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:
"My Jul 2022 trip"
Tom clearly understood the sort of holiday we were looking for, and his attention to detail was very good." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Jul 2022 trip"
"My May 2022 trip"
Thanks again Claire!" Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Trip for the first time in 2 years"
Covid-19 pandemic is going to be over soon and we are starting to get back our normal.
Thank you Claire, for being patient and supportive. I will plan my trip to African countries with Expert Africa again." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Oct 2021 "Alone in Africa Because of Covid" trip"
We felt as if we essentially had the continent to ourselves--which was wonderful but a bit weird too. The pandemic complicated things quite considerably because of the need for timely PCR tests, flights disappearing, places closing, etc., but Maruska helped get it all organized and all the facets of the trip she organized came together perfectly.
This is our second trip with Expert Africa, the first the result of a recommendation from a friend. Elizabeth, who organized our first trip, did a fabulous job, and now that high bar of service continues. We are likely to go on safari again, and we will most certainly use Expert Africa again--and will recommend your services to friends.
Again: thank you for taking such great care of us, Maruska. I very much appreciated your solicitous and friendly professionalism.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Maintain that high standard!" Read full review: 22 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
"Zimbabwe 2021"
"Once in a life time experience!"
I put my faith in Expert Africa, and everything went seamlessly. From pick up and testing at JNB airport for our initial tests for Zimbabwe to all the planes and vehicles along the way, there were conscientious staff on time waiting to assist us.
While it was a leap of faith, we were rewarded with camps with few other travelers giving us undivided attention and spectacular game viewing.
Here a few things I felt were important in making my trip such a success so that you might consider duplicating them for future clients.
First, I feel the order of the camps is crucial. Somalisa Acacia in Hwange national park was a good place to start. The camp itself is luxurious and beautiful, and the game viewing is very good. If guests can request a guide, I highly recommend Calvit. He made the experience. This camp, however, is about 10° colder than the others. I think going from cold to warm is much easier to adapt to than the other way around.
Steve Edward’s camp at Lake Kariba is significantly different than the other two camps. It is largely water-based which offers a different experience from typical game drives. I think it was a nice way to break up the land based parks. While I felt the game viewing wasn’t as good as the other two locations, the ability to go to the fishing village and see how a large portion of Zimbabwe lives was the most interesting thing I experienced on the trip. An opportunity not to be missed by any of your clients. Also fishing was tremendously fun for my boys.
Finally, I cannot praise the final camp at Mana Pools enough. Its location along the Zambezi river with an expansive view and extraordinary game was by far the highlight of the trip. No camp will surpass it and by having it last, the vacation ends with a crescendo. Also, we found Mash to be an excellent guide again to be recommended if possible.
The Armadale Lodge was very pleasant with large private grounds if a day in Harare is required. My wish is that others may have our experience.
Once in a life time experience!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
"July/August 2021: Zimbabwe and Tanzania"
Expert Africa has always done an excellent job putting together workable itineraries that meet our (sometimes particular) travel goals. For this trip they had to deal with the vicissitudes of COVID testing requirements as well. The result was a wonderful sequence of adventures across beautiful Zimbabwe and Tanzania and was everything we hoped it would be.
Many thanks to our friends at Expert Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions" Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 12 on a Tanzania safari
"Simbabwe VicFalls/Huangwe/ManaPools 11-2019"
Information on the Website of ExpertAfrica was very detailed and accurate, we planned our trip with Tom who was very helpful and knowledgable, we ended up with a trip that was everything (and more) we expected, highly recommended." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Great: lovely lodges; perfect arrangements"
The combination of Victoria Falls, Okavango Delta and Mana Pools was ideal and we saw a huge variety of wildlife and had some amazing experiences. The lodges were great - with Nyamatusi in Mana Pools being the best - so totally luxurious and in a stunning setting.
Thank you all.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No - it was all great thank you." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zimbabwe safari
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
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.
Sapi Springs Camp
Sapi Springs Camp offer the chance to feel closer to the bush than almost any other camp in the Mana Pools Area.
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
Sapi Explorers Camp
Sapi Explorers Camp is an exciting new riverside camp in a true African wilderness.
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.
