© African Bush Camps Nyamatusi

© Sapi Private Reserve

© Zambezi Expeditions

Mana Pools National Park

Set along the southern banks of the Zambezi River, opposite Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, Mana Pools is known for its untouched landscapes, rich wildlife, and outstanding opportunities for walking and canoeing safaris.

© Tembo Plains Camp Mana Pools

Mana Pools National Park is one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated wilderness areas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Over time, the river has carved out oxbow lakes and lush floodplains, now shaded by groves of mahogany and ebony trees.

The park’s name, “Mana”, comes from the Shona word for “four,” referencing the four main pools formed by the river’s shifting course.

These water sources attract an impressive array of wildlife, especially in the dry season, making Mana one of the best places in Southern Africa for immersive, up-close safari experiences on foot, by vehicle, or from the water.

Mana Pools Weather

Mana Pools' weather has distinct dry (winter) and wet (summer) seasons

May - October

Dry Season

The park is at its most accessible and rewarding, with game concentrating along the Zambezi floodplains. Dry-season walking and canoe safaris are superb during this time.

November - April

Green Season

The region becomes challenging in the wet season, with many camps closed from November to April due to flooding and limited access.

Places to Stay

in Mana Pools

Mana Sands

Set above a floodplain near the Zambezi, Mana Sands Main Camp offers spacious tented suites, private plunge pools, and quiet comfort in the heart of Mana Pools.

Little Mana Sands

Tucked beside a quiet Zambezi channel, Little Mana Sands is a rustic safari retreat offering privacy, comfort and an intimate connection to the wild spirit of Mana Pools.

Nyamatusi Camp

On a remote stretch of the Zambezi, Nyamatusi blends eco-conscious luxury with riverfront romance – solar-powered suites, walking safaris, and canoe adventures in one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.

Zambezi Expeditions

A semi-mobile riverside camp with an old-school safari charm, Zambezi Expeditions offers walking, canoeing, and fishing adventures along Mana’s wild floodplain – where wildlife wonders through camp and the Zambezi sets the rhythm.

Tembo Plains Camp

On the Zambezi’s edge in the private Sapi Reserve, Tembo Plains Camp – Zimbabwe’s only Relais & Châteaux property – blends stone-and-canvas elegance with exceptional wildlife, deep elephant connections, and the prestige of Great Plains’ Réserve Collection.

The Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains

The Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains is a two-bedroom riverfront sanctuary in the Sapi Reserve, offering unrivalled privacy, bespoke service with a private butler and vehicle, and the distinction of being Zimbabwe’s only Relais & Châteaux safari retreat.

Mhara River Bush Camp

Shaded by rain trees above the Chitake River, Mhara River Camp is a secluded tented retreat in Mana Pools, offering river views, guided safaris, and an authentic wilderness experience.

Mana River Camp

Rebuilt each season between the Zambezi River and a lively elephant-favoured pan, Mana River Camp revives the spirit of old-world safaris with an intimate, truly wild atmosphere.

Ruckomechi Camp

On the western edge of Mana Pools, Ruckomechi combines tented riverfront luxury with a swimming pool, diverse land and water safaris, and family-friendly suites ideal for multi-generational safari adventures.

John’s Camp

A classic tented safari on the banks of the Zambezi, John’s Camp offers expert-guided walking, canoeing, and game drives in Mana Pools, with close wildlife encounters and a truly unplugged wilderness atmosphere.

Your Safari, Your Way

Ready to begin? Let’s craft your perfect safari together.

Every Wildseeker journey is designed from scratch, shaped around your interests, travel style, and budget. While we often share sample itineraries for inspiration, the real magic lies in creating something just for you: from handpicked lodges to seamless logistics and insider offers.
No two trips are ever the same, because no two travellers are.

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