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:
"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
"Good Service!"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Not really, your doing pretty well as it is." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My May 2018 trip"
Otherwise the trip was well done and worked as planned.
This is the second time we've used Maruska and were very pleased before, so perhaps it was poor communication on my part." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Magical Zambia and Zimbabwe"
The only complaint is that I never feel it is long enough--I could happily spent a month in the bush. I loved 4 nights at each camp. Shorter stays means that you are constantly packing and moving. The next trip I will look at hiring private air charters rather than using commercial flights between safari camps -- for the extra cost, I think it would be worthwhile.
Freddie Sutton took over during Claire's absence and did a fine job getting all the information to us.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
keep doing what you are doing!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zambia safari
"Fabulous return to Zim "
Excellent game and bird viewing. Hospitable and professional camps. Would return in a heartbeat...." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 14 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Zimbabwe and Zambia, August / September 2017"
"Expert Africa ROCKS"
Expert Africa did a first class job and we highly recommend them. Our entire trip went off without a hitch.
Thank you Africa Experts for an amazing trip. Special thank you to Maruska Adye for being a patient and amazing resource." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 9 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.
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.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
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.
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.
