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 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
Sue
Cape Town
"Zimbabwe: still beautiful and welcoming"
I visited Zimbabwe between 25 Aug 2018 and 14 Sep 2018
"It was a most rewarding experience. I lived in the country many years ago and was gratified to see that no matter what difficulties they face, the people are as welcoming and open and friendly as I remember. There are definitely challenges ahead, but I hope that there will be a gradual improvement in the economy. To this end, I would encourage tourists to visit the whole of Zimbabwe, and not just the outer northwest corner. The Eastern Highlands are indescribably beautiful, as are the Matobo Hills, Great Zimbabwe and the Zambezi Valley.
I suppose the unexpected thing about our trip was that apart from a delightful train journey which gave us double the travel time we had paid for, things actually do work. There were unavoidable delays from time to time, but there were no glitches in the arrangements made for local transfers or accommodation.
All in all it was a wonderful three weeks, and my thanks to EA for their excellent service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No improvements possible on the service we received from both Freddie and Claire.
We were picky and difficult and not altogether consistent, and they managed us brilliantly, thanks so much." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zimbabwe safari
I suppose the unexpected thing about our trip was that apart from a delightful train journey which gave us double the travel time we had paid for, things actually do work. There were unavoidable delays from time to time, but there were no glitches in the arrangements made for local transfers or accommodation.
All in all it was a wonderful three weeks, and my thanks to EA for their excellent service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No improvements possible on the service we received from both Freddie and Claire.
We were picky and difficult and not altogether consistent, and they managed us brilliantly, thanks so much." Read full review: 20 nights in Africa; 16 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs L
Wellington
"Great trip"
I visited Zimbabwe between 3 Aug 2018 and 13 Aug 2018
"Brilliant camps and wonderful activities.
Slight problem with transfers:
Transfer from airport involved waiting for others to get through immigration and then stops at various hotels.
Never informed of time of transfer to Hwange.
Transfer from airport at end forgotten.
Never informed of time on last day." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Slight problem with transfers:
Transfer from airport involved waiting for others to get through immigration and then stops at various hotels.
Never informed of time of transfer to Hwange.
Transfer from airport at end forgotten.
Never informed of time on last day." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr M
Toronto
"My May/June trip"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 31 May 2018 and 26 Jun 2018
"Although the rains meant that we did not see as much game as we usually do, we greatly enjoyed the smaller animal behaviour and the birds.
We loved the trip and thank Expert Africa for their suggestions, their planning and their professionalism.
We will most definitely use them for our next trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were thrilled with the trip. I've tried to not rate all the accommodation and camps as excellent, but everything really WAS excellent.
Thanks Expert Africa!" Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari
We loved the trip and thank Expert Africa for their suggestions, their planning and their professionalism.
We will most definitely use them for our next trip.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We were thrilled with the trip. I've tried to not rate all the accommodation and camps as excellent, but everything really WAS excellent.
Thanks Expert Africa!" Read full review: 26 nights in Africa; 8 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
95
reviews of Mana Pools by travellers since August 2007
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Where to stay in Mana Pools
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