5 Days / 4 Nights
Mana Pools Wilderness
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Journey
Safari & Wilderness
Group size
2–12 people
Pickup
Available
The journey
A journey built around the experience.
Experience the untamed beauty of Mana Pools National Park, one of Zimbabwe's most remarkable wilderness destinations. This immersive safari combines wildlife viewing, the landscapes of the Zambezi River, and opportunities to explore the bush on foot or by canoe where conditions, permits, and qualified guides allow. Designed for travellers seeking an authentic African wilderness experience, this journey offers time to slow down, observe wildlife, and enjoy the tranquillity of the Zambezi Valley.
Package
Highlights
Explore the UNESCO-listed Mana Pools wilderness landscapeLook for elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlifeEnjoy game viewing along the Zambezi River and its floodplainsExperience the bush on foot with an appropriately qualified and authorized guideOptional canoeing experiences on the Zambezi RiverStay in a wilderness camp or lodge selected to match your budget and travel styleEnjoy an intimate safari in one of Zimbabwe's most distinctive natural environments
Plan your stay
Itinerary
5 Days / 4 Nights
Mana Pools Wilderness
1
Day 1
Arrival and Journey into the Zambezi Valley
Arrive in Harare or connect from another confirmed arrival point. Meet your Shungu Africa representative and begin the journey to Mana Pools using the pre-arranged road transfer or charter flight. Road transfers can be long and conditions vary by season, so the final routing and departure time must be confirmed before travel. On arrival, transfer to your camp or lodge, settle in, and receive a safari briefing.
Morning
Arrival and departure arrangements
Meet your driver or flight representative and review the transfer plan, expected travel time, luggage arrangements, and any park entry requirements.
Afternoon
Arrive at camp
Check in, enjoy refreshments, and receive an introduction to the camp, wildlife safety rules, and the activities available during your stay.
Evening
Welcome dinner
Enjoy dinner at camp and listen to an introductory briefing about Mana Pools, its wildlife, and the following day's safari programme.
2
Day 2
Wildlife Safari and Zambezi River Landscapes
Spend your first full day exploring the Mana Pools area with your safari guide. Depending on camp location, park access, wildlife movement, and weather, the day may include an early game drive and wildlife viewing around the riverine woodland and open floodplains. Return to camp during the warmer part of the day to relax before an afternoon activity.
Early morning
Morning safari
Set out when wildlife is often active, scanning for elephants, buffalo, antelope, predators, and birdlife with your guide.
Late morning
Breakfast and relaxation
Return to camp for breakfast or brunch and time to rest, enjoy the surroundings, or review photographs.
Afternoon
River and floodplain exploration
Enjoy a guided game drive or other confirmed camp activity, taking in the Zambezi scenery and looking for wildlife near water.
Evening
Dinner at camp
Return to camp for dinner and a relaxed evening beneath the African sky.
3
Day 3
Walking Safari and Wilderness Encounters
Discover a different perspective on the bush during a guided walking safari, if offered by your camp and authorized under current park rules. Learn to interpret tracks, plants, bird calls, and other signs of the ecosystem while maintaining appropriate distances from wildlife. If walking is unavailable or unsuitable, your camp can arrange an alternative game-viewing activity.
Early morning
Guided bush walk
Join an appropriately qualified and authorized guide for a walk focused on the smaller details of the wilderness and safe wildlife observation.
Late morning
Breakfast and downtime
Return to camp for breakfast and time to rest during the heat of the day.
Afternoon
Afternoon wildlife viewing
Continue exploring by vehicle or on another confirmed guided activity, depending on local conditions and the camp's programme.
Evening
Campfire or outdoor dining
Enjoy dinner and, where provided by the camp, a campfire experience while listening to the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.
4
Day 4
Zambezi River Adventure and Final Full Safari Day
Enjoy another full day in Mana Pools, with the option of a guided canoe excursion on the Zambezi River where water levels, weather, safety assessments, permits, and a qualified operator allow. Canoeing is not guaranteed and may be replaced by a game drive or another available camp activity. Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the area's wildlife, birdlife, and river scenery.
Early morning
Optional canoe safari or morning game drive
Take part in a pre-arranged canoe excursion with a qualified operator if conditions permit, or enjoy a morning game drive.
Late morning
Return to camp
Enjoy breakfast or brunch and time to relax after the morning's activity.
Afternoon
Leisure and wildlife viewing
Choose a confirmed afternoon activity or enjoy time at camp overlooking the surrounding wilderness.
Evening
Farewell dinner
Celebrate your final full day with dinner and time to share highlights from the safari.
5
Day 5
Breakfast and Departure
Enjoy breakfast before checking out and transferring to the agreed departure point. Depending on the confirmed itinerary, this may be a road transfer or charter flight to Harare or another onward connection. Departure arrangements should allow sufficient time for the journey and any onward flights. The safari concludes on arrival at the agreed drop-off point.
Morning
Breakfast and check-out
Enjoy breakfast, settle any personal extras, and prepare for departure.
Morning / afternoon
Transfer to departure point
Travel by the pre-arranged road transfer or charter flight. The actual departure time depends on the route, camp location, weather, and transport schedule.
Included
What's included
Four nights' accommodation at the selected Mana Pools camp or lodge
Meals as specified in the final accommodation quotation
Scheduled safari activities explicitly confirmed by the selected camp
Services of camp guides during included activities
Transfers between the agreed arrival or departure point and camp, only when expressly included in the final quotation
Park fees, conservation levies, and activity fees only where itemized as included in the final quotation
Shungu Africa itinerary planning and coordination as specified in the booking agreement
Not included
What's not included
International and domestic flights unless specifically quoted
Road transfers or charter flights not expressly listed as included
Park entry fees, conservation levies, and concession fees not included in the confirmed quotation
Optional canoeing, walking safaris, or other activities not specified as included
Travel insurance, medical evacuation cover, and personal medical expenses
Visas and other entry documentation
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic beverages, premium drinks, and personal purchases unless included by the camp
Laundry, telephone, and other personal extras
Additional accommodation before or after the itinerary
Any service not specifically identified in the final booking confirmation
FAQs