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 This
unique park is a WORLD HERITAGE SITE, based on its wildness
and beauty, together with the wide range of large mammals,
over 350 bird species and aquatic wildlife. Mana Pools is
one of Zimbabwe's most popular parks, and it is easy to see
why it falls into this profile.
The name "Mana'' means “four” in the local
Shona language. This applies to the four large pools inland
from the Zambezi River. These pools are the remnant ox-bow
lakes that the Zambezi River carved out thousands of years
ago as it changed its course northwards. Hippopotamus, crocodiles
and a wide variety of aquatic birds are associated with the
pools. ''Long Pool'', is the largest of the four pools, extending
some six kilometres in a west-east direction. This pool has
a large population of hippo and crocodiles and is a favourite
for the large herds of elephant that come out of the thickly
vegetated areas in the south to drink.
As one moves northwards towards the Zambezi River from the
forests on the Karoo sediments, the vegetation changes to
open Faidherbia albida woodlands on the old river
terraces. This vegetation gives an unique look to the area
and a surreal light filters through the trees giving Mana
Pools its distinctive cathedral-like atmosphere.
On the old river terraces, tourists can walk unaccompanied
by guides in the open Albida woodland because visibility is
good and there is little danger of unexpectantly coming across
dangerous animals. This privilege of walking alone in an area
with dangerous wildlife is unique in Zimbabwe. Elephant, eland,
buffalo, impala, waterbuck, baboons, monkeys, zebra, warthog
and hippo are some of the larger herbivores to be seen regularly
on the river terraces as they come out to eat the fallen Albida
fruit. Lions, leopards, spotted hyaena and cheetah are present
in the area, but their secretive nature makes them more difficult
to see. Despite this, it is not often that the visitor leaves
Mana Pools without seeing at least one of these large carnivores.
Northwards, off the river terraces, is the mighty Zambezi
River flowing sedately on its way to the Indian Ocean. This
now tranquil river was a major route for the trade in ivory
and slaves in the dark past.
Mana Pools is 2,196 square kilometres in extent but is part
of the 10,500 square kilometre Parks and Wildlife Estate that
runs from the Kariba Dam in the west to the Mozambique border
in the east. This large area is without physical boundaries
and the wildlife is free to move throughout the area - even
northwards across the Zambezi River into Zambia, where there
are also large wilderness areas set aside for wildlife conservation.
Facilities
Tourist facilities include lodges, a communal campsite with
ablution facilities and exclusive campsites where the visitor
can be alone.
 Lodges
There are 5 lodges in the Park, all located along the Zambezi
River. There are 2 large lodges situated a short distance
upstream from Nyamepi Camp, Musangu and Muchichiri. These
lodges have a bathroom and shower with hot and cold running
water; 2 toilets and a fully kitted kitchen with stove and
deep-freeze and all utensils such as cutlery, crockery and
cooking utensils. All bedding and towels, etc are supplied.
There is a large dining room and lounge, an outside braai
area with seating where one can view the river and the wildlife
coming down to drink or simply watch the African sun setting
over the Zambezi River.
There are also 3 four-bedded lodges, all under thatch. Each
lodge has 2 bedrooms with 2 beds each, a shower and toilet
and seating areas outside near the Zambezi River. The kitchen
is supplied with a deep-freezer, cooker, crockery and cutlery
and other cooking implements. Bedding and towels, etc are
supplied.
Camping Sites
There is one large communal campsite along the Zambezi River,
and a number of exclusive campsites where visitors can ensure
their solitude.
Communal Campsite
The Nyamepi Camp camping area located along the Zambezi River
is situated near the Mana Pools National Park reception office.
Visitors need to bring their own camping equipment, bedding,
toiletries, cooking implements, etc. There are ablution blocks
nearby with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and
laundry basins. Visitors can buy firewood at the reception
office, and each campsite has a braai area. This camping ground
has 30 sites.
Exclusive Campsite
There are a number of exclusive campsites situated along the
Zambezi River. These camps are for the visitor who seeks solitude
and who wants to truly experience the wildness and challenges
of the bush. There is a braai stand at each site and rudimentary
toilet. Water is collected from the river or the reception
office. Visitors to these sites need to be fully self-equipped
and be able to handle the remoteness and solitude of these
unique camps. The camps are only allowed 2 vehicles and 12
persons per stay. Water may be drawn from the river.
 Mucheni
8 kilometres west of Nyamepi and has 4 secluded camp sites
Nkupe
Just over 1 kilometre east of Nymepi and has 1 camp site
Ndungu
Just east of the carpark area and has 2 campsites
Gwaya
A short distance upstream from the lodges has 1 campsite,
with cold-water shower, flush toilet and basin and a braai
stand.
Wild Exclusive Camp Sites
There are 2 completely wild camping sites located in the southern
sector of the Park – close to Chitake Spring, near the
foothills of the Zambezi Escarpment. The check-in point for
these camps is at Nyakasikana Gate. Both campsites are without
any facilities and are accessible only with four-wheel drive
vehicles.
Chitake Camp 1 (Nzou)
Located 150 metres downstream from the Chitake River crossing
under a large Natal Mahogany near the river.
Chitake Camp 2 (Shumba)
Situated on top of a small hill near a number of baobab trees
and has a magnificent view south to the escarpment, north
to the far off Zambezi, east to Mangangai and west to the
Rukomechi River. The camp is about 1 kilometre from the spring.
Tour Operator All-inclusive Tours
Visitors can book with a number of registered tour operators
who will take care of all requirements including transport,
food, accommodation, activities, safety and transfers. Visitors
will need to make their own arrangements to hire a tour operator.
Activities
The following are some of the main activities offered at
Mana Pools National Park:
Camping
Available around the Park at developed, minimum
development and exclusive sites
Canoeing
Canoeing on the Zambezi is a favourite activity in Mana Pools
and affords an unparalleled opportunity to experience the
river.
Guided Walks
Visitors can hire qualified armed Parks staff to take them
for game viewing on foot
Walking Safaris
These safaris are offered at full moon. Parks staff
will take visitors on a 3 day hike in the wild of Mana Pools
National Park. Visitors will need to be fit, provide their
own rucksacks, food and toiletries. This is a unique experience
for the nature lover and those who enjoy the challenge of
facing nature one on one.
Lion Tracking -
This is a limited activity whilst the lion research project
at Mana Pools is in progress. Visitors can join Parks staff
as they track radio-collared lions on foot. Visitors are guaranteed
a close view of the lions in most instances. This activity
is unique and also assists in data collection for research
projects.
Fishing
Visitors can fish in the Zambezi River and experience
the excitement of hooking large fish for the pot. Half of
the joy is experiencing the quiet, solitude and beauty of
the unspoiled bush around you.
Game Drives
Usually most rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon.
Long Pool is often worth visiting soon after sunrise.
Amenities
The Park is generally remote and far from any business centre.
The nearest shops and fuel supplies are nearly 100 kilometres
away, therefore visitors should be fully equipped for their
visit.
Why Visit Mana Pools?
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The unique guided and self-guided walks in the Park
amongst many wild animals
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Renowned ''World Heritage Site''
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One of the world's wildest and preserved natural ecological
areas
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Rated the 5th Best Park in Africa by Getaway magazine
(September 2003)
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Excellent canoeing and river fishing
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The remnant pools of the mighty Zambezi River are a marvel
to watch as a prime habitat for several bird and mamal
species
How to get to Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools is a truly remote park. Situated in the extreme
north of Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, Mana is far from any
major town or human settlement. Drive along the main Harare/
Chirundu tarred road and at the bottom of the Zambezi Escarpment,
branch off the tarred road onto a dirt road that will take
you 70 kilometres into unspoiled bush to Nyamepi Camp. There
are a number of game-viewing roads that run along the Zambezi
River and further inland from which you can view the wide
variety of wildlife. Visitors can get a free entry permit
to enter the Nyamautsi wilderness area and Kanga Pan where
vehicle entry is limited to 2 per day.
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