Mana Pools National Park Safari Tours
What are the reasons to visit Mana Pools National Park?
Situated amidst enchanting woodlands along the banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park offers a rich sensory experience in Zimbabwe. In the rainy season, the terrain is characterized by vibrant greens and blues, while in the dry months, it metamorphoses into a golden cathedral. It is a captivating setting of unspoiled African wilderness poised to reestablish travelers’ connection to the natural world.
In the Shona language, “mana” signifies “four”. Mana lakes National Park derives its name and designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the four distinctive oxbow lakes interspersed across its wetland landscape, which were created over millennia by the shifting channel of the persistent Zambezi River.
Mana Pools is recognized as one of Africa’s premier locations for wildlife observation and avian watching. The Nile crocodile and hippopotamus navigate the turbid waters, while the treetops and sky teem with over 350 avian species. Elephants, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, impalas, baboons, and others congregate along the verdant banks of the pools for sustenance, while lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas lurk nearby.
In the rainy season, the park’s floodplains inundate, converting it into a broad stretch of lakes. Subsequently, in the warmer months, the lakes desiccate, and the peripheries of the pools become bustling with activity. This provides exceptional wildlife and game-viewing opportunities. The scant vegetation of Mana Pools makes it an optimal site for walking safaris, and having 2,196 km² of water, it is also excellent for canoe safaris.
Mana Pools National Park Tours and Safaris
Hotels and Lodges in Mana Pools National Park
More Information About Mana Pools National Park
What is the optimal time to visit Mana Pools National Park?
The lodges are closed during the rainy season, from January to March. The majority of large game species migrate from the river to the escarpment. They begin to return to the riverine regions around April as the pools in the woods deplete. The majority of lodges typically remain open until mid-November. By mid-October, the temperatures remain excessively high for comfortable travel, earning the designation “suicide month” among residents.
Which animals are typically observed at Mana Pools National Park?
Mana Pools is among the most isolated reserves in Africa, drawing numerous huge mammals. Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts Zimbabwe’s most substantial aggregation of hippopotamus, crocodile, elephant, and buffalo.
Numerous antelope species, large felines, primates, and four of the Big Five are present, excluding the black rhinoceros. Additionally, the region is home to a robust population of African wild dogs, among the healthiest in the continent.
Additional creatures to anticipate are the eland, impala, waterbuck, baboon, monkey, zebra, and warthog. They are attracted by the fallen Albida fruit, for which Mana Pools is renowned.
What avian species may one anticipate in Mana Pools National Park?
In this region, one will always be accompanied by birdsong. The park has over 400 documented bird species, attracting birdwatchers from various locations to witness the avian activity. Prominent species encompass the African skimmer, Long-toed lapwing, Pel’s fishing owl, Rufous-bellied heron, Carmine bee-eater, and Black-winged stilt, among several others.
What distinguishes Mana Pools National Park?
In addition to accommodating numerous elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, Mana Pools National Park possesses several other distinctive characteristics.
Liberty
Mana Pools is the sole national park in Africa that permits unrestricted walking without a professional guide. This renders it a preferred choice for individuals who cherish freedom yet possess extensive experience in the wilderness. We recommend that all novices engage a guide, not just for safety but also to maximize their experience. The fauna of Mana Pools is so habituated to human presence that they scarcely acknowledge it, facilitating remarkable close encounters.
Mana Pools is a photographer’s haven, characterized by significant variations in light throughout the day.
– The golden radiance of dawn accompanies the early morning. Envision vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges illuminating the clouds over the Zambezi, enveloping the park in an ethereal glow.
– The afternoon light, filtered through the canopies of the enormous Faidherbia Albida trees, possesses a strange character. The light resembles that which might permeate a stained glass window in a grand cathedral, illuminating the fauna beneath in vibrant hues.
– The azure light of late afternoon transitions to the gentler hues of twilight; brilliant rays illuminate the dust stirred by herds of buffalo and other antelope. The tangerine-hued atmosphere begins to cool, and the diurnal creatures commence their nocturnal repose.
Elephants that transcend gravitational limitations
During the dry season, a significant portion of the accessible vegetation has been removed from the lower branches of bushes and trees along the valley floor. A limited number of Mana’s elephants have devised a solution to this issue, which many perceive as an almost unattainable capability for an animal of such size.
The remaining succulent branches of the Faidherbia Albida (commonly known as winter thorn and apple-ring acacias) are inaccessible to even the largest beasts in the park. However, observing the delectable confections above, Mana’s elephants have acquired the ability to accumulate their weight below and elevate themselves onto their hind legs. This enables them to broaden their reach and approach the verdant canopy at the apex of the trees.
This behavior is distinctive to Mana Pools, and observing it from a few meters away will leave you astonished by the animals’ ability to effortlessly elevate their massive forms. Similar to many aspects of Mana Pools, it is an exceptionally enchanting experience.
What is the route to Mana Pools National Park?
Limited airlines operate direct flights to Zimbabwe. The majority travel to Johannesburg and thereafter connect to Harare, Victoria Falls, or Bulawayo on the same day. The majority of tourists arrive at Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), situated 18 km (11 km) south of Victoria Falls, and proceed by automobile or chartered aircraft.
Mana Pools National Park is located near the northernmost extremity of Zimbabwe, approximately 390 kilometers from the capital, Harare. Access to the park is predominantly restricted to cars from November to April; a four-wheel drive is advised if driving is necessary.
Most visitors to the park arrive to Mana Pools airstrip via flights from Kariba, although charters are available from other locations in Zimbabwe.
Depending on your selected resort, schedule, and budget, our Travel Experts would be pleased to provide guidance on the optimal route to Mana Pools National Park or the adjacent reserves.