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 at Last"
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
"Top of the range guiding"
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
"My Oct 2018 trip"
"Our trip to Zimbabwe October 2018"
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
"Sep 2018 trip to Zimbabwe "
Everything else was superb." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Zimbabwe is well worth visiting"
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
"Our August-Sept 2018 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
"Zimbabwe: still beautiful and welcoming"
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
"Great trip"
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
"My May/June trip"
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
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.
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.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
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.
