Mana Pools
This is one of Zimbabwe´s UNESCO sites and also the only national park where one can walk unaccompanied by a guide. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River and facing the imposing hills of Zambia, Mana Pools is a hidden gem of a park
Canoe past hippos, watch elands cool off under acacias, and be exposed to over 350 bird species. Mana Pools is especially known for its herds of over 10,000 elephants who have trampled all the small tress and shrubs to create vast open areas under big acacias trees.
The safaris are open to the wild, so do not be surprised if you awake to see a lion outside your room or find impala drinking at the pool.
Sunrise in paradise
On the Prowl
Got your back
Muddle of Mutts
The quiet sleeper
Exploring Hwange
Activities To Do
Walking Safari
Walk alongside the river to encounter endless herds of wildlive
Visit The Tonga
Meet a local Tonga chief, understand the mysteries of the carved doors and delight in the food
Night Drives
See the hidden world of Mana Pools at night when lions are on the prowl for food
Bird Watching
Mana Pools has some of the most diverse range of bird life in Southern Africa
The Safaris We Offer
We cater for a wide variety of interests for those visiting Hwange to ensure a complete experience
Honeymoon Safari
Escape to Mana Pools, where unspoiled environment adds to the romance. Consider cosy cabins overlooking a sunset river, providing the scene for romantic honeymoon moments. Your skilled guide takes on the role of Cupid, taking you on bush excursions that will become treasured memories. Hand-in-hand canoeing with hippos, elephants silhouetted against blazing sunsets. Every night, when you whisper beneath the acacia trees, stars adorn the sky.
Family Safari
A once-in-a-lifetime family vacation! Mana Pools in Zimbabwe combines wildlife wonders with exciting activities. From boat rides to bush hikes, kids and parents discover, learn, and bond. Memories forged beneath star-studded sky. Reserve your wild playground getaway today!
Couple Safari
Get away from the cookie-cutter safaris! Looking for something more than family fun or starry-eyed romance? In Mana Pools, you can find your ideal couple’s getaway. Begin by deciding if you want adrenaline-pumping thrills or peaceful wilderness murmurs. Then let us plan the ideal safari for just the two of you.
Bird Watching Safari
This paradise is home to approximately 350 feathered residents, ranging from vivid bee-eaters to graceful skimmers. The summer skies are alive with migratory newcomers, who join the locals in a symphony of wings. Discover new species in acacia woodlands, broad grasslands, and life-giving waterholes – your nature canvas is waiting!
Tailor-Made Safari
Whether you’re planning your first safari or returning to the lively African continent, our seasoned consultants are ready to design a trip that meets all of your expectations.We provide immersive activities that reveal the bushland in a novel way, such as walking safaris that highlight the vast ecosystem or thrilling boat excursions that bring you face-to-face with majestic elephants, hippos, and vivid bird species.
Horseback Safari
Feel the wind whip through your hair as you ride between the Acacia trees of Mana Pool. This is no ordinary safari; it’s an opportunity to see the wild without the noise of a car and to be entirely immersed in nature.You’ll see elephants from a safe distance on horseback, gaining a deeper respect for the continuing conservation efforts to conserve them.
Why Trust Sound Of Safaris With Your Hwange Holiday?
Responsible Travel
For 5 years, your visits have helped us make a real difference to Zimbabweans. Thank you!
In our hands
While visiting Mana Pools, enjoy 24/7 access to our distinctive Global Concierge service.
Travel Experts
Our Travel Specialists only recommend destinations they have personally visited.
Finest Guides
Experience the best interpretive adventures with our skilled private and specialist guides.
The Exclusive Place To Stay in Mana Pools
The only place we choose to stay in Mana Pools
Useful Facts About Mana Pools
- Elephant Population: Abundant with a herd of over 10,000 elephants. These actually cause a lot of problems as they destroy much needed acacia & mopane saplings
- Giraffe: None at present
- Hippo: Very common and a big problem for canoes who can be capsized by a surprise hippo waking up from a siesta
- Buffalo: Very Common
- Zebra: Very common
- Black or white rhino: None at present.
- Lion: A few prides roaming around
- Leopard: Are around but very hard to spot.
- Cheetah: Rare
- Crocodiles: Very common
- Hyena: Very common, often found around camps at night
- Wild dog: Occasionally sited
The Zambezi River cuts through the middle of Mana Pools, creating islands, sandbanks, and stunning views. It is filled with baobabs, acacias and mopanes trees. The southern side has pools and with a thick forest of mopane trees.The northern scenery is made up of reeds and sandbanks with tall mahogany trees with open spaces beneath.
The best time to see wildlife in Mana Pools is from July to October, when it is dry. Animals stand out because of the fewer plants and attraction of the Zambezi river pools. The wet season, which lasts from November to April, erodes many roads making driving very tricky.
By Road
The quickest road route is from Harare via the main Harare-Chirundu road, which takes 5.5 hours. Drivers on this road are notorious for driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid potholes so we would advise using one of our private drivers or taking a chartered flight.
Mana ponds National Park, called after the Shona term for “four,” takes its name from the four permanent ponds carved by the gentle curves of the Zambezi.