Mana Pools National Park — Attraction in Mashonaland West Province

Mana Pools is possibly one of the last places in the wild where one can get close to animals in their own habitat. Not from a car window or a hotel room or through the binoculars, but walking past as you eat breakfast and skulking around your tent as you sleep. The game is used to people and very mild, so it's a game-viewing, bird-watching paradise. Facilites leave much to be desired, but if you go prepared, it is well worth the long trip. Fuel is a problem, so if you would like a shower, take some petrol for their pump. An electric, battery powered

fence' of some sort is advisable. Good torches. A good camera. Anti malarials and sunblock. Beware the monkeys - they are professional thieves and not afraid of people. Neither are the hyena. If an elephant strolls up to you while you are sitting in your deck chair, just sit still and dont move. Dont assume you can encroach into their space because they are encroaching into

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON’T GO DURING OFF SEASON (RAIN SEASON)…

The park and lodge was seemingly neglected by the authority in addition to the muddy road around the area. The park was opened but the staff there didn’t seem to attend to their responsibilities, e.g. the office was unmanned, need to wait for an hour for checking in.

Moreover, there was no water in the lodge and we weren’t being noticed by the tourism manager before we moved in (also with normal price). The bed sheet was dirty and the door was broken. No one accompanied us to the accommodation which seemed to be uncared for properly.

The staff in the park also provided lack information about the areas such as the conditions of the road and there was no map.

The only consolidation we had was seeing the wildlife a bit such as hippos, antelopes, elephants, baboons, buffalos, wild pigs, and some wild chicks…

PLEASE DON’T GO...

This is one of the most treasured places in Zimbabwe. Should you get the chance to visit, please be aware of the environment and do your utmost to protect this park by adhering to all the rules. Mana Pools name is derived from the word Mana meaning 'four.' The four pools are important life sustaining reservoirs in the dry season and are usually home to hippo and crocodiles. The Zambezi river feeds the pools and runs along the main perimeter of the park. The Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi is the most beautiful and unfortunately some motor boats from the Zambian side like to illegally fish or boat on the Zim side. If this were enforced more it would be much better for the park. You are going to see elephant, hippo, lion, buffalo, leopard and numerous other animals. 3 nights would be the minimum I would spend here. Ideally four or...