Zimbabwe attraction

Mana Pools

A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi.

About this place

Mana Pools is Zimbabwe's walking-safari park — guides can take you on foot in big-game country, including with elephant. The riverine forest of giant acacia and mahogany creates one of the most photographed safari landscapes in Africa: cathedral-like trees, soft light, and elephants standing on their hind legs to feed.

What to do

Walking safaris with licensed guides (the park's signature offering)

Canoe safaris on the Zambezi (multi-day options available)

Game drives along the river floodplain

Fishing for tiger fish (catch and release, October-November best)

Photography hides

Practical information

Park is open April through November (closed wet season because the road in floods). Fly-in from Harare or Lusaka is the standard access. Premium camps include Nyamatusi, Vundu, and Kanga Camp. Visit June-October for the strongest game viewing.

Combine with

Lower Zambezi (Zambia side, same river)

Hwange

{# ── Practical information: reference material, so it sits below the bookable products rather than pushing them down the page. ── #}
Book directly

Experiences here

All experiences
3-Night Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
multiday 1.3K views

3-Night Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

Luxury houseboat experience on the wild Zambezi

  • Luxury accommodation
  • All meals
  • Game viewing
★ 4.8 4 Days / 3 Nights
$780.00
multiday 53 views

Complete Zimbabwe Explorer — 18 Days

18 Days / 17 Nights. Victoria Falls, Zambezi NP, Hwange, Painted Dog Conservation Centre, Matobo Hills, Khami, Bulawayo…

  • Accommodation as per tier
  • meals as stated per leg
  • all guided activities listed
★ 0.0 18 Days / 17 Nights
$26450.00
multiday 44 views

Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools Fly-in — 7 Days

7 Days / 6 Nights. Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park (Zambezi valley floor).

  • Accommodation as per tier
  • all meals
  • house drinks at camp (except premium cellar)
★ 0.0 7 Days / 6 Nights
$12075.00
multiday 40 views

Zambezi Explorer: Falls, Kariba, Matusadona & Mana Pools — 8 Days

8 Days / 7 Nights. Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Middle Zambezi vall…

  • Accommodation as per tier
  • all meals
  • house drinks at camp (except premium cellar)
★ 0.0 8 Days / 7 Nights
$14000.00
multiday 40 views

Zambezi & Delta Ultimate Fly-in — 15 Days

15 Days / 14 Nights. Victoria Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Lower Zambezi, Chobe, Linyanti, Okavango Delta water and land.

  • Accommodation as per tier
  • all meals
  • house drinks at camp (except premium cellar)
★ 0.0 15 Days / 14 Nights
$34100.00
multiday 37 views

Zimbabwe Ultimate Wilderness Fly-in — 14 Days

14 Days / 13 Nights. Victoria Falls, Hwange, Matusadona / Lake Kariba, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, Malilangwe or Save Valle…

  • Accommodation as per tier
  • all meals
  • house drinks at camp (except premium cellar)
★ 0.0 14 Days / 13 Nights
$28800.00
Questions answered

Frequently asked questions

Yes, popular options include: Victoria Falls Backpackers (Zimbabwe), Shoestrings Backpackers, and in Livingstone: Jollyboys Backpackers, Fawlty Towers. Prices: $15-25 for dorms, $40-60 for private rooms. Often include bars, pools, and tour booking services.

Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) serves the Zimbabwe side and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) serves Livingstone, Zambia. Both have basic facilities including currency exchange, car rentals, and transfers to hotels. VFA has recently been upgraded with improved terminals and amenities.

Zimbabwe side: VFA (Victoria Falls International Airport). Zambia side: LVI (Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone). These codes are used for flight bookings and airport identification.

The Zimbabwe side offers: 75% of the viewpoints, better panoramic views, the main falls viewpoint, Devil's Cataract, Danger Point, and excellent photography spots. The town has more infrastructure, shops, and restaurants. Entrance: $30 for international visitors.

It depends: Zimbabwe has more viewpoints and better overall views. Zambia offers unique experiences like Devil's Pool and closer waterfall access. Most visitors recommend seeing both sides if possible. Zimbabwe is better for first-time visitors wanting comprehensive views.

There are several licensed operators including: Batoka Sky, Zambezi Helicopter Company, and United Air Charters. All follow strict safety regulations. Flights depart from both Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, with similar pricing and routes.
Editorial

Related articles

All articles
The Big 5 Puzzle: How to experience the big 5 in Victoria falls:

The Big 5 Puzzle: How to experience the big 5 in Victoria falls:

Premise: You cannot find all Big 5 in one park here. But with a smart 2-day itinerary, you can check all five boxes and…

Read article

Plan your Southern Africa trip

One message, real planners, multilingual support.

Start an enquiry