After leaving Lake Kariba, the Zambezi flows through a huge rift in the earth's crust – into the Lower Zambezi Valley. Over the millennia, old river meanders have formed ox-bow lakes in the mineral-rich volcanic soils. These are surrounded by lush vegetation and tall, old trees – mahoganies, ebonies and particularly acacia tortilis and albidia. The undergrowth here is sparse, so it's perfect for walking safaris.

Mana's abundance of greenery accounts for its wealth of birds and game, and it is sufficiently unique to be designated as a World Heritage Site. There are beautiful national parks on both sides of this river – Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe and the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia. The larger animals swim across, browsing on the islands as they go, meaning superb game in both parks. During the rains (Jan to Mar) the game disperses, moving away from the river and up into the escarpments but returning around April. As the year progresses, large herds of elephant and buffalo are seen, as well as kudu, eland (more readily seen here than in most parks), waterbuck, zebra, impala and many other antelope. There is always a wide variety of bird species. The relaxed game makes Mana one of Africa's best parks for walking.

There are now two permanent camps here, both accessible by light aircraft. Ruckomechi, on Mana's western boundary, has 10 large reed and thatch chalets with en suite facilities. On each veranda are soft loungers and hammocks. Inside, walk-in mosquito-nets surround huge comfortable beds. Ruckomenchi's resident guides conduct walking trips and game drives, as well as canoeing, fishing or bird watching trips on the river.

Camouflaged on the riverbank, Vundu Camp is a small, comfortable bush camp with 6 tents where the emphasis is on guiding, rather than luxury. Each tent has a porch, twin (or double) beds, and an en suite shower and toilet. There's an old-style bath under a nearby fig, and a dining room sits around the roots of old tamarind and ebony trees. Walks, drives and canoe excursions are all possible.

Canoeing the Lower Zambezi

Canoeing is a superb way to see the Zambezi Valley, and particularly Mana Pools. In the past, canoeing along this river was very popular, and lots of companies used to offer these trips. These days, there are few such options – although canoeing is still an activity at Vundu Camp. Then it's not a marathon to cover huge distances, but a relaxed affair that concentrates on the valley's best area.

Floating down the river, between Mana Pools and Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park, the wilderness surrounds you. The paddling is leisurely with two people in each canoe. Note that we only recommend long canoe trips here with guides who hold full professional guides licenses (so are not just 'Zimbabwean river guides'). They are armed, qualified and experienced to lead you walking, as well as canoeing – which means that you're not just confined to paddling on the river, but can also explore its banks and floodplains as well. Ask us for more information about these trips.


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