Reviews of Mana Pools Canoe Trail
(100%) From 1 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Ian and Michelle - Mana Canoe Trail Review
Canoing the Lower Zambezi was a perfect way to conclude our initial Africal Safari. They call it camping, but other than the fact you are tecnically sleeping in a portable tent, it felt more like we were celebrities being catered to by our entourage than real camping. One could easily get use to this!
There were two couples on this 3-day, 3-night trip. We had two guides, and also had a team of five camp staff who did absolutely everything for you (except what you do in the privacy of your own tent).
You canoe down the river. We never had to paddle too hard, which allowed for lots of gazing at the wonderous scenery including the many hippos, and the mostly hidden crocs. The shores were littered with wildlife including elephants, waterbuck, buffalo, and many birds. The elephants were the star of the show during our trip. On day 1, when we arrived at our campsite. It was all set up but we could not get out of the canoes because there was a large bull elephant eating branches off a tree on the river bank, blocking our way into our campsite. We had to find another landing spot.
On day 2, we got even closer. During the midday siesta, a group of six elephants walked right through our rest area, coming withing a few feet of us. Our excellent guide Henry ensured that no one was alarmed or endangered, so we just sat back and enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being that close to truly wild elephants... got some GREAT pictures.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
