About Mana pools National Park Zimbabwe

About Mana pools National Park Zimbabwe

The Mana Pools National Park is located in the northern part of Zimbabwe. In this National Park, flood plains turn into broad expanses of Lakes and during the extreme dry seasons, a number of animals converge at this point to cool off the day’s heat and quench their thirst.

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Filming in Mana Pools National Park

In the local Shona language, the word mana means “four larger permanent pools”. These four pools were formed by the meandering of middle Zambezi.

A number of birds also seek refugee in Mana Pools National Park especially to pick from the freebies of the flood plains and along the shores of the lake area. In 1984, Mana Pools National Park with Chewori safaris area and Sapi safari area were marked as UNESCO World Heritage sites as it was a safe haven for the rare eastern black rhinos highly affected by poaching.

Mana Pools National Park which covers about 6676 square kilometers is a wildlife conservation area hosting animals like lions, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, wild dogs, brown hyenas and others.

Brief History of Mana Pools National Park

 The Mana Pools National Park was promoted to a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1984 as it was one of the few places where eastern black rhinos existed. Poaching for different parts of the Rhinos especially the horn was at rampant so the population of these vulnerable animals dwindled. By 1994 about 10 black rhinos were existing and these were relocated to another area for better monitoring.

 By 2013, the Mana Pools National Park was declared a RAMSAN site because of the various birds that found comfort in the environs of this park including foreign migrants. Get in touch with us.

What to do and see in Mana Pools National Park

Birding in Mana Pools National Park

The Mana Pools National Park is a safe haven for birding experiences in Zimbabwe. More than 350 bird species are so far recorded as residents of this park. You have to wake up early morning to catch the numerous birds that spend time in this park some of which include greater and lesser flamingos, saddle billed storks,Pel’s fishing owls, king fisher, camine bee eaters, cormorants,  and much more.

 Even some foreign migrants that fly away from the cold winter season spend time in Mana Pools National Park.

Game Viewing In Mana Pools National Park

Game viewing in Mana Pools National Park is awesome with several animals moving down to quench thirst. A number of wild animals gather at the Zambezi River and flood plains especially at the Chitanke springs during the extreme dry seasons even predator drama may be possible at this point.

During the game safari in  Mana Pools National Park, you may spot the long horned elephant herds, hippos, crocodiles and may others.

Fishing in Mana Pools National Park

Anglers have an opportunity to catch some of the 50 fish species living in Zambezi River that is the lifeblood of Mana Pools National Park. You need to secure a fishing permit and a boat to use during this adventure. Some of the fish species you may catch include tiger fish, cat fish tilapia and others. The park has designated spots on the River where sports fishing is allowed however you need to note that catch and release method is used.

Carry your own fishing equipment including fishing rods, bait and pack some snacks to much on. there is no experience required because on ground are some instructors who will take you through the process.

River Cruising in Mana Pools National Park

Sailing in River Zambezi to get up close with the several park dwellers is exciting. Watch the birds flock a shore to catch a meal for the day while others take a bath. Several animals including herds of elephants make there way to the River banks to cool off the day’s heat.

Take control of your adventure on River Zambezi by engaging in canoeing keep peddling but not exceeding the designated points of the river. You may make stops to watch the various wild animals that love spending time by the river banks.

Guided Walking Safaris In Mana Pools National Park

Take a walk in Mana Pools National Park to get even closer to the various animals that the park hosts. You need to follow the instructions on how to behave during this safari so that you do not fall out. Follow the paths taken by the ranger guide so that you do not create extra walk ways as this alters the originality of nature.

 Carry a camera and all necessary logistics like energy bites to keep you moving. This is a once in a lifetime adventure on an African safari. For photographers, taking the guided walking safari gives you better chances to capture a wide range of animals which you may miss out while in a vehicle.

When to Go On safari in Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is open all year but the dry season which is June, July, August, September and early October is preferred because the grass is lower. The animals are quicker to spot and majority love spending time at the river banks or in the flood plains. Navigating the various tracks in the park is quicker but dusty and bumpy.

The River course is calmer in the dry season allowing you to enjoy the boat ride. For anglers, you have better chances of catching fish.

The dry season normally collides with the peak season so expect more people sharing the same space with you. It is best to make booking for a safari to Mana Pools National Park early so that all necessary reservations are made in time.

During the wet season which is normally March, April, May and November, there is less demand for Zimbabwe Safaris so in case you wish to have less disturbance while on holiday, you may make use of this opportunity.

In case you have a limited budget but wish to visit Mana Pools National Park, you may take advantage of the low season when some service providers may discount their costs like on accommodation. Transport and others.

The grass is generally higher in the wet season providing better shelter to infants from possible predators so there are more opportunities to witness new births.

The west season may also be challenging in Mana Pools National Park since some accommodations also close off especially when the park is over flooded. You may need to use a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in great condition to navigate through the muddy tracks of Mana Pools National Park. Contact us for more information.

What is the cost of Safari in Mana Pools National Park

The cost of safari in Mana Pools National Park is packaged according to high end, midrange and basic. At Encounter Africa safaris, our safari consultants are ready to plan with you your ideal Zimbabwe Safari to help you make memories.

When you contact us inquiring about a safari to Mana Pools National Park, we would like you to provide some details like the date of travel, people traveling with additional Zimbabwe Safari activities to combine with and other details. You may also state your most preferred safari package category.

To make a costing for a safari to Mana Pools National Park some of the factors we may also consider include accommodation, transport means, number of days on safari and others.

For every category of Mana Pools National Park safari you choose to travel the cost of park entrance fees is compulsory. This is some of the contributions to the park management fund. Most of the national Parks of Zimbabwe have over time suffered the economic crisis and poaching has claimed so many animals due to lack of funds.

Why Visit Mana Pools National Park

Visiting Mana Pools National Park is an opportunity to enjoy the untamed natural inhabitants of Zimbabwe. This park is among the few surviving wildlife habitats in the world and provides a great experience where you can spot the long tusked elephants. Feel the cool breeze from River Zambezi while enjoying the land and setting off of a plethora of birds that flock the shoreline of River Zambezi.

By paying the park entrance fees to Mana Pools National Park, you contribute to the funds that support the sustainable existence of this park.

During the walking safaris in Mana Pools National Park, you may hire a porter to carry some of your belongings. A porter is from the local community which helps you carry your belongings at a friendly cost. This helps you to enjoy the entire experience with nothing letting you back. This is one of the direct ways to give back to the local community.

Is Mana Pools National Park safe for a safari?

Mana Pools National Park is safe for a safari visit in Zimbabwe even though the country at large had some political unrest in the past. On ground are park rangers who work tirelessly to protect the parks and there inhabitants through routine patrolling.

The park has guidelines expected to be followed by every tourist as protecting the wildlife in this park is the number one goal. While on game drive in the park, you must not go off track because you may land in unsafe spots of this park. Even when you locate the wild animals, do not hoot or shout because they can charge at you. Feeding the wild animals is forbidden. Get in touch with us.

What are the guidelines for safari in Mana Pools National Park

• Respect nature while on safari in Mana Pools National Park and do not override on it while in the park.
• Don’t make noise or hoot while in Mana Pools National Park because you may scare the wild animals.
• Dumping garbage in Mana Pools National Park is forbidden because this alters the nature of the park where wild animals thrive. Do not pick anything from the park but only carry memories of this adventure.
•  Don’t get out of your facility at night while in Mana Pools National Park because you may encounter some danger.
• Feeding the animals of Mana Pools National Park is forbidden because they are wild animals that must search for there own food.
• Drive at the speed limit set by the park authorities as this helps not to knock down some animals.
•  Don’t drive off track while entering or leaving Mana Pools National Park because you destroy nature.

How to get to Mana Pools National Park

From Harare the drive to Mana Pools National Park is about 7 hours to 8 hours at a distance of about 388 kilometers. You need to hire a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle. During the wet season, the roads in the remote areas get messy and quite impassable sometimes.

Alternatively, you can fly from Victoria Falls International Airport to Kariba. Catch a transfer vehicle to Mana Pools National Park.

What to Pack For a Safari To Mana Pools National Park

• A camera to keep memorable moments while on safari in Zimbabwe there are many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
• A pair of binoculars for better visibility of far ranging features.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The wilderness may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look at the surroundings of the Mana Pools National Park
• Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zimbabwe experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zimbabwe
• Safari wears in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.

Contact us for more information about Mana Pools National Park Zimbabwe.