The afternoon boat cruise offers a different ambiance and often a chance for more dramatic wildlife sightings as the day winds down. After a leisurely lunch and some relaxation, you'll board the boat once more to explore the Zambezi's channels and islands. As the temperatures cool, many animals become more active, and the riverbanks become a hub of activity. The grand finale of an afternoon boat cruise is, without a doubt, the "sundowner" experience. Your guide will find a perfect spot, often a pristine sandbank or a secluded channel, to moor the boat. Here, you'll disembark to enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks as the sun descends, casting a spectacular array of colours across the vast Zambezi River and the distant Zambian escarpment. The sounds of the African bush settling for the night, combined with the stunning visual display, create an unforgettable and truly magical safari moment. The gentle cruise back to camp under the starlit sky completes a perfect day on the water.

As the afternoon heat begins to wane, the game walk offers a different perspective on the Mana Pools landscape. The light becomes softer, casting long shadows and creating a magical ambiance. These walks might focus on exploring different sections of the floodplain or following dry riverbeds, which often serve as natural pathways for wildlife. The afternoon walk is an excellent time to witness animals heading towards the various pools and the Zambezi River for their evening drink. While always prioritizing safety, your guide will expertly navigate the terrain, keeping a keen eye out for any wildlife activity. This is also an ideal time to search for Mana Pools' renowned wild dog packs, who often become active in the cooler parts of the day. The experience of being on foot allows for an unparalleled sense of vulnerability and connection to the wild, making every rustle in the bushes or distant call incredibly impactful.

After a delicious lunch and some time to relax back at camp, the afternoon game drive commences as the sun begins to soften its intensity. This drive often focuses on different areas of the park, exploring the diverse habitats that make Mana Pools so special – from the thick riverine forests to the more open Mopane woodlands and floodplains. As the day progresses towards evening, animal activity picks up again. The Zambezi River and its associated pools, such as Long Pool, become focal points as animals converge for their last drinks of the day. This is an excellent time to witness interactions between different species and to look for the park's famous African wild dog packs, known for their incredible hunting prowess. The guides will position the vehicle for optimal viewing and photography as the golden hour bathes the landscape in warm light. The highlight of the afternoon drive is typically a "sundowner" stop at a picturesque location, often overlooking the Zambezi, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking display of colors.

Your morning boat cruise on the mighty Zambezi begins with the rising sun, often accompanied by a light breakfast or hot drinks served on board. As you glide silently along the river's edge in a specially designed safari boat, the tranquility of the early morning is palpable. The focus of a morning cruise is often on the incredible birdlife that thrives along the Zambezi – you'll spot various kingfishers darting into the water, African fish eagles soaring overhead with their distinctive cry, storks, herons, and many other water-dependent species.

A morning game walk at Chitembe is an unparalleled sensory experience. You'll set out shortly after sunrise, often fueled by a light breakfast, accompanied by an armed, highly experienced, and licensed professional guide. The emphasis of these walks is not necessarily to cover vast distances or tick off large numbers of big game, but rather to intimately connect with the environment. Your guide will interpret the signs of the bush – fresh tracks in the sand, the distinct scent of a buffalo, the alarm call of an impala, or the subtle changes in vegetation that indicate animal presence.

The morning game drive from Chitembe Main Camp begins at the first hint of dawn, a magical time when the bush comes alive. With your experienced guide, you'll set out in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle, designed to offer unobstructed views and excellent photographic opportunities. The cooler morning air often means predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas are still active, either heading to their daytime resting spots or on the prowl. Mana Pools is famous for its large bull elephants, some of which exhibit the unique behavior of standing on their hind legs to reach the nutritious Albida pods higher in the trees. You'll likely encounter these magnificent creatures, along with vast herds of buffalo, zebra, impala, and various other antelope species, making their way to the Zambezi for a morning drink. The guides at Chitembe are highly knowledgeable about the park's ecology and animal behavior, providing insightful commentary and helping you spot even the most camouflaged creatures. The proximity to the Zambezi also allows for incredible birdwatching opportunities, with a plethora of avian species active along the riverbanks.

Riverside picnics at Chitembe Main Camp are one of the most delightful and iconic experiences offered, perfectly complementing the traditional game viewing activities. They embody the essence of a Mana Pools safari – intimate, scenic, and deeply connected to nature. After a thrilling morning activity, or as a leisurely interlude during a full-day game drive or walking safari, your guide will lead you to a specially chosen, picturesque spot along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. These locations are carefully selected for their beauty, tranquility, and safety, often offering stunning views across the river to the Zambian escarpment, or overlooking a busy channel frequented by wildlife.

Tiger fishing at Chitembe Main Camp offers an exhilarating and highly sought-after angling experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Zambezi River within Mana Pools National Park. It's a true test of skill and strength, pitting angler against one of Africa's most formidable freshwater fish.