W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
M A N A P O O L S
P L A N N I N G
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most accessible during the dry season (May to October), a period that offers unparalleled opportunities for walking safaris, canoeing adventures, and intimate wildlife encounters. Thoughtful planning is essential to maximize the rewards of this remote and pristine location.
Know what you’re in for seasonally:
May–June: Lush landscapes and cooler temperatures make this an excellent time for photography, though animal concentrations near the Zambezi River are slightly lower.
July–September: Prime game-viewing months as water sources dry up and wildlife congregates by the river.
October: Wildlife density peaks, but temperatures soar. For those who can handle the heat, the rewards are spectacular.
Accommodations: From luxury tented camps to semi-mobile safaris, Mana Pools offers options for various levels of adventure and comfort.
Getting There: A charter flight from Harare or Victoria Falls is the most efficient way to reach Mana Pools. Overland travel is possible but requires a 4x4 vehicle and a sense of adventure.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
Beyond having your flight, accomodations, and of course, your guide booked, you should be ok.
We've of course provided a basic itinerary outline below, but truly, the best thing you can do is let your guide help you manage all of this, and what we've written is just to inspire you with a sense of what is possible, as an example.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
The Zambezi & First Impressions
Arrive in Mana Pools, greeted by the breathtaking panorama of the Zambezi River and the surrounding wilderness.
Settle into your lodge or campsite, meeting your guides who will outline the adventures ahead. In the afternoon, embark on an introductory walking safari or a sunset game drive, where elephants, buffalo, and perhaps a lion pride welcome you to their domain.
As the sun sets, sip sundowners by the river while hippos emerge to graze.
Dine under the stars with a campfire, accompanied by the distant roar of lions. Ok, sometimes less distant, you've been warned.
DAY II-IV
Canoeing the Zambezi & Walking Safaris
Spend two to three days immersed in the rhythm of the Zambezi River. Guided canoeing safaris offer a peaceful yet exhilarating way to experience Mana Pools' wildlife.
Glide silently past pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on sandbanks, and elephants wading in the shallows.
Stop along the riverbanks for picnic lunches, and explore hidden lagoons teeming with birdlife.
Evenings are spent at mobile river camps, where you’ll swap stories over hearty meals and fall asleep to the sounds of the wild.
For those with a taste for adventure, this is an unforgettable way to connect with nature while staying safe under the guidance of expert local guides.
DAY V-VII
Walking Safaris & Game Drives
Return to land-based exploration with guided walking safaris and game drives, delving deeper into the heart of Mana Pools.
This is your chance to track big game on foot, a unique experience that’s rare in African safaris. Our guides have a deep understanding won through decades of experience, giving you the opportunity to enjoy true once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Explore the floodplains, where ancient albida trees provide shade for wildlife, and the Chitake Springs, a hidden oasis that attracts animals from miles around.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the cooler shade or birdwatching in this pristine habitat.
Specialist Quests & Deeper Exploration
Extend your stay to explore Mana Pools even further.
Consider a photography-focused safari, learning techniques to capture the area’s dramatic landscapes and its captivating wildlife.
Alternatively, combine Mana Pools with a visit to Zimbabwe’s other iconic parks, such as Hwange or the majestic Victoria Falls, for a broader understanding of the region’s ecological and cultural heritage.
DAY VIII PLUS
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
