Prides are regularly encountered across the floodplain.
Present throughout the park but most often spotted on night drives.
Large herds graze the floodplain, especially in the dry season.
A frequent sight perched along the Zambezi River.
Accommodations
Zimbabwe
Kanga Camp sits inland from the Zambezi within Mana Pools National Park, overlooking Kanga Pan, the only permanent water source in its area through the dry season.
That scarcity draws a near-constant stream of wildlife to the pan, visible directly from the main deck and plunge pool, earning the camp its reputation for ‘armchair safari’. Only six tents share the view.
Zimbabwe
Nyamatusi Camp lies within a private concession inside Mana Pools National Park, its contemporary tented suites facing directly onto the Zambezi River.
The design leans on natural materials and open frontage, with private plunge pools and uninterrupted river views. Activities include the walking safaris and canoeing for which Mana Pools is known, alongside game drives through the albida forests.
Zimbabwe
Ruckomechi Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River within Mana Pools National Park, beneath a canopy of mature albida trees on one of Africa’s most celebrated floodplains.
Tented suites face the river toward the Zambian escarpment beyond. The camp is best known for its walking safaris, tracking elephant and buffalo on foot, alongside canoe trips that drift past hippo and birdlife along the bank.
Location
Most nationalities receive South African entry on arrival; Zimbabwe issues an e-visa or visa on arrival. We confirm requirements for your passport.
Low-risk malaria areas — anti-malarials advised. No mandatory vaccinations from most countries; consult your travel clinic before departure.
South African Rand; US Dollars are widely used around Victoria Falls. Cards are accepted in cities; carry small USD for tips.
Warm days and cool mornings on safari in the dry season. Pack layers — early game drives can be cold even when afternoons are hot.
Neutral, breathable clothing, a warm layer, sun protection and binoculars. Soft bags are required on light aircraft, with strict weight limits.
Wi-Fi at all hotels and lodges, though deliberately gentle in the bush. Power is 230V; bring a universal adaptor.
The practical Guide
A quick visit combining a guided walking safari with a game drive along the Zambezi floodplain.
Per Person
A classic itinerary combining walking safaris, canoeing, and game drives along the Zambezi River.
Per Person
An extended stay with repeat walking safaris, canoe trips, and time to explore the park's remote interior.
Per Person
Matobo Hills National Park protects a dramatic landscape of weathered granite kopjes and balancing boulders in southwestern Zimbabwe, formed over more than two billion years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hills hold one of the richest concentrations of San rock art in southern Africa, alongside significant cultural and spiritual sites still used today.
Beyond its geology and history, Matobo is a vital rhino sanctuary, protecting both black and white rhino within a fenced conservation area, and is considered to have one of the highest densities of leopard anywhere in Africa. The park’s rugged terrain also makes it a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing among its ancient granite formations.
Mana Pools National Park covers around 2,200 square kilometers along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, named for four permanent pools left behind by the river’s shifting course. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is one of the few in Africa where unguided walking is permitted, drawing visitors seeking a more immersive safari experience.
The park’s floodplains and albida forests support large herds of elephant and buffalo, along with lion, leopard, and one of Africa’s most photographed sights: elephants rearing onto their hind legs to reach nutritious acacia pods. Hippo and Nile crocodile are abundant along the river, while the dry season draws wildlife to the Zambezi’s permanent water.
Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, covering around 14,650 square kilometers in the country’s northwest, bordering the Kalahari sands. Established in 1928, the park lacks significant natural surface water across much of its area, leading to a network of pumped waterholes that draw dramatic concentrations of wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Hwange is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, alongside significant numbers of lion, buffalo, giraffe, and endangered African wild dog. The park’s mix of Kalahari sand woodland, grassland, and seasonal pans supports over 100 mammal species and around 400 recorded bird species.
Victoria Falls is one of the world’s great natural spectacles, located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” the falls are recognised for their immense curtain of water, powerful spray and thunderous roar.
At 1,708 metres wide and up to 108 metres high, Victoria Falls is among the largest waterfalls on Earth. During high-water months, the rising spray can be seen from kilometres away, while rainbows often form above the gorge in the afternoon light.
Visitors can experience the falls from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Rainforest paths lead to spectacular viewpoints, while activities on the Zambezi River and in the surrounding gorge offer everything from gentle sunset cruises to adrenaline-filled white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Beyond the waterfall, Victoria Falls is a gateway to the wildlife, culture and landscapes of the Zambezi region. It can be paired with river safaris, national park visits, village experiences and scenic flights for a complete southern African adventure.
TOURS & SAFARIS
How it works
01
Share where you long to go and what would make it unforgettable .
02
A tailor-made itinerary matched to the right camps and seasons.
03
We shape every detail until the journey feels entirely your own.
04
A dedicated team is with you from landing to homecoming.
GUEST REVIEWS
answers
Mana Pools is one of the few African parks where unguided walking safaris are permitted, offering a rare, immersive way to experience the Zambezi floodplain.
Mana Pools’ elephants are known for rearing up on their hind legs to reach nutritious pods high in the park’s albida trees, a behaviour rarely seen elsewhere.
Yes, multi-day canoe safaris along the Zambezi River are one of the park’s signature activities, offering close encounters with hippo, elephant, and birdlife.
The dry season, from May to October, offers the best game viewing as wildlife concentrates along the Zambezi River and its floodplains.
Yes, Mana Pools was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognised for its exceptional wilderness and wildlife.
Most visitors fly into a nearby airstrip, as the park’s remote location makes self-driving a longer, more demanding journey from Harare.
Neutral-coloured clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended, given the park’s walking-focused activities.
