Reviews of safaris to Mana Pools National Park
We have always listened to our travellers, and now you can learn from them also. Below are links to feedback from recent trips - these are their views, not ours! See what they think of us, and about our trips to Africa:
Mr & Mrs J
Oxforshire
"My Jun 2019 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe between 26 Jun 2019 and 11 Jul 2019
"We both really enjoyed our holiday, didn't quite know what to expect.
We were pleasantly surprised especially with the food & accommodation. Would thoroughly recommend to family and friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Overall advice was good, information paperwork helpful re clothing and vaccines to be considered and researched." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari
We were pleasantly surprised especially with the food & accommodation. Would thoroughly recommend to family and friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Overall advice was good, information paperwork helpful re clothing and vaccines to be considered and researched." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Andy & Karen
Malvern
"Flavour of Zimbabwe"
I visited Zimbabwe between 24 Jun 2019 and 5 Jul 2019
"As Zimbabwe emerges from recent troubles we wanted to visit three of its classic locations of Matopo, Hwange and Mana Pools. We were particularly hopeful of seeing Painted Dog, although sadly this was not to be.
Matopo has some fabulous scenery, history and was a place to track rhino on foot - tick to all three. Rhino with calf was a highlight. It also gave us our best ever sighting of Elephant Shrew at Rhodes Grave! The National Park, however, has little game and incursions from cattle and humans are common. Locals roam the whole park on foot cutting grass for sale. It is still worth a visit and arguable needs more visitors to recover, so I’d still include it if you can.
Hwange with its pumped water holes and huge elephant population delivered more classic sightings, and a pride of lions with 6 cubs provided entertainment on all our game drives. Good antelope including Sable and Roan with huge buffalo herd of 500 plus were also a highlight. The open areas and mixed forest gave good variety to habitats.
Mana Pools was in drought in June so maybe not at its best. We were surprised at the number of self drivers and campers, some of whom are clearly not controlled effectively by the NP staff (much to the frustration of guides). No off road but you can off walk so great encounter with lions on a kill on foot was the highlight. If this is the jewel in the crown for Zimbabwe then it’s a little disappointing - at times it felt like a safari park - particularly as the unique environment offers so much.
Versus other neighbouring safari destinations, Zimbabwe still has some catching up to do if it is to return to its previous premier ranking. The amazing teams at African Bush Camps certainly warrant a visit." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
Matopo has some fabulous scenery, history and was a place to track rhino on foot - tick to all three. Rhino with calf was a highlight. It also gave us our best ever sighting of Elephant Shrew at Rhodes Grave! The National Park, however, has little game and incursions from cattle and humans are common. Locals roam the whole park on foot cutting grass for sale. It is still worth a visit and arguable needs more visitors to recover, so I’d still include it if you can.
Hwange with its pumped water holes and huge elephant population delivered more classic sightings, and a pride of lions with 6 cubs provided entertainment on all our game drives. Good antelope including Sable and Roan with huge buffalo herd of 500 plus were also a highlight. The open areas and mixed forest gave good variety to habitats.
Mana Pools was in drought in June so maybe not at its best. We were surprised at the number of self drivers and campers, some of whom are clearly not controlled effectively by the NP staff (much to the frustration of guides). No off road but you can off walk so great encounter with lions on a kill on foot was the highlight. If this is the jewel in the crown for Zimbabwe then it’s a little disappointing - at times it felt like a safari park - particularly as the unique environment offers so much.
Versus other neighbouring safari destinations, Zimbabwe still has some catching up to do if it is to return to its previous premier ranking. The amazing teams at African Bush Camps certainly warrant a visit." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs L
Hinckley
"Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools"
I visited Zimbabwe between 13 Jun 2019 and 25 Jun 2019
"I suspect that if we had not had many years experience of safaris, I would have been (Very Satisfied). However, although there were several truly wonderful times, overall, the game viewing was "average" for much of the time .... long hours driving seeing not a great deal. Whether this was due to the time of year/local climate/bad luck ... who knows. This said, the guides were excellent, the camps comfortable and we were lucky to have a vehicle to ourselves for much of the time. Victoria Falls was lovely and as dramatic as expected."
Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Good
Mr & Mrs O
Somerset
"Zimbabwe at Last"
I visited Zimbabwe between 25 Apr 2019 and 8 May 2019
"We waited a very long time before taking the plunge and visiting Zimbabwe. What a revelation to find that despite everything, the national parks are thriving with the most wonderful birds and animals.
The lodge system as we saw it matches any we have experienced elsewhere and the guiding is absolutely second to none. There are wrinkles but they are minor and should not deter anyone from visiting this most beautiful of Southern African countries.
We have always had full confidence in Expert Africa and once again it all worked. Thank you." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
The lodge system as we saw it matches any we have experienced elsewhere and the guiding is absolutely second to none. There are wrinkles but they are minor and should not deter anyone from visiting this most beautiful of Southern African countries.
We have always had full confidence in Expert Africa and once again it all worked. Thank you." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
Berwick
"Top of the range guiding"
I visited Zimbabwe between 20 Apr 2019 and 9 May 2019
"Zimbabwe is famous for the quality of its guiding and we weren't disappointed. Differences in age, experience and interests among guides at the three camps we visited made for an excellent, well-rounded trip.
We did more bush walking here than on any of our previous several trips in other African countries and enjoyed it very much (especially when a surprised aardwolf resting in long grass jumped out right in front of us!).
Compared to many previous safaris, the night drives were exceptional (providing some great photographic opportunities).
We were glad we selected camps in two very distinct parts of Hwange NP before going north to Mana Pools, which was different again.
Conditions varied too: the Camp Hwange area was still very green; Somalisa Expeditions (still in Hwange) and Vundu at Mana Pools both unseasonally dry.
We were taken aback by the large numbers of elephants, particularly in eastern Hwange, but fear for the future with Zimbabwe exporting elephants (and other wildlife) from there to China because of its dire financial situation plus continued poaching, voiced on the ground at Mana Pools.
All three camps' accommodation was very good though vegetarian food was a bit variable, the best being at Somalisa Expeditions camp." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zimbabwe safari
We did more bush walking here than on any of our previous several trips in other African countries and enjoyed it very much (especially when a surprised aardwolf resting in long grass jumped out right in front of us!).
Compared to many previous safaris, the night drives were exceptional (providing some great photographic opportunities).
We were glad we selected camps in two very distinct parts of Hwange NP before going north to Mana Pools, which was different again.
Conditions varied too: the Camp Hwange area was still very green; Somalisa Expeditions (still in Hwange) and Vundu at Mana Pools both unseasonally dry.
We were taken aback by the large numbers of elephants, particularly in eastern Hwange, but fear for the future with Zimbabwe exporting elephants (and other wildlife) from there to China because of its dire financial situation plus continued poaching, voiced on the ground at Mana Pools.
All three camps' accommodation was very good though vegetarian food was a bit variable, the best being at Somalisa Expeditions camp." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 17 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs V.
Leiden
"My Oct 2018 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe between 19 Oct 2018 and 28 Oct 2018
"We travelled with EA before and had high expectations. These were all met, no shortcomings. They selected the right places for us and arranged the required transportation adequately. Preperation for the trip was very pleasant with always a travel agent available for questions or a sudden change of plans. Professionals at every level and very pleasant in communication. We've already started preperations for our next trip with EA."
Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr C & Mr K
Oxon
"Our trip to Zimbabwe October 2018"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 29 Sep 2018 and 16 Oct 2018
"Despite the inauspicious start in Harare Airport, all other aspects of the trip went very smoothly and overall it exceeded our expectations and we will undoubtedly book another trip with Expert Africa in the future.
We are big fans of Zambia because of the excellent walking but we liked the combination of walk and drives we experienced in Zimbabwe.
Mana Pools was busier than Hwange, which was very quiet. In Mana Pools, it is strange to see people walking in the park without guides. In Hwange it was wonderful to be away from tsetses and mosquitos." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zimbabwe safari
We are big fans of Zambia because of the excellent walking but we liked the combination of walk and drives we experienced in Zimbabwe.
Mana Pools was busier than Hwange, which was very quiet. In Mana Pools, it is strange to see people walking in the park without guides. In Hwange it was wonderful to be away from tsetses and mosquitos." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Glos
"Sep 2018 trip to Zimbabwe "
I visited Zimbabwe between 8 Sep 2018 and 20 Sep 2018
"Great. The only issue was SAA.
Everything else was superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Everything else was superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr S.
Clontarf
"Zimbabwe is well worth visiting"
I visited Zimbabwe between 31 Aug 2018 and 17 Sep 2018
"Another very well organised trip with Expert Africa.
Freddie responded well to our request to select camps primarily for the quality of their guides. The camps were all of high quality and each had unique experiences, and great, knowledgable and experienced guides.
It is pleasing to see each camp supporting their local communities and doing their best to protect the wildlife and prevention of poaching. Clearly they are managing despite the current political and economic crises facing the country and are well worth supporting.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We like the fact that we can chat to your reps and you make suggestions to help us choose camps and locations based on our past experiences with you and don’t simply refer us to your website or brochures so the trip is truly tailored to our wishes." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zimbabwe safari
Freddie responded well to our request to select camps primarily for the quality of their guides. The camps were all of high quality and each had unique experiences, and great, knowledgable and experienced guides.
It is pleasing to see each camp supporting their local communities and doing their best to protect the wildlife and prevention of poaching. Clearly they are managing despite the current political and economic crises facing the country and are well worth supporting.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We like the fact that we can chat to your reps and you make suggestions to help us choose camps and locations based on our past experiences with you and don’t simply refer us to your website or brochures so the trip is truly tailored to our wishes." Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 15 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs R
Kingston
"Our August-Sept 2018 Zimbabwe Safari"
I visited Zimbabwe between 26 Aug 2018 and 9 Sep 2018
"Our trip was wonderful. We loved each camp for different reasons, so we are not able to pick a "favourite", and that's a good thing. We would return to each of them.
Everything was as expected and described, with 2 minor exceptions: our transfer from Batonka Guest Lodge was to arrive at 8 am, giving us time to have breakfast at 7 am, but he arrived at 7 am, so there was a bit of a rush. I would have preferred to know this in advance.
The other exception was certainly to our advantage: apparently the road transfer from Hwange Bush Camp to Somalisa Expeditions is not a comfortable journey, so the owner of Hwange Bush Camp arranged for us to fly, and we were told he covered the cost on his own. He has apparently communicated this to agents (including Expert Africa).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to suggest, only this: perhaps consider updating the general description of Zimbabwe, as a lot has changed in the last year. You should know that when we mentioned we had booked with you, many other travellers (and some of the camp staff) said "oh, they have an excellent website". Thank you." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Everything was as expected and described, with 2 minor exceptions: our transfer from Batonka Guest Lodge was to arrive at 8 am, giving us time to have breakfast at 7 am, but he arrived at 7 am, so there was a bit of a rush. I would have preferred to know this in advance.
The other exception was certainly to our advantage: apparently the road transfer from Hwange Bush Camp to Somalisa Expeditions is not a comfortable journey, so the owner of Hwange Bush Camp arranged for us to fly, and we were told he covered the cost on his own. He has apparently communicated this to agents (including Expert Africa).
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not much to suggest, only this: perhaps consider updating the general description of Zimbabwe, as a lot has changed in the last year. You should know that when we mentioned we had booked with you, many other travellers (and some of the camp staff) said "oh, they have an excellent website". Thank you." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
98
reviews of Mana Pools by travellers since August 2007
Overall rating by our travellers
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Where to stay in Mana Pools
Our suggestions for safari camps in Mana Pools National Park
Vundu Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Vundu Camp is a small, comfortable bushcamp offering top-notch guiding.
Kanga Bush Camp
Unspoiled and peaceful, Kanga Bush Camp is located in a remote and exclusive part of Mana Pools National Park, overlooking the Kanga Pan.
Stretch Ferreira Safaris
Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp is a small, owner-run camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, with the emphasis on great guiding.
Ruckomechi Camp
In a very scenic spot beside the Zambezi, Ruckomechi is a smart camp offering excellent walking, river safaris, night and day 4WD game drives.
Zambezi Expeditions
Zambezi Expeditions is a simple, semi-permanent camp along the Zambezi River that offers excellent guiding and standards of service.
Nyamatusi Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River, the luxury Nyamatusi Camp occupies a pristine wilderness environment.
Little Vundu
Closely associated with Vundu Camp, Little Vundu has the same great location and quality of guides, and is occasionally used for private group bookings.
Mana Canoe Trail
The Canoe Trail is a multi-day trip, along the Zambezi with some of the best guides in Africa. Each night you'll camp on the banks of the river.
Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga is a comfortable tented camp tucked away in a less-visited area of Mana Pools National Park with surprisingly good wildlife and an excellent hide.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
John's Camp
John's Camp is a semi-mobile tented camp offering walking safaris, game drives, and fishing in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Nyamatusi Mahogany is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Mana Pools National Park.
Little Ruckomechi
In a shady spot beside the Zambezi, Little Ruckomechi is a small but luxurious camp offering a reange of activities including walking and canoe trips.
Ingwe Pan Camp
Ingwe Pan Camp is due to open in May and will be located in a remote area in the north of the Mana Pools National Park
Tembo Plains Camp
Building commenced on Tembo Plains Camp in February 2021. Details are sparce at this stage but we'll update this page once we know more.
Mana River Camp
Mana River Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, a site formerly occupied by Mwinilunga Camp.
