During the rains, most of the big game animals move away from the river and into the escarpment. They start returning to the riverine areas from around April, as the pans in the bush dry up. As the year progresses, increasingly large herds of elephants and buffalos are seen, as well as kudu, eland, waterbuck, zebra, impala and many other antelope.The game is very relaxed about people on foot, making Manapools one of Africa’s best national parks for walking safaris.The best time for wildlife viewing in Mana Pools National Park is during the Dry season, from June to October. Animals are easier to spot because the dry weather thins the bush and wildlife concentrates around the Zambezi River.
The Park is at the Centre of a network of protected areas in Zimbabwe which stretch from Kariba to the Mozambique border. Manapools is located in Mashonaland West Province and falls under the ambit of the Hurungwe Rural District Council for higher level administrative purposes. There are over 20 000 km² of wildlife protected land in the vicinity of Manapools. It is in the Middle Zambezi Valley covering an area of 2196 square kilometers (848 square miles) extending from the Zambezi River in the north to the escarpment in the south. A timeless wilderness considered by many to be the Jewel of Zimbabwe and a Treasure for Africa.
Featured Activities
The following are some of the main activities offered at Mana Pools National Park:
Camping
Available around the Park at developed, minimum development and exclusive sites
Wilderness trails
These walking safaris are offered at full moon. Parks staff will take visitors on a 3 day hike in the wild of ManaPools National Park. Visitors will need to be fit, provide their own rucksacks, food and toiletries. This is a unique experience for the nature lover and those who enjoy the challenge of facing nature one on one. A rare and exclusive activity in a park with dangerous animals like this in Africa.
Guided Walking
You book a day before at the tourist office, you pay after the walk, and the price is per hour per person.
Unguided Walking
An exclusive for Manapools, clients are allowed to walk without a guide. We have walking permits which you pay per day, you obtain it at tourist office
Lion Tracking
This is a limited activity at Manapools. Visitors are guaranteed a close view of the lions in most instances. This activity is unique and also assists in data collection for research projects.
Fishing
Visitors can fish in the Zambezi River and experience the excitement of hooking large fish for the pot. Half of the joy is experiencing the quiet, solitude and beauty of the unspoiled bush around you.
Game Drives
Usually most rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon. Long Pool is often worth visiting soon after sunrise (Currently clients are advised to bring their own game drive vehicle or to make use of the tour operators in Manapools which they have to book in advance.)
Canoeing
You book a day before, at the tourist office, you only pay after the canoeing, the rate is per hour per person. This is one of the major activities in Manapools.
Curios Shopping
Souvenirs can be bought at the office or at the Nyakasikana entrance gate .Most of them are Manapools branded. Remember to drop by and pick something to take home with you.
