UNESCO-protected Mana Pools National Game Park is one of the wildest areas in Zimbabwe. Much of this expansive parkland is only accessible on foot, so the area’s natural beauty remains relatively untouched. “Mana,” meaning “four” in the local language, refers to the four large pools that lie inland here. These pools are remnant ox-bow lakes, carved by the Zambezi River thousands of years ago. 

Wildlife surrounds these water bodies, with the pools attracting a plethora of aquatic birds, as well as herds of elephants, hippos and Nile crocodiles. On dry land, safari goers can find lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas. These predators are mostly found in the reserve’s open woodlands but tend to be secretive, so it’s worth going with an expert tracker. The low scrub here makes Mana Pools an excellent walking destination, so wildlife can be spotted either on foot or from canoes in the pools.

The best place to stay for wildlife sightings in Mana Pools is Ruckomechi Camp. The luxurious tents here were built near albida trees, favoured by elephants. It’s not unheard of for herds of elephants to spend most of their days here, so guests can view these majestic animals without even having to leave their lodge. Birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy the wealth of birds in the area, with notable species including the snake-eagle, three-banded courser, Arnot’s chat, African golden oriole and Meve’s starling. Of course, the spectacular Big Five can also be seen here; there are opportunities to spot leopards, hippos, Burchell’s zebra, lions and buffalos on river cruises, game drives and nature walks.