Accommodation

Mana Pools National Park

An exclusive adventure awaits at intimate Wilderness Little Ruckomech in Zimbabwe, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Enjoy access to one of Zimbabwe’s most productive wildlife-viewing regions, the riverine belt of iconic Mana Pools. Find adventure in the floodplains on a game drive, or canoeing or tigerfishing on the Zambezi River. Or on foot, taking in the pristine beauty of this wild, wonderful place.

Situated in the heart of Mana Pools National Park in a private concession is our little piece of paradise, Vundu Camp. It is a permanent tented camp situated underneath a shady forest of riverine trees on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, giving guests beautiful sweeping views of the floodplains.

An exclusive Zimbabwe safari adventure awaits at Ruckomechi, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.

Enjoy access to one of Zimbabwe’s most productive game-viewing regions, the riverine belt of iconic Mana Pools. Find adventure in the floodplains on a game drive in search of wildlife, or canoeing or tigerfishing on the Zambezi River. Or on foot, taking in the pristine beauty of this wild, wonderful place.

Molori Mashuma is brand new exquisite tented camp offering unrestricted access to the untamed wilderness of Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe. The camp opened its doors to the public in August 2023.

“For those travellers seeking a luxury Zimbabwe safari, Tembo Plains Camp, located in the private Sapi Reserve, welcomes you. “Tembo” means Elephant. The camp honours these animals found on these Zimbabwean plains alongside the Zambezi River. We draw on the elephant’s pace and essence for the camp’s atmosphere. Tembo Plains Camp reflects more than just a place,” explains Great Plains Conservation CEO and National Geographic Explorer Dereck Joubert. “It also speaks to the long and unique relationships we have with elephants.”

Nyamatusi Camp is our flagship in terms of its Eco-conscious style. Our Mana Pools safari lodge is set in one of the wildest and most remote parts of Africa, on the banks of the Zambezi, one of the world’s oldest rivers. Embracing comfort, this property embodies sustainable design. Fully solar-powered and built from all-natural materials it encompasses its wilderness location in the most elegant way. Here, your Mana Pools safari plays out against a sweeping riverine landscape, where epic encounters of the giants that roam this land await. 

Consisting of six luxury tented suites, with uninterrupted views of the river and escarpment beyond, our Mana Pools safari lodge invites a blissful escape to nature. Each romantic guest tent is adorned with soft drapery and is replete with air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor shower and a private viewing deck, and plunge pool. Thoughtfully located charging points are placed in your guest tent for those all-important cameras. Your Mana Pools safari follows the gentle ebb and flow of life on the river. Marvel at the incredible sights and sounds of one of Africa’s last remaining wilderness hinterlands from the cosy bar or, refreshing pool.  

Nyamatusi Camp, lightly translated, means ‘wild game’. Here, you spend your days walking in the footsteps of ancient explorers and tracks of elephants that criss-cross the floodplain. Watch the drama of nature play out before your eyes on game drives or thrilling canoeing safaris. Fishing on the Zambezi River (catch and release only) and birding safaris are highlights here. All these activities are included in your stay and led by qualified and passionate guides, keen to share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. Children over the age of 7 are welcome at Nyamatusi Camp. Due to the adventurous nature of this Mana Pools safari, walking safaris and canoeing are only possible for children over the age of sixteen years. 

Nyamatusi Mahogany, is the perfect luxury safari experience for families. Consisting of 2 tented suites and 2 family suites nested under ancient mahogany trees on the lush shores of the mighty Zambezi River, the camp has been designed with style and serenity in mind. Mana Pools, known as one of the last pioneer parks lying in the great African Rift valley, is an explorers’ paradise. Here, guests are able to experience the raw power of nature when canoeing down the Zambezi River, or watch a wildlife extravaganza unfold on game drives.

Solar-powered and built from all-natural materials, your experience at Nyamatusi Mahogany is powered by nature. The lounge, dining room, fire circle, plunge pool, and elevated viewing decks flaunt uninterrupted views of the pristine river, floodplain, and escarpment beyond. Under-canvas, our Mana Pools camp comprises two tented suites and two family suites resting beneath ancient mahogany trees on the lush shores of the mighty Zambezi River. The camp’s thoughtful, bespoke design embodies the style and serenity of its pristine surrounds. Mana Pools, known as one of the last pioneer parks lying in the great African Rift valley, is an explorers’ paradise. Set within a private concession in Mana Pools National Park, you can expect the utmost flexibility in activities. Experience the majesty of nature when canoeing down the Zambezi River, fishing on the river banks (catch and release only) or birding safaris – all possible on your Mana Pools family safari.

Promoting a philosophy that embraces families into the wild, children are welcomed into camp with our special Ngwana Club starter kit and a wide range of activities are on offer, incorporating tailor-made activities for children of all ages. While children of all ages are welcome at our Mana Pools camp, due to the adventurous nature of these activities, walking safaris and canoeing are only possible for children over the age of sixteen years. 

Goliath Tented Camp is owned and run by the legendary Stretch Ferreira. It operates in the Mana Pools National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River and nestled in amongst a grove of Albida and Mahogany trees.

Each of the camps 7 luxury East African tent has twin beds with teak furnishings, wardrobe and dressing table. En-suite facilities include flush toilets, hot showers and a washstand. Public areas include a covered lounge and bar, an open-air dining area and campfire seating.

There are no set routines in camp and each day is planned according to the guests’ wishes, typically beginning with an early morning walk, mid-way snacks and a rest along the river, returning to camp for a late morning full English breakfast/brunch followed by a siesta. You may head out on a game drive, canoe trip or another walk in the late afternoon. Drinks at sunset on the river edge is the perfect way to end the day before returning to camp.

The 2-bedroom private Suite is tucked away into a thick riverine forest on the edge of the Zambezi River in the private 128,000-hectare Sapi Private Reserve, East of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.

The camp is built into the thick riverine forest located on the Zambezi River’s edge, in the private 128,000 hectares Sapi Private Reserve east of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Tembo Plains fits into our highest level brand, the Réserve Collection of camps alongside our other camps like Zarafa Camp, Selinda Camp, Duba Plains in Botswana; Mara Nyika, Mara Plains and ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya. It is also a proud member of Relais & Châteaux – the only camp in the whole of Zimbabwe given this honour.

Located in Mana Pools National Park, Mana River Camp is positioned on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River nestled between this enormous perennial river and a much visited water pan, particularly enjoyed by elephants for mud bathing. Shade in the camp is provided by riverine forest predominately Trichilia Emetica and the fabled Faidherbia Albida (apple ring or Anna Tree)

The beauty of this camp is that it is a mobile tented camp known as a TEC – Temporary Extended Camp. The whole camp is taken down at the end of each season, before the wet season begins. This gives the feeling of the old, real bush, camping experience. The camp is unfenced and many different animals may be viewed from the camp, whilst enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. Common visitors into camp are elephants.

Johns Camp is an intimate safari camp perfectly situated in the heart of Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering an authentic safari experience.

A dynamic Zimbabwean safari experience along the pulsing riverine belt of the iconic Mana Pools.  

At the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi Rivers, sublime tranquillity meets exceptional wilderness at Chikwenya. This private conservation area on Mana Pools’ eastern boundary is wild, exclusive, and bristling with iconic African wildlife with an air of untamed adventure. Come explore.

Camp Mana offers the quintessential Zimbabwe safari experience with its status as a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts, whether it be behind the lens of a camera, from the vantage point in a canoe or on foot. Between April and November, this solar-powered 12-bed seasonal safari tented camp on the bank of the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park delivers spectacular sightings of elephants, wild dogs and lions, some from the comfort of the dining area. Here guests take a walk on the wild side in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, connected to the natural world, without missing out on creature comforts like a hot shower. Camp Mana has the perfect blend of old-world charm and understated elegance to ensure a most memorable African safari.

Zambezi Expeditions showcases one of the most magnificent settings in Zimbabwe’s iconic Mana Pools National Park. Comfortable yet classic, the camp offers the kind of intimacy with nature that can only be achieved by immersing yourself in the heart of the wild. Fall asleep to the sound of the flowing river and chuckles of hippo and wake-up with the dawn chorus to a spectacular African sunrise. At Zambezi Expeditions you will connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Set under the shade of winter thorn and ebony trees, each tent has en suite bathroom facilities with hot bucket showers and the main area has charging facilities for your all-important cameras. With unique access to the Zambezi River, your days will be filled with adventurous canoeing safaris, tracking game along the shorelines by foot, and fishing for the iconic tiger fish. An absolute must, however, is a game drive in an open 4 x 4 along the flood plains and into the heart of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Situated within a private concession in Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Camp is an utterly untouched wilderness paradise. Adjacent to the remote Kanga Pan, our seasonal Kanga safari lodge offers an unspoiled, authentic Mana Pools safari experience. Aside from the Zambezi River many miles away, Kanga Pan is the sole source of water in the dry season, making this an absolute haven for wildlife. This diverse area has multiple vlei lines and mixed woodland types from Mopane woodland to Jesse bush and riverine forests. Kanga Camp works well in collaboration with Zambezi Expeditions where you can enjoy the excitement of canoeing as well as catch and release fishing on the Zambezi River.

Solar-powered Kanga Camp comprises of six tents all raised on individual wooden platforms for an elevated view over the Kanga Pan. Each Meru-styled tent is simple yet elegant, boasting floor-to-ceiling mesh windows to let in ample natural light and a light breeze. All tents are replete with fans, en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet, outdoor shower, hot running water and a secluded veranda. Kanga has a family tent which boasts a wraparound terrace facing the pan with private seating and dining areas. The honeymoon tent features a rolltop bath on the adjoining secluded deck, ideal for a romantic starlit bath. Our inviting upper deck lounge under the shade of a mahogany tree is a super place to slip away to for some quiet time. Find refreshing respite at our plunge pool. Every home-style comfort is taken care of at this Kanga safari lodge, even a battery charging station for your all-important cameras. 

Activities on your Mana Pools safari include guided walking safaris and thrilling game drives led by our qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you.  Keeping step with African Bush Camps’ family-friendly nature, children over the age of 7 are welcome at Kanga. Due to the adventurous nature of this Kanga safari lodge, however, walking safaris are restricted to children over the age of 16 which incidentally, as of 2020, will be the minimum age requirement here. Kanga Camp is only open in the shoulder and dry seasons from April through to the end of November.

Kavinga Safari Camp is located in a private concession within the southern boundary of Mana Pools National Park, approximately 1 kilometre upstream of the confluence of the Ruckomechi and Chiwuye Rivers. The camp overlooks the dry Ruckomechi riverbed and is set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Zambezi Escarpment. 

Kavinga consists of just 7 comfortable raised tents built on the edge of the cliff, facing east, with a view of the rising sun above the magnificent Zambezi Valley floor. Each tent has been designed with an emphasis on privacy and is surrounded by insect repellent gauze, allowing the air to circulate and contributing to maximum coolness. Inside each tent are 2 ¾comfortable beds and an ensuite bathroom with a dressing area. In front, a verandah falls in line with the edge of the cliff giving a feeling of infinite space. 

Ingwe Pan is situated at a secluded pan in the wilderness area of Mana Pools National Park, just a few kilometres inland of the Zambezi River and within walking distance of the Chiruwe river bed. The pan is one of the biggest in the park and is surrounded by a grove of large ebony trees. A magnificent fig and ancient ebony form the canopy of the main lounge and dining area of the camp. An ancient baobab is a few minutes walk from the camp and the perfect spot for picnics and sundowners in the evening.