The mighty Zambezi River flows from Lake Kariba through the Lower Zambezi Valley, a huge rift in the earth's crust. Over the millennia the Zambezi has rushed through this valley creating islands, channels and sandbanks. Old river meanders, left in the mineral-rich volcanic soils, have formed into small ox-bow lakes surrounded by lush vegetation and tall old trees such as mahoganies and ebonies. This abundance of water and luxuriant greenery accounts for the valley's wealth of big game.

The national park was the first in Zimbabwe to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It has since been joined by four other Zimbabwean sites including Victoria Falls, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Khami Ruins and Matobo Hills National Park.

There are beautiful national parks on opposite sides of the river – Mana Pools National Park on the Zimbabwean bank, and the Lower Zambezi National Park on the Zambian side. Both have spectacular views of the mountains and the Rift Valley Escarpment.

The larger animals swim across, ensuring equally good game in both parks. The undergrowth here is often sparse, so the land is perfect for walking safaris. On the water, canoe safaris are one of Zimbabwe's ultimate big game adventures, and a great way to see the valley.

During the rains, from January to March, the lodges here are closed and 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 pools in the bush dry up. As the year progresses, increasingly large herds of elephant and buffalo are seen, as well as kudu, eland, waterbuck, zebra, impala and many other antelope. There is a wide variety of birds and the game is very relaxed about people on foot, making Mana Pools one of Africa's best national parks for walking safaris.

Where to stay in Mana Pools

There are now two permanent camps here, both accessible by light aircraft – and sometimes by transfers into the park along the road or river.

Ruckomechi Camp

On Mana Pools National Park's western boundary, Ruckomechi Camp has ten large reed and thatch chalets with en suite facilities. There is a popular outdoor bath with a great view of the game park, a pool for relaxing in and a star-gazing platform for observing the night sky. Ruckomechi Camp's guides conduct walking trips and game drives, as well as canoeing or fishing trips on the river. (Read more about Ruckomechi Camp …)

Vundu Camp

Nestled on the riverbank, is a simple yet comfortable bush camp with seven tents where the emphasis is on professionalism, rather than luxury. Each tent has a porch, twin (or double) beds, and an en suite shower and a flushing toilet. There are many open living spaces, a bar, and a dining room which sits on a sandy patch right next to the river. Walks, drives and canoe excursions are all possible. (Read more about Vundu Camp …)

Kanga Bush Camp

Brand new for 2010, Kanga Bush Camp will be located near the unspoilt Kanga Pan, allowing excellent wildlife-spotting opportunities with few other people around. The camp will consist of 12 tented rooms overlooking the waterhole, and the activities planned from here include walking safaris into areas inaccessible by car. (Read more about Kanga Bush Camp…)

Canoeing the Lower Zambezi

Canoeing is a superb way to see the Zambezi Valley, and particularly Mana Pools. Canoe trips have long been organized here that take several days, in contrast to those on Zambian side of the river which tend to be day-trips.

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.

The Mana Pools Canoe Trail

The Mana Pools Canoe Trail is a great example of these trips – it's an ideal safari adventure for travellers who want to explore Mana Pools National Park in a thrilling and exciting way. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness on this is a four-day, 65km long canoe expedition downstream along the great Zambezi River, crossing Mana Pools National Park.

This experience allows you to get up close to the abundant wildlife of the area as you use reliable Canadian canoes to paddle past elephants, numerous species of bird and the 1200 hippos that live along the route. With an experienced guide, pull up on the riverbank to take a guided walking safari where it is possible get even closer to the elephants, a truly memorable experience.

At night, you'll go to sleep in simple fly-camps that you set up on the river's edge with the sounds of lions roaring in the distance; you'll wake up before dawn to catch the sunrise from the water.


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