Reviews of safaris to Mana Pools National Park
We have always listened to our travellers, and now you can learn from them also. Below are links to feedback from recent trips - these are their views, not ours! See what they think of us, and about our trips to Africa:
Mr & Mrs W
Toronto
"My Aug 2012 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 25 Aug 2012 and 8 Sep 2012
"Trip was extremely well put together. Claire was very efficient and could not have been more helpful.
We had an issue with the transfer from Kaingo to Rukomechi. With hindsight had we realized it would take over 11 hours we would have probably made a different decision about the combination of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Secondly, there was a mix-up between Executive Air (Safari Logistics) and the booking for the transfer from Mana Pools Airstrip to Hwange. The plane arrived at 11:00 AM, which was his scheduled arrival according to his sheet but was an hour before we were expected to be picked up. Luckily the pilot waited for us and the two other passengers. We arrived at Hwange Airport at 2:15pm and there was no vehicle there from Camp Hwange. Again the pilot waited as he did not want to leave us at a closed airport building with no means of contacting the Camp. Finally a vehicle arrived at 3:15 pm.(the driver said he had been told to arrive for 3:30pm). The pilot Janade Krarim left with the other two passengers bound for Victoria Falls. Without the kindness of the pilot we could have been stranded." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
We had an issue with the transfer from Kaingo to Rukomechi. With hindsight had we realized it would take over 11 hours we would have probably made a different decision about the combination of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Secondly, there was a mix-up between Executive Air (Safari Logistics) and the booking for the transfer from Mana Pools Airstrip to Hwange. The plane arrived at 11:00 AM, which was his scheduled arrival according to his sheet but was an hour before we were expected to be picked up. Luckily the pilot waited for us and the two other passengers. We arrived at Hwange Airport at 2:15pm and there was no vehicle there from Camp Hwange. Again the pilot waited as he did not want to leave us at a closed airport building with no means of contacting the Camp. Finally a vehicle arrived at 3:15 pm.(the driver said he had been told to arrive for 3:30pm). The pilot Janade Krarim left with the other two passengers bound for Victoria Falls. Without the kindness of the pilot we could have been stranded." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
E & D
New Mexico
"My Jul 2012 trip"
I visited Zimbabwe and 2 other countries between 11 Jul 2012 and 29 Jul 2012
"Fantastic.
Malawi and Zimbabwe proved to be two great countries to combine on this trip. There were many similarities. We found the staff in the camps and the people we met along the way to be very friendly, helpful and interested in us. The high standards of our guides impressed us, from Chris the manager at Mkulumadzi who personally took us on a walk and on a boat up the Shire River, to Richard Chamwala at Mvuu who delighted in sharing all things big and small with us. In our book you can always tell the best guides when they like finding the little birds and bugs to point out, not just the hippos fighting 30 feet away from the boat, both of which Richard did.
Our guide Nduduzi Ndlovu at Camp Amalinda in Matobo Hills was great at listening to us and discovering our interests, as evidenced by the wonderful day we spent with him driving through the park and the local communal lands, visiting a school, and hiking up to a cave with ancient paintings. He not only knows 7 languages but also knows where to find a zonkey!
Even our drivers that took us from one camp to another (or to an airport) were excellent, like Mike from Wilderness Safaris who stopped the car several times so we could see and talk to people and who also helped me buy a tchenge (those colorful traditional fabrics that woman wear as a wrap) in a roadside market.
We went to both countries in the hope that our visit would encourage and support the conservation of wildlife and wild areas. We also came to really appreciate the people of these two countries, where life has not been easy but there is a great determination to carry on and do better.
Claire at Expert Africa, with assistance from Chris, shared many insightful comments from personal experience so that we came up with this list of places to visit that really suited us. As usual, all details were handled and executed perfectly on the ground. This is really saying something because we gave quite short notice of our desire to travel.
And next time I will really believe you when you say that it gets cold in July at night!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Malawi and Zimbabwe proved to be two great countries to combine on this trip. There were many similarities. We found the staff in the camps and the people we met along the way to be very friendly, helpful and interested in us. The high standards of our guides impressed us, from Chris the manager at Mkulumadzi who personally took us on a walk and on a boat up the Shire River, to Richard Chamwala at Mvuu who delighted in sharing all things big and small with us. In our book you can always tell the best guides when they like finding the little birds and bugs to point out, not just the hippos fighting 30 feet away from the boat, both of which Richard did.
Our guide Nduduzi Ndlovu at Camp Amalinda in Matobo Hills was great at listening to us and discovering our interests, as evidenced by the wonderful day we spent with him driving through the park and the local communal lands, visiting a school, and hiking up to a cave with ancient paintings. He not only knows 7 languages but also knows where to find a zonkey!
Even our drivers that took us from one camp to another (or to an airport) were excellent, like Mike from Wilderness Safaris who stopped the car several times so we could see and talk to people and who also helped me buy a tchenge (those colorful traditional fabrics that woman wear as a wrap) in a roadside market.
We went to both countries in the hope that our visit would encourage and support the conservation of wildlife and wild areas. We also came to really appreciate the people of these two countries, where life has not been easy but there is a great determination to carry on and do better.
Claire at Expert Africa, with assistance from Chris, shared many insightful comments from personal experience so that we came up with this list of places to visit that really suited us. As usual, all details were handled and executed perfectly on the ground. This is really saying something because we gave quite short notice of our desire to travel.
And next time I will really believe you when you say that it gets cold in July at night!" Read full review: 18 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs M
Bucks
"A great return to Zimbabwe"
I visited Zimbabwe between 3 Oct 2011 and 14 Oct 2011
"The political situation in Zimbabwe had kept us away from the country for 11 years, but after conferring with Expert Africa, now seemed the right time to go back.
On our previous visits, we loved the country and the people and had amazing wildlife encounters. We therefore had a certain fear that this viist would not live up to our previous experiences. Happily, these fears proved unfounded and we had one of our best trips ever to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None. We have been very happy with Expert Africa for a number of years now and this is also reflected in what the camp owners and managers tell us about their experiences with you." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
On our previous visits, we loved the country and the people and had amazing wildlife encounters. We therefore had a certain fear that this viist would not live up to our previous experiences. Happily, these fears proved unfounded and we had one of our best trips ever to Africa.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
None. We have been very happy with Expert Africa for a number of years now and this is also reflected in what the camp owners and managers tell us about their experiences with you." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Wokingham
"Excellent safari and many memorable moments"
I visited Zimbabwe and 1 other country between 2 Oct 2011 and 12 Oct 2011
"When the game is as good as it was in Hwange, the waterhole at Kanga so enthralling, the scenery at Mana Pools so beautiful and the company so much fun it's easy to forget the negatives.
In overall terms we had a really good time." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
In overall terms we had a really good time." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 9 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Northwood
""
I visited Zimbabwe between 30 Sep 2011 and 12 Oct 2011
"As covered on previous pages"
Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Average
Mr & Mrs M
Hampshire
"One of the best!"
I visited Zimbabwe between 17 Sep 2011 and 28 Sep 2011
"This was our sixteenth trip to Africa and has been one of the most enjoyable. We love Zimbabwe and given the chance would certainly go back.
We have travelled several times with Expert Africa and would always recommend them to anyone planning a safari. Everything worked smoothly and without a hitch. The mixture of bush camps and lodges worked very well for us. We enjoyed meeting all the staff and guests and sharing experiences past and present.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially Claire and Chris.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps the Painted Dog Conservation Centre could be included in the brochure as a possible activity. They rely very largely on donations, and tourists could provide a valuable addition to their income. Local children stay for a week free of charge but children from private schools and schools farther afield pay.
Incidentally, for information, on the outward flight bags were checked straight through to Vic Falls without reclaiming at Johannesburg but on the way back it was clear we had to reclaim at Johannesburg and check them in again for Heathrow." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
We have travelled several times with Expert Africa and would always recommend them to anyone planning a safari. Everything worked smoothly and without a hitch. The mixture of bush camps and lodges worked very well for us. We enjoyed meeting all the staff and guests and sharing experiences past and present.
Thank you to everyone involved, especially Claire and Chris.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps the Painted Dog Conservation Centre could be included in the brochure as a possible activity. They rely very largely on donations, and tourists could provide a valuable addition to their income. Local children stay for a week free of charge but children from private schools and schools farther afield pay.
Incidentally, for information, on the outward flight bags were checked straight through to Vic Falls without reclaiming at Johannesburg but on the way back it was clear we had to reclaim at Johannesburg and check them in again for Heathrow." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Mrs M
Luxembourg
"One of my best safaris"
I visited Zimbabwe between 4 Sep 2011 and 18 Sep 2011
"My trip was a full succes. All the arrangements were as I had wished and it will certainly not have been my last journey with Expert Africa.
I am especially grateful of how generous my problems were settled.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I can`t think of an improvement being necessary" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
I am especially grateful of how generous my problems were settled.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
I can`t think of an improvement being necessary" Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 10 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Dr G & Dr E
UK
"Trip to ZImbabwe"
I visited Zimbabwe between 4 Sep 2011 and 17 Sep 2011
"GIven the relative lack of tourism over the past 10 years, we were expecting things to be a bit chaotic. However, this was only the case on arrival at vic falls airport, where a computer issue meant over an hour to get a visa and enter the country. After that, everything went like clockwork and was comparable to other trips we have done around Africa.
The only noticable differences were in the food portion sizes (smaller) and the room laundry (bed linen and towels - less frequent). The guiding, especially in Mana Pools was excellent. It was a very long day to get there though and a bit depressing to fly over and then not to arrive for another 8 hours....
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps more detailed information on the website to try and reduce the amount of time needed to be on the phone" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
The only noticable differences were in the food portion sizes (smaller) and the room laundry (bed linen and towels - less frequent). The guiding, especially in Mana Pools was excellent. It was a very long day to get there though and a bit depressing to fly over and then not to arrive for another 8 hours....
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Perhaps more detailed information on the website to try and reduce the amount of time needed to be on the phone" Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
The D family
London
""
I visited Zimbabwe between 15 Aug 2011 and 25 Aug 2011
"Had a wonderful time, very well organised trip & felt very safe in Zimbabwe.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The information on the website about recommended ages for children initially put me off booking as most of the camps recommended children age 16 & over.
For Vundu, our kids age 10 & 12 had a great time & we had game drives throughout most of the day so they had no time to get bored." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
The information on the website about recommended ages for children initially put me off booking as most of the camps recommended children age 16 & over.
For Vundu, our kids age 10 & 12 had a great time & we had game drives throughout most of the day so they had no time to get bored." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
Drs N & S
Switzerland
"I trip I would recommend"
I visited Zimbabwe between 18 Jun 2011 and 30 Jun 2011
"We were really satisfied of our trip.
In Zimbabwe we found wonderful places, very friendly and reliable people, an attentive and personalized service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We think you did a very good job. Next trip to Africa will be booked with you again!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
In Zimbabwe we found wonderful places, very friendly and reliable people, an attentive and personalized service.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
We think you did a very good job. Next trip to Africa will be booked with you again!" Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
Overall trip
Excellent
103
reviews of Mana Pools by travellers since August 2007
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