Introduction

Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is home to a remarkable population of elephants known for their unique behaviors. Some have adapted to stand on their hind legs, reaching high branches in a display rarely observed elsewhere. These elephants play a vital role in shaping the park’s ecosystem, helping maintain its balance through their foraging. Set against the backdrop of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe these animals in a truly extraordinary environment.

Mana Pools

Mana Pools National Park lies in northern Zimbabwe, along the southern banks of the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia. Part of the Zambezi Valley, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its striking geography, combining riverine woodlands, floodplains, and open savannahs. The park’s name, “Mana,” derives from the Shona word for “four,” referring to the four large pools that dot the landscape, remnants of ancient oxbow lakes. These pools, fed by the Zambezi, sustain life even during the driest months, making the park a crucial habitat for wildlife.

Mana Pools is a sanctuary for a wide variety of species, from predators such as lions, leopards, and painted wolves (African wild dogs) to large herbivores like buffalo and hippos. Birdlife is equally diverse, with species like carmine bee-eaters and fish eagles thriving in the area. This diversity, set within a dramatic natural setting, makes Mana Pools a cornerstone of southern Africa’s ecological heritage.

Visitor Numbers

Mana Pools National Park covers 2,200 square kilometers, similar in size to Kenya‘s Maasai Mara, which is 1,510 square kilometers. However, visitor numbers tell a different story. Mana Pools sees only 5,000 to 10,000 visitors annually, compared to the Maasai Mara’s 200,000 to 300,000. With just a few camps and lodges, Mana Pools prioritizes low-impact tourism, creating a quiet and exclusive environment. This stark contrast highlights Mana Pools as a rare haven for those seeking solitude and undisturbed wildlife experiences.

The Elephants

The elephants of Mana Pools are renowned for their unique behaviors and the extraordinary conditions in which they are observed. These elephants have learned to stand on their hind legs to reach high branches, a behavior seen only in a few places globally. This adaptability is a testament to the animals’ intelligence and their ability to thrive in Mana’s seasonal ecosystem.

The park’s open woodlands, dominated by ancient acacias and mahoganies, create dappled light conditions that shift throughout the day. This interplay of light and shadow, combined with the Zambezi River’s reflective qualities, provides photographers with some of Africa’s most striking elephant imagery.

Local guides, such as Stretch Ferreira and Nick Murray, have spent decades building unique bonds with the elephants, often recognizing individuals by sight. Their deep understanding fosters not only safety but also unparalleled wildlife encounters, allowing visitors to observe these iconic animals in an intimate and meaningful way.

Accommodation in Mana Pools

Offering a varied range of camps from minimalist encampments designed for the earnest safari enthusiast, to opulent lodges replete with creature comforts, Mana Pools caters to a diverse range of preferences.

Best Time To Visit: Mana Pools

Mana Pools shines brightest between June and October, during the dry season. This period witnesses large animal congregations around the park’s water sources, offering optimal game viewing. Outside this window, the wet season introduces a fresh palette of flora, ensuring a scenic albeit different wildlife experience.

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