Overview
Take a trip to Mana Pools National Park on your Zimbabwe Vacation
Mana Pools National Park is a wildlife conservation area found in northern Zimbabwe and remains one of the least developed national parks in all of Southern Africa on a Zimbabwe tour.
The park is 2,196 square kilometres in size but is part of the larger 10,500 square kilometres Parks and Wildlife Estate that runs from the Kariba Dam to the border of Mozambique. While much of the area had been protected as a non-hunting area since the 1930s, it was not officially recognized as a national park until 1963. It would later become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Mana Pools constitutes a region of the lower Zambezi River that sees flood plains turn into lakes during the rainy season. Once the lakes begin to dry and thus recede, the area becomes a hot spot for large game in search of water. The name Mana means “Four” in the Shona language in reference to the four large permanent pools found within the park.
Due to its water sources, Mana Pools is a haven for both Nile crocodiles and hippopotami, hosting the country’s largest concentrations of these species. Large populations of elephants and buffalo are present during the dry season while predators like leopards, lions and cheetahs are also found in the park. Mana Pools is far from any major town and wildlife roams freely making the park one of Africa’s most renowned game viewing areas on travel to Zimbabwe.
Due to its water sources, Mana Pools is a haven for both Nile crocodiles and hippopotami, hosting the country’s largest concentrations of these species. Large populations of elephants and buffalo are present during the dry season while predators like leopards, lions and cheetahs are also found in the park. Mana Pools is far from any major town and wildlife roams freely making the park one of Africa’s most renowned game viewing areas on travel to Zimbabwe.
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Classic Zimbabwe: Vic Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba & Mana Pools
Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls (City), and Victoria FallsUncover Zimbabwe’s wild beauty on this small group safari, from thundering Victoria Falls to epic elephant encounters in Hwange, Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools.
10 days
From US$12,295/p.p.
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Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
Classic Zimbabwe: Vic Falls, Hwange, Lake Kariba & Mana Pools
Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba, Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls (City), and Victoria FallsUncover Zimbabwe’s wild beauty on this small group safari, from thundering Victoria Falls to epic elephant encounters in Hwange, Lake Kariba, and Mana Pools.
10 days
From US$12,295/p.p.
Request a Quote
Don't see the
perfect trip idea?
Request a custom quote.
Turn your travel dreams into reality with Goway. Our customized vacations take travellers to all corners of the world.
What do the experts say?
Victoria falls is truly one of the greatest Wonders of the world! Apart from admiring its awe-inspiring beauty you can also take part in activities such as bungee jumping and swimming at the top of the falls - truly exhilarating!
The best times to visit Zimbabwe are May–October; offering dry weather, excellent wildlife viewing, comfortable temperatures, and peak visibility at major parks.
Travelers should experience a traditional Mbira music performance, showcasing Zimbabwe’s spiritual rhythms, storytelling, and deep cultural heritage through captivating live music.
Hippopotamus submerged in waters of Mana Pools NP
A lioness and her cubs as seen on a Mana Pools ...
Wild dogs are always a great photo opportunity ...
An elephant checking out the camp
African buffalo are a common sight on all Zimba...
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ExcellentBased on 5,326 ReviewsBijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie BeckerJosie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell BlueOur safari in Tanzania was excellent. Brooke Theron, our Goway representative, was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. Our guide in Tanzania, Anwar Razak, was outstanding. His knowledge and his driving ability was impressive. He was also engaging. We enjoyed our time with Anwar. The camps that Goway recommended were comfortable, welcoming and surprisingly luxurious while capturing the essence of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had a wonderful trip. Jack B.My agent Lisa made the booking process easy. Her expertise on the Azores was extremely helpful. Final documents were precise and thorough. Transfers were on time, tours were informative and fun, and the lovely accommodations were well suited to our needs.Christine HostyI am so happy to use Goway for my tour experience while visiting Vietnam during Oct 15 through October 29, 2026. We had 3 very good, thoughtful, and caring guides in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They were very knowledgeable for each of their respective areas. they all fulfilled every part of our itinerary. I wish to give an extra acknowledgment to my guide in Danang and Hoi An. Mr. Phung Van Hung was very friendly and caring for me. During my stay in Hoi An, I became sick and required a visit to the local hospital in Hoi An. I contacted Mr. Phung, and he graciously offered to take me and stay with me to interpret during my visit for medical care even though he was not working that day. I really appreciate his extra above and beyond service he provided. I really must let Goway know, he is a wonderful guide!George C.Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories TravelMike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy ChallgrenGoway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCroryThank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYDThis was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson
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