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:
"My May 2016 trip"
The highlight was a canoe trip down the Zambezi River, getting close to the hippos and crocs and enjoying sundowners on the bank. The rooms and service were faultless.
I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a safari with different activities and a personal service." Read full review: 3 nights in Africa; 3 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Our exciting and varied Zim safari"
We were a little surprised that the dining arrangements at the Wilderness camps were not automatically communal - indeed the default was separate tables (although Ruckomechi did ask our preference on arrival). But this was quickly changed when the camp managers realised that the majority of their guests welcomed dining with their fellow travellers. We totally understand that some may not wish to share a table but in our experience this is part of the overall safari experience." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My Oct 2015 trip"
"Great trip to southern Africa"
Interesting variety of activities and (nearly) all logistics worked to plan." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Our fabulous Zimbabwe adventure"
The excellent hospitality and superb guiding, together with the warm welcome extended by the local people, made this an unforgettable experience and we would not hesitate to return to Zimbabwe. Of the 3 camps we stayed in, the 2 run by Wilderness Safaris provided a good level of overall comfort, despite their somewhat corporate feel, and still retained a genuine bush feel.
Rhino Safari Camp was somewhat disappointing and seemed to reflect the current run down situation in Matusadona.
We were approached several times, by fellow travellers, concerning the matter of "tips" and as we have found on previous safaris this remains a contentious issue. What is too much and what is too little?? Your guidelines suggest one thing and the camps have their own suggestions........
Overall we felt that we had a good value holiday." Read full review: 11 nights in Africa; 11 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Trip of a lifetime (so far!)"
We first contacted you with a rough itinerary, which was much improved by Tracy's many suggestions and her acceptance that I was trying to keep costs down for the bulk of the trip. You booked us into 15 different places to stay and all were very acceptable, with most good/excellent." Read full review: 36 nights in Africa; 15 on a Namibia trip
"Zimbabwe Safari Sept. 2015"
We were a little disappointed with Matusadona simply from the point of view of the wildlife that we saw. The wildlife here seems to have suffered quite badly from the falling water levels in Lake Kariba. This, combined with trophy hunting, has seen the Lion population in the Park crash. The Black Rhino have also suffered at the hands of poachers (as they have everywhere). Having said this, I must say that Rhino Camp and it`s staff were very good and we did see Elephant, Impala, Hippos & Crocs, and the Bird life is good.
All the Guides at all the camps were excellent. Lovemore at ZLS is a great guide and a real character, and Calvet at Somalisa is superb.
Thanks for a great trip." Read full review: 14 nights in Africa; 12 on a Zimbabwe safari
"Trip of a Lifetime"
I could have lived without the trip to Capetown on the front end. It was nice, but not much different than any other cosmopolitan European city. So in hindsight I would have preferred to channel that time into safaris at the camps. But overall an amazing vacation with a lot of unexpected education." Read full review: 10 nights in Africa; 7 on a Zimbabwe safari
"My May 2015 Trip"
"My Nov 2014 trip"
Where to stay in Mana Pools
Our suggestions for safari camps in Mana Pools National Park
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.
Mana Canoe Trail
The Canoe Trail is a multi-day trip, along the Zambezi with some of the best guides in Africa. Each night you'll camp on the banks of the river.
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.
