Mana Pools Shoreline (4 Days / 3 Nights)
ABOUT MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
Mana Pools National Park extends along 80kms of the Zambezi River, making for the best game viewing on the lower Zambezi. Mana Pools is the only game park in Zimbabwe to be granted World Heritage Status and encompasses some of Africa’s largest areas of acacia and mahogany woodland, combined with spectacular, full canopy mopane forest. Mana is part of a 300 million year old rift valley, supporting a large variety of mammals and over 400 bird species. The over 200 square kms of this park has been set aside to be kept as wild as possible with only non-invasive, zero-impact tourism allowed. Here one can participate in canoeing, walking and/ or game drives – or simply relax and take in the breathtaking beauty. Mana Pools is consistently rated in the top ten of Africa’s National Parks. Here there are no safari lodges, generators, electric fences or other structures often associated with safari camps, as these are banned by law. All our camps must be taken down the day after our clients depart to ensure minimal damage to the ecosystem.
Wildlife is abundant in the valley especially from June through to late October. The Zambezi runs through the Urungwe Safari Area, Mana Pools National Park, Sapi Safari, Chewore Safari and Dande Safari Areas respectively. Game is seen on every trip, most commonly impala, waterbuck, hippo, crocodiles, elephant and buffalo. Animals such as lion and leopard are more difficult to find, but are certainly present. Wildlife is more abundant in Mana Pools, especially during the height of the dry season (July to October), when the game viewing can be fantastic.
Games drives are in open 4×4 Toyota Land Cruisers. These drives may take you away from the river, to investigate the diverse inland habitats and occupants that make up the ecology of the area. Walking to explore and learn about the area, with your professional guide it is the best way to experience Mana Pools. The guide carries a weapon at all times. Mana can provide some amazing experiences, if guests are looking for close encounters with game. It is famous for its bull elephants and an encounter one of these gentle giants is an experience never to forget!
Canoeing is a wonderful way to take in the bush – gliding silently past herds of animals often unaware of your presence. Canoeing is done in 5.5m (18ft) Canadian style canoes, fitted with comfortable seats and cushions.
We are only too happy to cater for guests with any particular special interests, such as birding, photography, botany etc. Please advise us of any special interests prior to arrival. Ideally each guest should have his or her own set of binoculars, to maximize the safari experience.
Fishing is also a popular activity from Camp Zambezi, particularly towards the end of the dry season – Sept/Oct, when the tiger fish are biting. Camp Zambezi is the perfect launch point each day for fishing enthusiasts. You can canoe out from the camp to explore the surrounding islands and channels or spend the whole day fishing. There is no pressure to get to the next canoe camp down-river, as on a canoe trail safari.
Camp Zambezi is a true bush camp – no electricity, no permanent structures, no plumbing – a taste of the way safaris used to be. The camp is designed to be erected or dismantled within hours, leaving no trace of its existence on the environment. The camp has comfortable beds furnished with linen and duvets. The large tents have en suite toilet facilities for night-use. A long drop toilet and showers (with plenty of hot water) are also provided for day-use. Our staff service your tents daily and laundry can be done on site. All water used in camp has been filtered and bottled water is also available. Each morning, staff will fill the wash basin outside your tent with hot water for washing or shaving. Lighting is by hurricane lamp but guests should bring their own torch or headlight.
The romantic light thrown by candelabra makes a bush dinner, surrounded by the sounds of evening and a million stars, a truly special African occasion.
Day 1
Fly by air charter into Mana Pools or drive into Nyamepi Mana Main Camp into Mana Pools National Park, where you will be met by your guide with ice cold drinks. You will then embark on a half hour drive through Jesse bush and mopane scrub to Camp Zambezi, arriving in time for lunch. You may, by then, already have met a few of your new neighbours – elephant, kudu, zebra, impala and many birds!
A mobile tented camp will have been set up by the camp staff – walk-in mosquito-proofed tents with en-suite chemical toilet, external long-drop toilets, hot showers and a dining area next to the fire, where iced drinks and sumptuous bush-prepared meals will be served. The chef will have prepared a delicious lunch to give you strength for the first afternoon’s walk – a familiarisation walk to see the lay of the land. Then back to camp for sundowners, a hot (or cold if you prefer) shower, and a fine dinner.
It may be tempting to stay awake to listen to the neighbours going about their nightly activities, but the beds are very comfortable and warm, so it may be difficult to stay awake!
Day 2
To make the most of your day we suggest an early morning wake up, the hand basins outside each tent are filled with hot water before first light, to allow you to shave or freshen up. Go straight out to check for spoor and animal activity around camp. Enjoy a beautiful sunrise and, on your return to camp, a light breakfast will be served with tea and freshly brewed coffee.
After breakfast, set off on your morning’s activity, you may take to the river for the day (or morning), go by vehicle or on foot to explore the National Park. Whether you opt for land or water activities, half or full day, you can be assured of incredible experiences. The guide will carry a weapon, a first aid kit, a packed lunch and extra water. Clients may carry extra personal water and personal items for the day.
Finally, back to camp for the night where a wonderful meal, hot shower, cold drinks and friendly staff are awaiting.
Day 3
Another day along the lines of day two – the choices are yours to make the most of this amazing spot. This third night will again be spent at Camp Zambezi – with all the trimmings.
Day 4
Depending upon the guests time of departure, or if guests are moving on to a canoe trail or alternative camp, they may either take another early walk before breakfast or have a bit of a sleep in! After that, there will be a short game drive to the airstrip or Nyamepi, Mana Main Camp, where we bid you farewell.
SAFARI TIPS:
• Please note that Natureways also offer Mana Shoreline Walking and Canoeing Safaris.
• As an alternative, for group bookings, Natureways offers both Mana Shoreline Canoeing and Mana Shoreline Walking running simultaneously i.e. with up to 6 people on a Canoeing Safari and 6 people on a Walking Safari with everyone meeting up at sunset for drinks, dinner and over-nighting in the same sites and then after breakfast recommencing their separate safaris.
• Walks are dependant on animal and weather conditions at the time and there will be a back-up vehicle available if required or if clients do not want to walk the entire distance between camps.
PLEASE NOTE THAT COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE NATIONAL PARKS FEES WHICH ARE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO PARKS EN-ROUTE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR THE FEE BEFORE TRAVEL.
THIS ITINERARY IS GUIDELINE AND MAY CHANGE DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES i.e. WEATHER CONDITIONS.
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