Reviews of Mana Canoe Trail
Wildlife sightings and reviews
4 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Mana Canoe Trail and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Mana Pools Canoe Trail review"
The categories graded below are presumably for the mobile camp which was set up at Chessa and which was excellent all round." See all these reviews: 16n in Botswana; 10n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
5 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
1 sighting
"Mana Pools Canoe Trail review"
Being on the water gave a whole new perspective.
Water level was low, so some smaller channels were blocked, which was disappointing." See all these reviews: 15n in Zimbabwe
"Ian and Michelle - Mana Canoe Trail Review"
There were two couples on this 3-day, 3-night trip. We had two guides, and also had a team of five camp staff who did absolutely everything for you (except what you do in the privacy of your own tent).
You canoe down the river. We never had to paddle too hard, which allowed for lots of gazing at the wonderous scenery including the many hippos, and the mostly hidden crocs. The shores were littered with wildlife including elephants, waterbuck, buffalo, and many birds. The elephants were the star of the show during our trip. On day 1, when we arrived at our campsite. It was all set up but we could not get out of the canoes because there was a large bull elephant eating branches off a tree on the river bank, blocking our way into our campsite. We had to find another landing spot.
On day 2, we got even closer. During the midday siesta, a group of six elephants walked right through our rest area, coming withing a few feet of us. Our excellent guide Henry ensured that no one was alarmed or endangered, so we just sat back and enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being that close to truly wild elephants... got some GREAT pictures." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia; 6n in Zimbabwe
"Please see Vundu Camp review"
As I said, the Ruwesi Canoe Trail was the highlight of our Mana Pools visit. Our guide, Mark van Zuydam, was the absolute best! The river experience is really an adventure, and having a competent guide is a critical part of the trip. We saw lots of game (including passing by hundreds of hippos!) from the canoes, and enjoyed walks when on shore. The mobile camps were very comfortable in spectacular riverside settings." See all these reviews: 10n in Zimbabwe; 9n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Zimbabwe
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zimbabwe.
Other lodges in Mana Pools National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Vundu Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, Vundu Camp is a small, comfortable bushcamp offering top-notch guiding.
Ruckomechi Camp
In a very scenic spot beside the Zambezi, Ruckomechi is a smart camp offering excellent walking, river safaris, night and day 4WD game drives.
Kanga Bush Camp
Unspoiled and peaceful, Kanga Bush Camp is located in a remote and exclusive part of Mana Pools National Park, overlooking the Kanga Pan.
Stretch Ferreira Safaris
Stretch Ferreira Safaris Camp is a small, owner-run camp on the banks of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park, with the emphasis on great guiding.
Zambezi Expeditions
Zambezi Expeditions is a simple, semi-permanent camp along the Zambezi River that offers excellent guiding and standards of service.
Nyamatusi Camp
Overlooking the Zambezi River, the luxury Nyamatusi Camp occupies a pristine wilderness environment.
Little Vundu
Closely associated with Vundu Camp, Little Vundu has the same great location and quality of guides, and is occasionally used for private group bookings.
Kavinga Safari Camp
Kavinga is a comfortable tented camp tucked away in a less-visited area of Mana Pools National Park with surprisingly good wildlife and an excellent hide.
Chikwenya Camp
One of the original properties in Mana Pools area we are excited to be featuring Chikwenya Camp again.
John's Camp
John's Camp is a semi-mobile tented camp offering walking safaris, game drives, and fishing in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park.
Nyamatusi Mahogany
Nyamatusi Mahogany is a family-friendly, yet remote and luxurious safari camp in Mana Pools National Park.
Little Ruckomechi
In a shady spot beside the Zambezi, Little Ruckomechi is a small but luxurious camp offering a reange of activities including walking and canoe trips.
Ingwe Pan Camp
Ingwe Pan Camp is due to open in May and will be located in a remote area in the north of the Mana Pools National Park
Tembo Plains Camp
Building commenced on Tembo Plains Camp in February 2021. Details are sparce at this stage but we'll update this page once we know more.
Mana River Camp
Mana River Camp sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, a site formerly occupied by Mwinilunga Camp.
