Zimbabwe

Mana Pools

One of the most revered parks in Africa, Mana Pools is one of Africa’s most prolific game-viewing regions. The park is famous for its huge elephant herds, reaching almost 12,000 at times, along with its lion sightings and one of the highest densities of painted wolves left in Africa – there are currently six packs with approximately 100 adult dogs. But it’s the immersive experiences of bush walks and fenceless campsites that are the heart of Mana’s appeal.

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On the floodplains of Mana, groves of Ana trees (Faidherbia albida), create the perfect photographic backdrop against which bull elephants stretch up to reach the nutritious seedpods, sometimes balancing on their hind legs. Dedicate at least one of your game drives or bush walks in search of elephant that stand trunk high in the air, in the hopes of finding juicy Ana leaves and seed pods to snack on. Mana Pools is one of the a few places in the world where this phenomenon happens, so unique and startling that some younger elephant follow behind to enjoy the leftovers. Vundu Camp is privately owned by Nick Murray who over a two-year period hosted and guided the BBC team who shot the wild dog episode for David Attenborough’s Dynasty series. Over the years Nick has developed a deep understanding and respect for Mana’s famous old bull elephants. To stand within a trunk’s length of these magnificent beasts as they reach up to feast is indeed a rare privilege.

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Reasons to travel to Mana Pools National Park

  • Offers a truly remote and rugged wilderness experience
  • The sunsets over the Zambezi
  • Walking experiences throughout the park and canoe trips on the Zambezi

Scintilla’s Delights

Treat yourself to the best experiences Mana Pools National Park has to offer.

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Zimbabwe on Foot

We partner with only the best, professional guides in the business! Join a private walking safari with Julian Brookstein or James Varden, for an immersive an authentic back-to-nature experience! Covering Hwange, Gonarezhou, Mana Pools and Matopos, guides are highly trained in understanding wildlife dynamics and how to find them, while remaining mostly undetected. As one of the oldest wildernesses in Africa, Hwange’s diversity of landscapes and the wildlife that roams here is staggering. A tiny and lesser-known park in Zimbabwe’s south, Matopos (also spelled Matobo) happens to be one of the last bastions of wild black and white rhino – and with an armed guide leading the way, you can explore the lush, forested landscape where rhino roam amongst the trees and craggy sentinels. In Mana Pools, elephants reign supreme, occupying prime land beside the Zambezi River.

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Where to stay in Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park has some world-class accommodation options. 

Tembo Plains Camp
Tembo Plains Camp
Vundu Camp
Vundu Camp
Nyamatusi Camp
Nyamatusi Camp

Other destinations in Zimbabwe

It’s the people, as much as the sights, that make Zimbabwe such a special spot to visit. These places are our best of the best.

Hwange National Park

Hwange National Park

Kariba

Kariba

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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