Mana Pools National Park lies on the banks of the lower Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses 2,196 square kilometres of riverine forest, islands, sandbanks, and pools formed by the meandering Zambezi — “Mana” means four in Shona, referring to the four main inland pools.
Mana Pools is famous worldwide for its walking safaris. The park is one of the few in Africa where visitors can walk unaccompanied (with appropriate experience), providing incredibly intimate wildlife encounters on foot. Elephants often stand on their hind legs to reach albida seed pods in the park’s characteristic ana trees.
Canoe safaris along the Zambezi offer encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the river’s edge. The park’s remote location keeps visitor numbers low, preserving its wild character.