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Mana Pools National Park

Anthony Ham
By Anthony Ham
Zambia Mana Pools National Park
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Welcome to Mana Pools National Park

The insider's travel guide to Mana Pools National Park

Many travellers fall in love with UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mana Pools National Park, in northern Zimbabwe.

That may have something to do with the scenery – a series of pools on the Zambezi River floodplain, an escarpment backdrop, semi-arid plains sprinkled with baobabs. Or the wildlife – all of the major predators (including African wild dog) are present and commonly seen here, with a full suite of prey animals for them to choose from.

But in my experience, what makes Mana Pools especially thrilling is that here you feel like you’re a part of the food chain. That’s because Mana Pools is one of few major parks in Africa where you are free to go walking wherever you want around the park, including without a guide. Canoe explorations are also popular.

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The Mana Pools National Park atlas

2 picks Places & Experiences You Won't Find Elsewhere
Where
What

  • Many travellers fall in love with UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mana Pools National Park, in northern Zimbabwe. That may have something to do with the scenery – a series of pools on the Zambezi River floodplain, an escarpment backdrop, semi-arid plains sprinkled with baobabs. Or the wildlife – all of the major predators (including African wild dog) are present and commonly seen here, with a full suite of prey animals for them to choose from. But in my experience, what makes Mana Pools especially thrilling is that here you feel like you’re a part of the food chain. That’s because Mana Pools is one of few major parks in Africa where you are free to go walking wherever you want around the park, including without a guide. Canoe explorations are also popular.

  • On a remote private concession and right by the Zambezi River, Ruckomechi gives you the best of all possible worlds. Expect luxury safari tents, impeccable service, fine dining food and wildlife sightings even before you leave the camp.

  • Mana Pools National Park

    Mana Pools National Park

  • Ruckomechi Camp

    Ruckomechi Camp

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§ 03

Dispatches

Guides & field notes
Decolonising African travel—and travel writing
Article

Decolonising African travel—and travel writing

Mazuba Kapambwe
Mazuba Kapambwe

Travel writing in Africa has always been an overwhelmingly white affair. Early accounts from 19th century explorers like Henry Morton Stanley and fiction writers like Joseph Conrad depicted Africa as uncivilised, mysterious and barbaric, reflecting the racist attitudes that underpinned European empire building.
Zimbabwe safaris
Guide

Zimbabwe safaris

Anthony Ham
Anthony Ham

As is the case throughout much of southern Africa, the best time to go on safari in Zimbabwe is during the dry season months from April to October. Not only are these the best months when it comes to weather conditions (clear skies, mild temperatures), but it’s also when wildlife-viewing is at its best; during the dry season, animals congregate around the last remaining water sources, making them easier to find and see.
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