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John's Camp - walking safari.jpg

Useful Information

Mana Pools is a World Unesco Heritage Site situated alongside the mighty Zambezi River. The National Park is well known for its world class walking safaris, canoe safaris and a photographers dream destination. The region also offers excellent 4x4 safaris, boat safaris and catch and release fishing.

Named after it's four large pools, the Park is a network of waterways and sandbanks, surrounded by lush vegetation, stands of mahogany trees and a healthy population of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lion, leopard and wild dogs. 

 

Offering both land and water-based activities, the Park has been an advocate for walking safaris since its opening, considered to be amongst the best in the world due to its world-class guides but also close encounters with relaxed wildlife.

The Park is also famed for it's golden light and landscape bringing in wildlife photographers from all over the world.

Visiting Mana Pools is limited to the dry season, between 1 May and 15 November each year.

Best time to visit MANA POOLS

Jan

Jul

Feb

Aug

Mar

Sep

Apr

Oct

May

Nov

Jun

Dec

Excellent

Good

Closed

Canoe Safari with Elephants on the Zambezi

Monthly features

Dry Season (June to October) is the prime time for a safari in Mana Pools National Park. Skies are clear, no rain and animals are in abundance along the rivers and pools.

Shoulder season (April, May & November)
April and May good for birding, clear skies and new born animals. The wildlife is more spread out due to many water sources. November can be an excellent month for wildlife but daytime temperatures can become high. Lodges offer best pricing over these months.

Green Season (January to March & December) Although this a beautiful time to be in Zimbabwe with lush green landscapes, all camps in Mana Pools are closed during these months due to most roads becoming undriveable. However for a great alternative visit Hwange Safaris for a green season safari.

Chitake Springs Walking Safari

Travelling to MANA POOLS

Depending on your individual travel needs, getting to Mana Pools National Park can be done in a variety of ways from Victoria Falls, Harare or Lusaka (Zambia), either by flight, road transfer or self-drive.
 

For the self-drivers, traveling by 4WD is recommended. Driving from Harare can take between 5-8 hours due to adverse road conditions, we therefore recommend flying, unless you are up to an adventure!

 

You also have the option of a boat transfer from Chirundu Town.

Charter Flights

Between 1 - 3 hours

Road Transfers

Between 5 - 7 hours - Harare

Between 3 - 5 hours - Lusaka

Self Drive

Possible to all camps. (4x4 Recommended)

(Please enquire on conditions)

Approx. 391 km's from Harare

Entry Gates (For Self Drivers)

Chimutsi Gate followed by Nyakasikana Gate

(Entry permits should be attained at Morongora Parks Office)

Mana Pools Gate Fees Per Person Per Day

  • Foreign Nationals: USD 20

  • SADC Citizens: USD 15

  • Zimbabwean: USD 8

  • Selected lodges include the above

Vehicle Fees Per Vehicle Per Day (self drivers)

  • Foreign Registered Accommodated: USD 3

  • Locally Registered Accommodated: USD 2

Safari Game Viewer in Mana Pools overlooking the Zambezi River
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