Established
1963
Size
2,196 km²
Elevation
340–630 m
Ecosystem
Zambezi Floodplain, Mopane Woodland
Best Time
July – October
Entry Fee
$15 per adult/day
About Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and widely regarded as the walking safari capital of Africa. This breathtaking floodplain along the mighty Zambezi River is one of the continent's last great wildernesses, where you can walk unaccompanied (with experience) among elephants, lions, and wild dogs. The park's cathedral-like albida woodland along the river creates some of Africa's most photogenic landscapes, with elephants standing on hind legs to reach seed pods. Mana Pools is a photographer's paradise: the golden light filtering through the woodland canopy, reflected in the river pools, creates magical conditions that have produced some of the world's most celebrated wildlife images.
What Makes It Special
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Walk among Big Five
Albida woodland scenery
Zambezi canoe safaris
Elephants standing on hind legs
Wildlife & Species
Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Best wildlife viewing
AugSepOct
Shoulder Season
Fewer crowds, good value
JulNov
Green Season
Lush landscapes, birding
DecJanFebMarAprMayJun
Where to Stay
Chikwenya
Ultra-LuxuryIntimate Wilderness Safaris camp on a private stretch of the Zambezi with exceptional guiding.
From $1,000/night / night
Ruckomechi Camp
LuxuryAward-winning camp on the western bank of the Zambezi with river and bush activities.
From $800/night / night
Nyamepi Campsite
BudgetFamous riverside campsite where elephants walk through camp — Africa's wildest camping experience.
From $20/night / night
Safari Packages
5-Day Mana Pools Walking Safari
Walk among elephants and wild dogs in Africa's ultimate walking safari destination
7-Day Mana Pools & Hwange Combined
Zimbabwe's two greatest parks — walking safaris and waterhole game viewing