Date 2 – 14 August 2025
Price R14 900

In northern Zimbabwe, the Mana Pools National Park has the mighty Zambezi River separating it from Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. The Lower Zambezi Mana Pools TFCA measures 17,745 km² and lies in the Zambezi Valley, below the Kariba Dam; wildlife used it as a thoroughfare between the escarpment and the Zambezi River since the dawn of time. In Zambia the TFCA is composed of the Lower Zambezi National Park and several game management areas. On the Zimbabwean side it encompasses Mana Pools National Park and the Sapi and Hurungwe communal areas, which incorporate Chewore and Marongora safari areas. In Zimbabwe the TFCA also encompasses river frontage, floodplains, islands, sandbanks and pools.

This is one of our flagship tours to this World Heritage Site based on its wildness and beauty, together with a wide range of large mammals, birds and aquatic wildlife. Mana means ‘four’ in the local Shona language and refers to four large pools inland from the Zambezi River. These pools, designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2013, are the remnant ox-bow lakes that the River had carved out thousands of years ago as it changed its course. Hippo, crocodile and a wide variety of aquatic birds are associated with the pools.

This tour starts in Livingstone from where we make our journey north to Lake Kariba. Here we’ll experience some local culture and cuisine. Lake Kariba will be home for 2 nights from where we’ll head further along the Zambezi en-route to Lower Zambezi. The next 5 nights will be spent on the banks of the mighty Zambezi while we try to catch a big Tiger, doing game drives or just take it slow in camp.

The last 5 days will be spent in the wonderland called Mana Pools. Here, you can spot large herds of elephant and buffalo, lion, leopard, and reintroduced white rhino. Africa’s third big cat species, the cheetah, is frequently spotted, though many people place Mana Pools on their bucket list because it is one of the best places for seeing the highly endangered African wild dog. The herbivorous species upon which these predators depend also thrive, from large numbers of Burchell’s zebra to waterbuck, kudu, eland, and impala. Meanwhile, the pools provide a sanctuary for some of the continent’s highest concentrations of hippo and Nile crocodiles. 

Complete itinerary will be given with payment of deposit.

Mana Pools Tips

• Malaria is a risk all year round in Mana Pools National Park. Consult your doctor about the best prophylactics to take, and be sure to wear mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing in the evenings to avoid getting bitten. 
• Zimbabwe National Parks campsites are unfenced, and as such it is not recommended to camp there with children under 12 years of age. 
• Be conscious of wildlife-related safety at all times. Do not approach or attempt to feed any wild animal, be sure to securely pack food away, and carry a torch when walking around the camp at night.  
• If you choose to self-drive, note that there are no gas stations in the park. You will need to bring all the fuel needed for your trip with you, with the nearest stations in Karoi, Makuti, or Chirundu (Zambia). 
• Fruit is not allowed into the park. All trash must be taken out with you when you leave. 

What do you need?

1. A good reliable, serviced 4-wheel drive vehicle.
2. Fuel range of app. 850km’s including extra fuel containers like long range tanks and jerry cans.
3. Vehicle registration papers or letter of consent from the financing institution.
4. Children must have a valid passport and an unabridged birth certificate and letter of consent if not accompanied by both parents.
5. Guests from non-SADC countries will need a Visa.
6. A passport that is valid for 3 months after our return to SA, valid driver’s license and ID.
7. Camping equipment and cooking/braai accessories.
8. Fridge/Freezer
9. Malaria Prophylaxis taken as prescribed by your GP.
10. Last but not least – A good sense of humor and a positive outlook.

Price include:

· Camping fees
· Guide fees
· Experienced guide with advanced emergency medical background and medical kit
· 2-way radios
· 2-way Satellite Communications in case of emergency
· Tag along back to SA with guide at your own cost

Not included:

· 4×4 vehicle hire
· Border fees, taxes and insurance
· Fuel
· Food
· Daily activities
· Transfer fees
· Conservation and park entry fees
· Medical evacuation and travel insurance
· Anything else not mentioned above in “Price Include”