Mana Pools

Located about 100km downstream of the Kariba dam, on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi, the Mana Pools National Park is one of the finest wilderness and wildlife areas in southern Africa.

Mana Pools is part of the Zambezi Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its landscapes, scenery, and wildlife, and hosts some of the biggest concentrations of animals in southern Africa. Elephant and lions are abundant, and rare and endangered species such as wild dog and nyala also occur. It is one of a very few parks in which visitors may walk unaccompanied by professional guides.

How to get there
The easiest and most direct route from Harare is via the main Chirundu road to the National Parks boom just below the Zambezi Valley escarpment (320km approx), where permits are required. From there it is 31km to the Nyakasikana gate (more showing of permits), then 45km north to the Zambezi at Mana Pools. Permits to enter the Park must be obtained at the Parks office at Marongora, on the Chirundu tar road at S16 13 23.2 E29 09 40.8 approx, even if you already hold a booking. The nearest border posts are at Chirundu and Kariba.

You might also considering combining a visit to Mana with a tour of the Matusadona and Kariba area, or alternatively by approaching through some exceptionally beautiful and interesting areas in the Eastern Zambezi Valley on our exclusive connoisseur route.

Vehicle requirements
Though not always essential during the dry season, a 4 x 4 is advisable. Bridges on the access tracks have been known to collapse, necessitating detours down steep banks and across sandy riverbeds. During the rains - a beautiful time to visit - 4x4 is both mandatory and essential.

Nearest fuel & provisions.
Fuel is usually available at Makuti (100km), Karoi (190km) and Kariba (180km). There is no fuel available at Mana, or in the Zambezi Valley east of Mana Pools. Provisions are available in Kariba and Karoi.

Where to stay
There is a good campsite at Nyamepi, the park headquarters, and several more exclusive sites available to the public, although these can be heavily booked at times. There are also several self-catering Parks lodges near Nyamepi, and a luxury photosafari camp further upstream. Meanwhile Chitake Camp, some 45km south of the Zambezi, has become well-known for its concentrations of lion and other predators, mainly late in the dry season when surface water has dried out elsewhere.

Neither the Parks lodges nor the campsites have electricity, and supplies of gas for lodge cookers and fridges are erratic at present, although this may improve during 2010. The 'exclusive' campsites at Ndungu, Mcheni, BBC and Nkupe have braais and 'long drop' toilets, but no other facilities, and you will need to be self-sufficient in all other respects. .

During the rainy season, accommodation is limited to the Nyamepi campsite and lodges, and some tracks will be closed to vehicles.

Conservation issues
Mana presents a huge range of topics, backed by a wealth of ZIM4x4 team experience. We have dealt with threats ranging from hydroelectric schemes to mining and oil exploration, poaching for black rhino and other species, the erosion of wilderness values, and the problems associated with the poor salaries paid to Park staff.

At present, there is serious poaching of elephant and other species in the more southerly parts of the Park, as well as in other Zambezi Valley areas. ZIM4x4 has been providing fuels and other supplies to support the anti-poaching effort through The Zambezi Society, and collaborates with the Land Cruiser Club of Southern Africa (LCCSA), who have established a formal support programme for the Park.

When to visit
December-January: A visit at this time during the rains can be a magnificent experience.The grass will be short enough to permit walking and game-viewing, and although many animals may have retreated to the Park hinterland, the wildlife viewing can be superb. Hot, sometimes humid.

February-April:: Not great, if you are coming a long way to see wildlife. Vegetation is often too high to walk through, and most species have headed for the hills and there may not be much to see. Usually hot & humid.

May-July: Vegetation dying down, all roads usually open & visibility improving, but wildlife can still be sparse. Cooling down; chilly nights in June and July (bring trackies, fleeces, pullovers and extra bedding. You may not need it but if you do, you'll need it badly!).

August-November: Grasses and forbs mostly disappear, leaving bare ground. Numbers of elephant and other wildlife species increasing to a peak just before first rains (usually in mid or late November). Mild in August to very hot in October & November, but a dry heat until the rains break.