The life-giving power of the Zambezi River makes Mana Pools National Park one of Zimbabwe’s most lush and rewarding safari regions. It offers a stunning water and wildlife experience. The focal point is the magical Zambezi River and its islands, the surrounding flood plains and gorgeous forests of mahogany, wild fig, ebony and baobab trees.

Mana Pools is renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, and eland that concentrate along the river when the inland waterholes dry up - especially in the winter months. Leopard and lion are present but are not seen as regularly. This World Heritage Site is one of the least developed national parks in Zimbabwe and it's this overwhelming sense of wilderness which is as much of an attraction of Mana Pools as its wildlife.

Mana means 'four' in Setswana and refers to the four large permanent ox box lakes formed by the meandering Zambezi river. It was saved from a hydro-electric scheme in the early 1980's which would have flooded this beautiful area. Canoeing and walking safaris are a speciality of Mana Pools, both day excursions and multi-day adventures. Canoe trips are offered year round and provide a unique and memorable way for visitors to experience the area’s striking scenic beauty and diverse fauna, while guided walks are a great way to take its pristine riverside forests.