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An elephant wading in the Zambezi at Mana Pools, with the escarpment beyond

Northern Zimbabwe · Zambezi floodplain

Mana Pools

Follow the Zambezi through floodplain woodland, where elephants wade between the islands beneath the escarpment.

  • 2,196 km²along the Zambezi
  • 4pools, which give Mana its name
  • ~380bird species
Source: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority ↗

Photo: Babakathy · CC0 1.0 · Cropped for display

The destination

Discover Mana Pools

Mana means “four” in Shona, after the four pools left by the Zambezi in this remote northern park. Mana Pools National Park covers about 2,196 km² along the river and, with neighbouring safari areas and Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ways to experience it

  1. Watch life gather at the pools, from hippos and crocodiles to elephant herds and waterbirds.
  2. Explore the Zambezi floodplain with licensed guides and operators.
  3. Leave room for quiet time by the river, away from busy schedules.
Where is Mana Pools? Northern Zimbabwe · Zambezi floodplain. The pin marks the approximate area. Map outline: geoBoundaries · CC BY 3.0 IGO
Mana Pools · Photo: Babakathy · CC0 1.0

Explore more

Highlights to discover

What makes Mana Pools worth the journey, from the official sources we rely on.

  1. The four pools

    Long Pool, the largest of the four, stretches more than six kilometres and holds a permanent population of hippos and crocodiles.

    Read source ↗

  2. Wildlife of the Zambezi

    Zimbabwe Parks lists lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and painted dogs, with around 380 bird species. No sighting is guaranteed.

    Read source ↗

Explore locally

Places to explore

Places to stay, things to do and somewhere to eat in Mana Pools.

15 published places to start exploring.

Browse all places in Mana Pools →

Mana Pools · Babakathy · CC0 1.0

Plan your trip

Helpful information

Mana Pools is remote. Confirm park access, permits, seasonal road conditions and accommodation before you travel, and book guided activities only with licensed operators.

When to visit

Access and conditions change with the seasons. Check which roads and camps are open when you plan to travel.

Read more about when to visit

Getting there and around

The park lies in the far north of Zimbabwe on the Zambezi. Plan long transfers carefully and confirm routes with your camp or operator.

Read more about getting there and around

Safety and access

Wildlife moves freely through the park. Follow Zimbabwe Parks rules and the guidance of licensed guides at all times.

Read more about safety and access

Read the full guide to planning your visit

Information sources

Information sources

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority — Mana Pools National Park ↗

Editorial guidance, not live operating information. Reconfirm fees, opening times, access, weather and any operator arrangements before travel.

Editorial source review: 2026-10-17

15 currently published places associated with Mana Pools.

Continue your journey

Nearby destinations

Straight-line distances between destination areas; road journeys are longer.