ZAMBEZI VALLEY / MANA POOLS

One of the most spectacularly beautiful areas of Zimbabwe, the Zambezi Valley stretches for 300 km with the Zambezi River bisecting Zimbabwe and Zambia. Mana Pools National Park has a river frontage of 80kms from Ruckomechi to Chickwenya and supports one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Southern Africa. Access to the National Park is between April and November after the annual road grading. Carmine Bee-eaters nest in their hundreds along the river banks from September and are particularly worth seeing.

Natureways Canoeing Trails are undoubtedly one of the top 5 safari experiences in all Southern Africa. 4 night trails leave from Ruckomechi or Vundu exploring the channels and flood plains of the Zambezi to past Chickwenya, covering the entire 80 km length of the Mana Pools shoreline. Each night is spent in a fully staffed mobile-tented camp at scenic sites along the river. The trails are led by a professional guide and offer abundant large mammal populations, good shoreline and woodland birds and the most beautiful trees. Expect to pass about 1000 hippos in 4 days! No previous canoeing experience required. Highly recommended.

Natureways Walking Trails are conducted mainly in the Wilderness Area of Mana Pools. A 4-day walking safari in the game rich Mana floodplain along the Zambezi frontage is accompanied by a professional guide who will interpret signs, identify birds, explain interesting vegetation and walk you safely up to animals large and small. No backpacks are carried and the tented camp is paddled ahead by porters each day. Can be done back to back with a canoeing trail.

Vundu Camp is situated on a high bank overlooking the Zambezi. Accommodation for 10 guests is in ensuite tents and every effort is made to provide a unique experience. The camp is in a superb game area and professional guides will do walking safaris, game drives, fishing and canoeing activities. The camp’s best selling point is the enthusiasm and hospitality of the guides and it is also the base camp of Ivan Carter Safaris.

Other Zambezi Valley options are Chickwenya, Ruckomechi, Shearwater Canoeing Safaris, John Stevens Mobile Safaris