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:
"Zimbabwe/Botswana Sept/Oct 2019"
Variety is the spice of life and every day on the trip brought some new highlight, be it a particular wildlife sighting or interaction, a scenic location or an activity. The trip has re-kindled our addiction for Africa and has only served to convince us to seek more! We would happily return to any of the locations we visited and on each occasion, when it was time to move on, we wished we could linger on at each place - a sure sign of our appreciation.
We are especially indebted to Tracy Lederer for her knowledgeable guidance and patience during the planning and booking process. We acknowledge that we were not the easiest clients to deal with but only because of the need to "get it right" for these once in a lifetime trips and Tracy was spot on with her recommendations and reassurances. It was obvious that her advice was informed by her personal experiences of the various locations.
Logistically, pretty much everything went without hitch. (Even a trekking pole which was left at Muchenje somehow found its way back to us at Maun airport on the way home - don't know how, but Tracy located it and engineered its reunion!!). Appreciating the remote locations reinforces our admiration for the efficiency of your operation, working with the local teams.
We would fully recommend your services and would have no hesitation in approaching you ourselves for future trips in Africa. Till next time..." Read full review: 28 nights in Africa; 16 on a Botswana safari
"Zimbabwe trip"
Only Imvelo camps don't yet use refillable water bottles which you can either take home or return at the end of your stay.
Malcolm Lodge in Harare is also a lovely place to stay and very up to date - they knew about a flight problem we had before we did.
The transfer from Hwange Main Camp to Vic Falls arrived 30 minutes late - he was 'delayed' but we suspect the delay was visiting his home village on the way to collect us, which meant that the 2 guides who had brought us there from Somalisa had and extra wait." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Stunning Zimbabwe"
Hardly another vehicle to be seen whilst on safari, great wildlife sightings, excellent accommodation and superb guides." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Sep 2019 trip"
Amalinda promised a lot, but fell short on delivery. Verneys has too many elephants fighting for not much water, but the camp design and massive family tents were impressive.
Vundu is a class act with beautiful surroundings and a very well run camp." Read full review: 16 nights in Africa; 13 on a Zimbabwe safari
"August trip to Zimbabwe"
"Zam Zim and RSA 2019"
Less game and far less variety than we expected. Dissappointed to find night drives not allowed in Zimbabwe. Expert Africa should provide more details of the flight operators for the bush flights and there needs to be tighter communication when informing guests and checking their documents and itineraries." Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 6 on a Zambia safari
"My June 2019 Trip to Zimbabwe"
"My Jun 2019 trip"
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
"Flavour of Zimbabwe"
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
"Victoria Falls, Hwange and Mana Pools"
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.
