Pure Mana Pools Safari 9 Nights May to Nov 2023 - Guided By Doug Macdonald

This is a comfortable mobile tented camp set up on the banks of the Zambezi River. The camp has large walk-in style tents with en-suite facilities and from here you will be able to explore the whole Mana Pools flood plain area either on foot or by vehicle. You will be amazed by the density of wildlife on the floodplain that are drawn by the water and food provided by the Zambezi River. Highlights here could include tracking on foot a pride of lions or one of the packs of wild dogs that hunt through this area. Following on foot behind a big elephant bull as it makes its way through the day is also a great way to spend some safari time. Try to do as much walking as possible as this is the best way to enjoy the Mana Pools experience. Meals will be served al fresco under the canopy of trees that line the river bank and always with the sounds of the bush in the background.

This is based closer to the Zimbabwean side of the Rift valley in a remote area with an amazing and permanent spring that supplies water to a large number of animals in an otherwise dry area. All through the day and night there is a steady flow of animals coming and going to Chitake Springs and of course with this comes the predators. This often makes a stay here quite action packed and our camp will be set up right on the edge of the water so there is often wildlife very close to camp. As there are very few roads here we spend most of our time walking or just sitting at a vantage point watching the activity around this very active area.

Wilderness Chikwenya overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River in the eastern section of Mana Pools National Park, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Zimbabwe. Views extend over open floodplains down to the legendary river and across to the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment, while stretching inland behind Wilderness Chikwenya are the dense woodlands so characteristic of the area. The canvas tents are set on low wooden decks and linked to the raised main area by wooden walkways.

A lounge, dining and bar area offer a sanctuary of hospitality and relaxation, while a pool deck and fire place offer alternate spaces to take in the scenery and passing wildlife. The area is renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in winter when they concentrate along the river – these and a variety of predators can be seen from camp.

INSIDER'S TIP: Protein-rich albida pods attract many species, particularly elephant, during the dry season.