Mana Pools

Introduction

Regarded as Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness area and a wildlife paradise, Mana Pools is a remote and beautiful location with outstanding scenery and riverine beauty. This is one of the wildest and preserved natural ecological areas in the world which, since becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, has become one of the country’s most popular destinations. Bursting with a profusion of birds and one of the highest dry-season concentrations of animals for Zimbabwe, Mana Pools is far from any major town, making it a true wilderness location.

Situated at the heart of the Zambezi Valley, the mighty Zambezi River meanders from Lake Kariba through the valley to Mana; creating stunning islands, channels and sandbanks fringed by dense forests of baobab and indigenous trees. Distant purple hills of the Zambian escarpment shape the horizon to the north, whereas woodlands characterise the south. The area is famous for four main pools; Main, Chine, Long and Chisambuk along with outstanding large thorn Ana Trees dotted on floodplains which are usually located in Namibia. Due to the abundance of water in the area, the landscape is green with lush vegetation and tall old stands of mahogany and ebony.

Mana Pools is alive with exciting game, most notably a wide range of predators including lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah along with unusually large packs of endangered painted dogs which regularly move between Nyampi and Vundu camps. Huge concentrations of buffalo and magnificent elephant populate the river edges whilst zebra and numerous antelope species feed on the surrounding plains. Mana Pools is a haven to the country’s biggest concentration of pink eared hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as being home to a small population of black rhino.

In the south, the Chitake Springs becomes a vital source of water for wildlife in April and some of the most intensive predator-prey experiences of Southern Africa occur here. In addition, rare dinosaur fossil are exposed in the eroded riverbanks.

With over 400 of Zimbabwe’s 700 bird species recorded in Mana Pools, the National Park is superb for woodland and riverine species throughout the year, but exceptional in winter. Numerous local species reside including the Black-throated Wattle Eye, Yellow-Billed Kites and the Red-necked falcon. Water-loving birds feature along the river banks of the Zambezi amongst the reeds and marshland, with storks and waterfowl particularly common, whilst banded snake eagles and other raptors circle overhead.

The Zambezi River and Pools act as a lifeline to wildlife, so there is no better way to view the amazing biodiversity than on Zimbabwe’s ultimate big game adventure; canoeing safari. Weave your way amongst the network of islands that line the river, amidst pods of hippo and elephant and carmine bee eaters nesting in the sandy banks. Alternatively, 4WD game drives, motorboat and walking excursions are offered by various lodges which add variety and a chance to appreciate the wildlife in addition to the wondrous scenery of the Zambezi Valley.

When To Visit

Game gravitates towards the river in the dry season (April to October), making this the best game-viewing time. Limited accommodation is available during the rains of November to March as much of the park is inaccessible. Therefore, the months of June to October are preferential to get the best experience and see a well-rounded variety of wildlife.

January to April – The majority of lodges are closed during the rainy green season as most big game has moved away from the river towards the escarpment between December and March. Heavy and prolonged rain features in January and February, making road conditions poor and sometimes impassable. The wet season however is great for birding and scenic photography as the bush however is lush and vibrant as a result of the rains.

By April, the animals begin to return to riverine areas as the pools in the bush have dried up. This is a beautiful time of year with clear blue skies and lush green bush that is dotted with flowers. The animals are healthy and there are a lot of babies around

May and June – This shoulder season between the green and dry season is drier. Most safari lodges open during May and discounts are available.

By mid-May the rains are over. Although still thick the grass is beginning to dry out. Pans away from the river are full and the game dispersed. As the season creeps into winter the winter thorn trees on the flood plain come out in full leaf and flower with the promise of a good pod crop to sustain the game through the dry season. Although the valley never reaches freezing early morning and late evening are beginning to cool down which is a reminder winter is on its way.

June – vegetation is beginning to thin out and, as the inland pans dry out, the animals start to move slightly closer to permanent water sources. Towards the end of the month until the end July/August the winter thorn trees drop their nutritional seed pods which are gobbled up by the elephant and whatever other game that can get a look in. Frequent mists along the Zambezi River on the winter mornings of late June and early July are a photographer’s delight.

July to October – The main dry season is the traditional time to visit the park, with September and October being the best months for game-viewing. Large herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, waterbuck, zebra and impala come to the river to drink and graze along the lush banks which provides great game-viewing opportunities. Temperatures are around 30°C, which peak in October in the mid 40°C’s. Carmine Bee Eaters arrive in late August and stay until November.

July – is becoming cooler. Expect great elephant sightings as they move down to the river and to inland springs for their daily afternoon drink.

August – is windy. Leaves are falling and the animals make their way to river to drink as the last few pans dry out. The wind usually picks up at around 10.00 and by mid-afternoon is calm. Out on the river the days canoeing is planned around the wind factor.

September – most of the shrubbery has disappeared, elephants are everywhere and plains game plentiful as they feast off the fruit of the fig and wild mango trees. The wild dog puppies are a few months old and the dogs appear in full force on the floodplain. As temperatures begin to rise tsetse flies are more prevalent.

October – is very hot. Sightings are amazing as there is always plenty of action. This is when tsetse flies are at their worst.

November and December – Early November is extremely hot and humid (28°C) and game starts to move away from the river towards the escarpment. Most roads are inaccessible so charter flights operate to two airstrips. The interior areas of the park are limited in accessibility during these months. Migrant bird species are abundant; however the African Skimmer departs in December.

Temperature & Rainfall

Climate Chart – Mana Pools