Mana Pools for a first safari

Mana Pools is not the first choice for a first safari; other destinations may suit you better.

Suitability: ★★★★★

Mana Pools National Park lies on the south bank of the Zambezi in northern Zimbabwe; "mana" means "four" in Shona, after its four pools. Together with the Sapi and Chewore areas it is a World Heritage Site, known for walking and canoe safaris.

Why Mana Pools for a first safari?

• 3–5 days are enough for a good experience.

What awaits you in Mana Pools

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Unguided walking allowed in set areas under park rules
• Canoe trips on the Zambezi
• Wild dogs and elephants on the floodplains
• Four main pools that give the park its name

Wildlife you may encounter: elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, hippos and crocodiles.

Suggested time on the ground: 3 to 5 days. Visitors drive from Harare via Makuti and a gravel road into the park, or take charter light aircraft to the Mana Pools airstrip. Many internal roads close in the rainy season.

Activities that fit

game drives and walking safaris.

When to go

The best period overall is August to October.

As inland water dries up, wildlife concentrates on the river floodplains; the best viewing period.

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Mana Pools guideBest safaris for a first safari

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: ZimParks - Mana Pools National Park · UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kariba (Zambezi valley proxy)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.