Mana Pools is renowned among photographers for several reasons. It is an exceptional destination for capturing stunning wildlife and landscape images:

1. Spectacular Scenery:

The park's landscape is incredibly picturesque, with the Zambezi River, expansive floodplains, and lush forests creating a breathtaking backdrop for photography. The play of light at sunrise and sunset over the river and the floodplains can produce mesmerizing, golden-hour shots.

2. Close Wildlife Encounters:

Mana Pools offers a unique opportunity for close wildlife encounters. The animals in the park are often habituated to the presence of humans, which means you can get relatively close to them on foot and/or vehicle without causing stress. This proximity allows for incredible wildlife shots with detailed, expressive images of animals.

3. Walking Safaris:

The ability to go on walking safaris in Mana Pools provides an excellent chance for photographers to capture animals and their surroundings from a more intimate perspective. This is particularly advantageous for getting low-angle shots and capturing the smaller details of the natural world.

4. Bird Photography:

Mana Pools is a paradise for birdwatchers and bird photographers. With over 350 bird species in the park, you'll have the opportunity to photograph a wide range of species, including eagles, herons, kingfishers, and storks. In the summer months the Park also attracts the rare African Pitta’s.

5. Canoe Safaris:

Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River offer a unique vantage point for photographing wildlife and landscapes. You can capture animals as they come to the river to drink and take shots from an unusual and beautiful perspective for wildlife and landscape photography.

6. Unspoiled Wilderness:

Mana Pools' remote and unspoiled wilderness means less human interference in the natural environment. This results in more natural behavior from wildlife and less human infrastructure in your shots, allowing for a genuine portrayal of the wild.

7. Diverse Wildlife:

Mana Pools boasts a wide variety of wildlife, from the iconic Big Four (elephants, lions, leopards and buffalos) as well as a healthy population of wild dogs and the majestic eland. This diversity of wildlife subjects provides ample opportunities for capturing a range of wildlife images.

8. Changing Seasons:

Mana Pools experiences distinct seasons, from the dry season with concentrated wildlife around water sources to the green season when the landscape is lush and vibrant. Each season offers unique photographic opportunities, ensuring diversity in your portfolio.

9. Expert Guides:

Many lodges and camps in Mana Pools provide some of the best safari guides in Africa who understand the park and its wildlife intimately. They can help you find the best photographic opportunities and positions to capture the most remarkable shots.

10. Rustic to Luxury Lodges:

The Park offers a wide array of accommodation, ranging from camping, mobile safaris, authentic bush camps to extremely luxurious lodges. For more info on where to stay in terms of price, preferences and best advice for safari activities, check out our accommodation page for more info.