This pool has heavy densities of hippo and crocodiles and is a favourite for the large herds of elephant that come out of the thickly vegetated areas in the south to drink.
As one moves northwards towards the Zambezi River from the dry forests on the Karoo sediments, the vegetation changes to open Faidherbia albida woodlands on the old river terraces. This vegetation gives a "park-like" look to the area and a surreal light filters through the trees giving Mana Pools its distinctive cathedral - like atmosphere as one walks under the tree canopy.
On the old river terraces in the park, tourists can walk unaccompanied by guides in the open Albida woodland because visibility is good and there is little danger of coming across dangerous animais. This privilege of walking alone in an area with dangerous wildlife is unique in Zimbabwe, Elephant, eland, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, baboons, monkeys, zebra, warthog and hippo are some of the larger herbivores to be seen regularly on the river terraces as they come out to eat the fallen Albida fruit. Lions, leopards, spotted hyena and cheetah are present in the area, but their secretive nature makes them more difficult to see. Despite this, it is not often that the visitor leaves Mana Pools without seeing at least one of these large carnivores.
Northwards, off the river terraces is the mighty Zambezi River flowing sedately on its way to the Indian Ocean. This river holds many secrets and was a major route for I the trade in ivory and slaves in the darkpast. Ta
Mana Pools is 2,196 square kilometres in extent but is part of the 10,500 square kilometres Parks Wildlife Estate that runs from the Kariba Dam in the west to the Mozambique border in the east. This large area is without physical boundaries and the wildlife is free to move wherever it wants roam - even northwards across the Zambezi River into Zambia, where there are also large wilderness areas set aside for wildlife conservation.
FACILITIES
Tourist facilities includes lodges, a communal campsite with ablution facilities, exclusive campsites where the visitor can be alone. The more upmarket registered tour operators can package their tours providing transport, food, accommodation and activities in Mana Pools.
LODGES
There are 5 lodges in the Park, ail located along the Zambezi River. There are 2 large lodges situated a short distance upstream from Nyamepi Camp, Musangu and MuchichirL These lodges hâve a bathroom and shower with hot and cold running water-, 2 toilets and a fully fitted kitchen with stove and deep-freeze and ail utensils such as cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. Ail bedding and towels, etc are supplied. There is a large dining room, lounge and outside is a braai area with seating where one can view the river and the wildlife coming down to drink, or simply watch the African sun setting over the Zambezi River.
There are also 3 four-bedded lodges, ail under thatch grass. Each lodge has 2 bedrooms with 2 beds each, a shower and toilet and seating areas outside near the Zambezi River. The kitchen is supplied with a deep-freezer, cooker, crockery and cutlery and other cooking implements. Bedding and towels are supplied.
CAMPING SITES
There is one large communal campsite along the Zambezi River, and a number of exclusive campsites where visitors can ensure their solitude.
Communal Campsite
The Nyamepi camping area, along the Zambezi River is situated near the Mana Pools National Park reception office. Visitors need to bring their own camping equipment, bedding, toiletries, cooking implements, etc. There are ablution blocks nearby with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and laundry basins. Visitors can buy firewood at the reception office, and each campsite has a braai area where one can cook. This camping ground has 30 sites.
Exclusive Campsite
There are a number of exclusive campsites situated along the Zambezi River in the Park. Thèse camps are for the visitor who seeks solitude, and who wants to experience the wildness and challenges of the bush. There is a braai stand at each site, and rudimentary toilet. Water is collected from the river or the reception office, Visitors to thèse sites need to be fully self- equipped and self reliant and be able to handle the remoteness and solitude of thèse unique camps.
The camps are only allowed 2 vehicles and 12 persons per stay. Water may be drawn from the river.
Mucheni
8 kilomètres west of Nyamepi and has 4 secluded camp sites
Nkupe
Just over 1 kilomètre east of Nymepi and has 1 camp site
Ndungu
Just east of the "car park" area and has 2 camp sites
NewNgundu
About 4kmWest of Old Ngundu. It has 2 camp sites
Gwaya
A short distance upstream from the lodges, has 1 campsite, with cold water shower, flush toilet and basin and a braai stand.
WILD EXCLUSIVE CAMP SITES
There 2 completely wild camping sites located in the southern sector of the Park close to Chitake Spring, near the foothills of the Zambezi Escarpment. The check-in point for thèse camps is at Nyakasikana Gâte. Both campsites are without any facilities and are accessible only with four-wheel drive vehicles.
Chitake Camp 1 (Nzou)
Located 150 mètres downstream from the Chitake River crossing under a large Natal Mahogany tree near the river.
Chitake Camp 2 (Shumba)
Situated near a baobab tree with a fabulous view of the spring where ail wildlife activity takes place.
Tour Operator Ail-inclusive Tours
Visitors can book with a number of registered tour operators who will take care of ail requirements of the visitor including transport, food, accommodation, activities, safety and transfers. Visitors will need to make their own arrangements to hire a tour operator.
ACTIVITIES
The following are some of the main activities offered at Mana Pools National Park :
Camping - available around the Park at developed, minimum development and exclusive sites
Canoeing - canoeing on the Zambezi is a favourite activity in Mana Pools and affords an unparalleled opportunity to experience the river. Canoës can be hired from the Parks Office.
Guided walks - visitors can hire qualified armed Parks staff to take them for game viewing on foot
Walking safaris - thèse safaris are offered at full moon. Parks staff will take visitors on a 3 day hike in the wild of Mana Pools National Park. Visitors will need to be fit, provide their own rucksacks, food and toiletries. This is a unique experience for the nature lover and those who enjoy the challenge of facing nature one on one.
Lion tracking - this is a limited activity whilst the lion research project at Mana Pools is in progress. Visitors can join Parks staff as they track radio-collared lions on foot.
Visitors are guaranteed a close view of the lions in most instances. This activity is unique and also assists in data collection for research projects.
Fishing - Visitors can fish in the Zambezi River and experience the excitement of hooking large fish for the pot. Half of the joy is experiencing the quiet, solitude and beauty of the unspoiled bush around you.
Game drives - usually most rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon. Long Pool is often worth visiting soon after sunrise.
AMENITIES
The Park is generally remote and far away from any business centres. The nearest business centre is Makuti, 100km away. Visitors should be fully equipped for their visit.
WHY VISIT MANA POOLS?
• One of Zimbabwe's "Big Five" Parks
• The unique guided and self-guided walks in the Park fraught with wild animais
• Renowned "World Heritage Site"
• One of the world's wildest and preserved natural ecological heritage
• Rated the 5th Best Park in Africa by Getaway magazine (September2003)
• Excellent top-drawer canoeing and river fishing
• The remnant pools of the mighty Zambezi River area marvel to watch as a prime habitat for several bird Species |
