Stepping forward into the bush, your senses are on high alert. Scanning the vast plains for signs of wild animals and vultures overhead indicating a recent kill, whilst listening to the sounds of guinea fowl rustling nearby and inhaling the intoxicating scent of wild jasmine and gardenia. This is one of the finest locations in the world for a safari on foot: the spectacular Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. Take a trip with Explorations to discover the magnificent wildlife and stunning scenery of this remote national park.
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"The enchanting landscape and abundance of wildlife create an awe-inspiring setting with a colourful display at sunrise and sunset over the Zambezi escarpment."
The best way to explore Zimbabwe is on foot accompanied by a recommended local guide. The country is renowned for having some of the best guides in Africa who take three to four years to earn their licence. They will introduce you to a whole new perspective on the natural world and open your eyes to so much more of the surrounding environment. Discover how the smaller animal and plant life contribute to the bigger picture, and learn about the symbiotic relationship between certain species.
Covering 2,200 square kilometres in the far northwestern region of the country lies Mana Pools National Park. The Zambezi River dominates the landscape and winds along grassy floodplains and glistening pools that provide a rich environment for the surrounding wildlife. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a phenomenal range of wildlife including Cape buffalo, zebra, wild dog, lion, eland and hippo to name a few.
Mana is notable for its elephant herds that thrive in the riverine forest where they feast on the pods of Ana trees. The birdlife here will also capture your attention, from fish eagles to kingfishers hovering over shallow pools whilst egrets, jacana and crakes can be spotted on the banks of the river that is home to over 350 bird species. The enchanting landscape and abundance of wildlife create an awe-inspiring setting with a colourful display at sunrise and sunset over the Zambezi escarpment.
When planning your daily safari walks, your time will be spent entirely as you wish. We recommend arranging for safaris to take place early in the morning to glimpse nocturnal animals before they disappear, or to watch buffalo and elephant herds drinking from the river in the afternoon before the sunsets. We can also arrange adventurous walking safaris where your party can journey between comfortable tented camps, with a dedicated crew moving ahead to set up a different camp each night in a stunning location. So much of this experience is about simply stopping to listen and witness the astonishing natural world unfold around you.
The epic close encounters with wildlife whilst walking across the vast national park provide a great sense of getting back to nature in this extraordinary destination. Few safari locations can offer the same access on foot to some of Africa’s most iconic animals.
