Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: Luxury Safari Guide

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Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: Luxury Safari Guide

Overview

Mana Pools National Park – Zimbabwe’s Untamed River Wilderness

Why Visit Mana Pools National Park

Short answer: Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. Its floodplains attract elephants, buffalo, lions and wild dogs, and it is famous for walking safaris and canoeing in one of Africa’s most pristine river landscapes.

The sun glints off the slow-moving waters ofthe Zambezi River, hippos sigh in the shallows, and elephants wander along the floodplains in a timeless rhythm. Welcome to Mana Pools National Park, a sanctuary of raw beauty and solitude, where every moment feels personal and untamed. For Camptrek Safaris guests, Mana Pools offers an intimate luxury experience  a chance to witness Africa’s wildlife up close, set against one of the continent’s most pristine river ecosystems.

Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its seasonal floodplains, abundant wildlife, and rich birdlife. Elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, and wild dogs roam freely, while the Zambezi provides canoe-based safaris, guided walking excursions, and private game drives that immerse guests in the wilderness. The park’s remote location ensures tranquility, privacy, and a connection to nature that few other destinations can offer.

Luxury here is understated and immersive. Exclusive lodges and riverside camps provide panoramic views, refined service, and private suites. Camptrek Safaris crafts bespoke itineraries, from early-morning walking safaris through misty floodplains to evening sundowners by the river, ensuring every experience is intimate, curated, and unforgettable

Best Time to Visit Mana Pools National Park

The dry season, from about June to October, is the best time to visit, when wildlife gathers on the Zambezi floodplains.

Explore more of Zimbabwe.

Mana Pools National Park FAQs

Why is Mana Pools special?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk and canoe among wildlife along the Zambezi.

When is the best time to visit Mana Pools?
June to October, during the dry season.

Can you combine Mana Pools with Victoria Falls?
Yes. See our Victoria Falls guide.

Contact our safari specialists to start planning your trip.

Highlights

Remote Riverine Luxury: Private lodges and camps with exclusive access to the Zambezi floodplains

Diverse Wildlife: Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, wild dogs, and prolific birdlife

 

Immersive Experiences: Canoe safaris, guided walks, and private game drives

Camptrek VIP Experiences: Tailor-made itineraries, expert guides, and exclusive riverfront excursions

Gallery

Places to Visit in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: Luxury Safari Guide

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Where to Stay in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: Luxury Safari Guide

Jao Camp, Okavango Delta

Hotel in Botswana

Lush Private Lodge

Hotel in Pilanesberg National Park

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp, Kenya

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Vumbura Plains Camp, Okavango Delta

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Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Masai Mara

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Sarova Mara Game Camp, Masai Mara

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Hemingways, Nairobi

Hotel in David Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage

Ngorongoro Melia Lodge, Tanzania

Hotel in Ngorongoro Crater

Beverly Hills Hotel Durban, South Africa

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Tsavo West

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Lake Naivasha Sopa, Kenya

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Amboseli Tortilis Camp, Kenya

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The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe

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Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, Tanzania

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Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta

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Asila Olpejeta Bush Camp, Ol Pejeta

Hotel in Ol Pejeta – Laikipia

Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls

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Muthu Lake Naivasha Country Club, Kenya

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Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls

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Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp, Tsavo West

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The Oyster Box Durban, South Africa

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Surana Buffalo Springs, Samburu

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Elephant Bedroom Camp, Masai Mara

Tambarare Camp, Ol Pejeta

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The Ark Lodge, Aberdare

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Tsala Treetop Lodge, Garden Route

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Amboseli Oltukai Lodge, Kenya

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Tshukudu Bush Lodge

The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara, Kenya

One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

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Four Seasons Zanzibar, Tanzania

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Soroi Larsens Camp, Samburu

Hotel in Kenya

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Hotel in Madikwe Game Reserve

Veldee Hotel Zanzibar, Tanzania

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Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Tanzania

Hotel in Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge, Kenya

Hotel in Kenya

Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali, Rwanda

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Mbweha Camp, Lake Nakuru

Hotel in Kenya

Enkirari Wilderness Camp, Serengeti

Hotel in Serengeti National park

Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Little Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta

Hotel in Botswana

The Plettenberg SLH Hotel

Emara Ole-Sereni, Masai Mara

Hotel in Kenya

Angama Amboseli, Kenya

Kigali Serena Hotel, Rwanda

Hotel in Kigali

When to Visit Mana Pools National Park

May – October: Dry season with concentrated wildlife around rivers and optimal conditions for walking and canoe safaris

November – April: Green season with lush landscapes, abundant birdlife, and fewer visitors for a tranquil luxury experience

Trip Inspirations

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6-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
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14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Wildebeest Calving Safari
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6-Day Namibia Fly-In Safari
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14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Safari
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7-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Luxury Safari
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14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Relaxed Luxury Safari
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Zambia Luxury Safari: Victoria Falls & South Luangwa
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4-Day Masai Mara Safari at Elewana Sand River
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11-Day Kenya & Tanzania High-End Safari
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13-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Beach
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From: $10,572
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From: $10,093
29-Day East & Southern Africa Luxury Safari Circuit
30 Day Safari
Epic Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Adventure Safari
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From: $19,087
7-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru, Aberdare & Samburu
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From: $5,759
5-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Naivasha
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From: $3,627
6-Day Kenya Bush-to-Beach Safari
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From: $4,012
The Great Hemingway Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
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From: $19,235
5-Day Laikipia & Samburu Luxury Safari
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From: $4,723
12-Day Northern Kenya Expedition: Samburu, Marsabit & Lake Turkana
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From: $5,324
3-Day Masai Mara Luxury Safari
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From: $2,363
4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Luxury Safari
4 Day Safari
From: $1,890
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
12 Day Safari
From: $10,224
9-Day Mozambique Beach Holiday: Coastal Highlights
9 Day Safari
From: $4,299
10-Day Fly-In Gorilla Trekking & Kenya Wildlife Safari
10 Day Safari
From: $10,500
8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
8 Day Safari
From: $7,347
8-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
8 Day Safari
From: $8,675
16-Day Kenya Birding, Wildlife & Photography Safari
16 Day Safari
From: $10,802

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Meet Our Luxury Travel Specialists

John Njoroge

Director Camptrek Safaris

Africa Travel Specialist

25+ Years Experience

Carine Muzana

Lead Travel Advisor – Gorilla Trekking (Rwanda & Uganda)

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

15+ Years Experience

Lucy Kagure

Africa Travel Specialist

Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Margaret Nyambura

Africa Travel Specialist

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Rose Khasiala

Africa Travel Specialist

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Augustine Mwaura

Africa Travel Specialist

Africa Travel Specialist

3+ Years Experience

Kennedy Mwangi

IT Systems & Technology Lead

Africa Travel Specialist

7+ Years Experience

Simon Seno

Business Development Lead

Southern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Benson Wainaina

Safari Guide & Driver

Africa Travel Specialist

15+ Years Experience

A Curated Collection of Africa's Finest

Crafting your journey from a curated portfolio of 500+ exclusive lodges and safari operators, we ensure luxury, comfort, and authenticity at every step.