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.
- Country
- Zimbabwe
- Type
- National park
- Best time
- August to October
- Suggested stay
- 3–5 days
- Main gateway airport
- Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Harare) (HRE)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to 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
Best time to visit Mana Pools
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Mana Pools is August to October.
As inland water dries up, wildlife concentrates on the river floodplains; the best viewing period.
Rainy season: large parts of the park close to vehicles and few camps operate.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| February | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| March | 22–32 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| April | 19–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 12–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 12–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 15–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 20–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 24–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 24–35 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 23–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Mana Pools includes elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, kudu, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
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.
Trips to Mana Pools
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Mana Pools for families
- Mana Pools for a honeymoon
- Mana Pools for photographers
- Mana Pools for a first safari
- Mana Pools on a budget
- Mana Pools for luxury travel
Compare with
- Mana Pools vs Hwange
- Mana Pools vs Victoria Falls
- Mana Pools vs Lower Zambezi
- Mana Pools vs Chobe
- Mana Pools vs Kruger
- Mana Pools vs Pilanesberg
Travelling to Mana Pools from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Mana Pools?
Generally August to October. As inland water dries up, wildlife concentrates on the river floodplains; the best viewing period.
How many days do I need in Mana Pools?
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Mana Pools?
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.
Is there malaria in Mana Pools?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
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.