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 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"
"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"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
