Epic Active Zimbabwe - 2024-25

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

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.

Professional Guides - Ian Batchelor & Fisher Ngwerume

The enthusiastic birder and amateur ornithologist our expert guides will offer many opportunities and photographic moments to enjoy the prolific bird life that Hwange has to offer.

This is a key activity around the lodge in the green season.

Some of the special opportunities and activities that add to the unique Daka experience.

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

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.

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.

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.

Open vehicle safari drives in Zambezi National Park. The camp has custom built Land cruisers specially designed for photography. With just four to six guests each, the vehicles are fully stocked with reference books, drinks and snacks.

Mpala Jena’s wooden dhow, brought from the Zanzibar coast to Zimbabwe, is available for guests to enjoy when on a sunrise cruise or late afternoon sunset sail along the Zambezi River. The journey is a relaxed way of experiencing one of Africa's most iconic rivers whilst under sail. Guests head upriver from Mpala Jena, returning with the flow of the river as it flows toward the Victoria Falls in the distance. A wide selection of beverages and snacks are provided on the dhow, based on the guest's preference.

If need be, there is an external motor available. This experience is a seasonal offering, dependent on the waters of the Zambezi River. Life jackets are supplied.

Mpala Jena Camp has it's own 8-seater aluminum hulled motor boat perfect for sun-downer cruises.

During a two night stay, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a half-day guided excursion to the thunderous and impressive mass of falling water of the Victoria Falls.

This is a great activity for the whole family. Catch-and-release fishing is done from a boat with a captain, on the Zambezi River.