For the Love of Zimbabwe

This area is famous for its large concentrations of animals, including elephant. Due to the existence of year round water seeps, this area is ideal for game drives, producing incredible wildlife sightings.

Guide dependent walking safaris

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.

With over 420 species recorded Hwange National Park is a birding hotspot. The park is well known for its huge variety of raptors, grassland birds are well represented as well. From November to April yearly the park is flooded with migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa.

Early Morning and Sunset Game drives are included in your stay. Each game drive is approximately 3h30 minutes long.

Embark on a Guided Walk with your Ranger, as you learn about wildlife, fauna and flora in the area.

Half Day Trip
We offer an exciting half day trip that includes visiting our local School, a small rural village near
the National Park, and an informative stop over at the Wild Dog Research Centre.

A Brief Description - After an early breakfast at 7am, guests depart on a slow game drive north east towards Hwange Main Camp, which takes around 2 hours. Guests will visit The National Parks Primary School that we as Verney’s Camp have adopted and sponsor along with other operators in Hwange National Park. After the visit, guest travel to Mabale Village where we visit this authentic rural village typical to the area, and meet the local people from the district. Following this visit we then head to the Painted Dog Research Centre to learn more about the endangered African Wild Dog, guests also get a chance to meet the researches and get involved in future sponsorship of this critical study. Then it’s back to Verney’s Camp after a scrumptous picnic lunch at one of the numerous waterholes on the way.

Schedule
Best days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Pre-booking this activity helps us to coordinate with
the school and researchers (During school holidays and weekends the school is closed however the trip still operates to the other two venues).

Morning and/or late afternoon game walks. Mana River Camp offers the perfect environment in which to immerse yourself in nature by enjoying walking safaris. Walking safaris are particularly special in the Mana Pools National Park as the Zimbabweab guides are exceptionally experienced and highly regarded due to Zimbabwe's stingent examination procedures. On your walk, your safari guide will draw your attention to the details that form part of a bigger story, such as beetles, animal droppings, scents, sounds and spoor.

Game drives take place in the mornings and late afternoons along the floodplains and game rich river banks where there is a high concentration of wildlife. You will explore the floodplains surrounding the camp where the Albida trees attract various wildlife due to the source of excellent protein they provide. These trees are the reason the elephants have adapted to standing on their hind legs to stretch up and reach the delicacies of these Albida trees, especially in the dry season.

The Zambezi River and the floodplains are the main attractions for birds and birders but the diversity of habitats offers many more bird viewing opportunities. With over 380 species of birds recorded Mana Pools is an excellent birding destination. Although birding is good year-round it is at its best when the migratory birds are present from November to April.

Mana Pools is often referred to as a photographers dream. No matter what time you travel the unspoiled landscapes and wildlife offer spectacular photo opportunities. To add to the natural beauty at certain times of the year the light in the Zambezi valley is unique. At different times of the day you can take advantage of the dramatic lighting. These light tones go from golden glows of warm reds, yellows and oranges and then at other times the softer, cooler blue lights add to the depth of your images.

Canoeing on the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park area is an exhilarating and immersive wilderness adventure like no other. Located in the northern part of Zimbabwe, this pristine section of the Zambezi River offers an unforgettable canoeing experience that allows you to connect with nature in its purest form.

The river's waters wind through untamed wilderness, flanked by riverbanks that teem with life. The calm Zambezi River does occasionally surprise with gentle rapids. These rapids are entirely suitable for beginners, offering an enjoyable and energizing aspect to your adventure.

Mana Pools National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of Africa's most iconic animals in their natural habitat such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles as well as herds of antelope and buffalo grazing on the lush vegetation.

The birdlife is equally impressive. The Zambezi River is a haven for avian enthusiasts, with colourful kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and a myriad of other bird species adorning the trees and skies. Your experienced guides will help you identify and appreciate the rich diversity of birdlife in the area.

Early notification is required for canoeing arrangements to avoid disappointment.