Mana Pools National Park,
Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas
Location: Northern Zimbabwe
Year of Inscription: 1984
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; and
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas form a large, remote wilderness area located in northern Zimbabwe along the banks of the Zambezi River. The area is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including large populations of elephants, buffalo, and predators such as lions and leopards. The park also features unique and scenic landscapes, including floodplains, riverine forests, and large stands of Mana trees, which give the park its name.
Prominent Features: The main features of Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas include:
Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and predators such as lions and leopards. The park is also an important habitat for endangered species such as the wild dog and the black rhinoceros.
Riverine Forests: The park features large stands of riverine forests along the Zambezi River, which provide important habitat for a variety of bird and animal species.
Mana Pools: The park is named after the Mana Pools, which are a series of four large pools formed by the meandering Zambezi River. The pools are surrounded by lush vegetation and provide important habitat for wildlife.
History: The area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and the park is home to several archaeological sites that provide evidence of early human settlements. In the early 20th century, the area was used as a hunting ground for European colonizers, but it was eventually declared a national park in 1963. Today, the park is managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and is a popular destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take guided wildlife tours, explore the riverine forests, and take part in outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. It is important to note that the park is a wilderness area, and visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Fun Fact: Mana Pools has one of the highest concentrations of hippopotamus and crocodile populations in Africa.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Mana Pools National Park vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. The entry fee for international visitors was $15 USD per person per day.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Mana Pools National Park is Harare International Airport, which is located approximately 350 km (217 miles) southeast of the park. From the airport, visitors can hire a car or take a taxi to the park. There are also several smaller airstrips located within the park that can be used by private planes and charters.
By Land: Several bus companies operate daily services between Harare and Karoi, which is the nearest town to Mana Pools. From Karoi, you can hire a private vehicle or take a shared taxi to Mana Pools National Park.Some of the bus companies that operate on this route include Pioneer Bus Company, Citiliner, Pathfinder, Intercape
It's recommended to purchase bus tickets in advance, either online or at the bus terminal in Harare, to ensure availability. The journey from Harare to Karoi takes approximately 3-4 hours by road, and the fare can vary depending on the bus company and type of seat.
Where to Stay: Mana Pools National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. A popular option is Ruckomechi Camp. This luxury camp is located on the banks of the Zambezi River and offers spacious tents
Next Stop: Great Zimbabwe National Monument
Year of Inscription: 1984
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; and
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas form a large, remote wilderness area located in northern Zimbabwe along the banks of the Zambezi River. The area is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including large populations of elephants, buffalo, and predators such as lions and leopards. The park also features unique and scenic landscapes, including floodplains, riverine forests, and large stands of Mana trees, which give the park its name.
Prominent Features: The main features of Mana Pools National Park, Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas include:
Wildlife: The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and predators such as lions and leopards. The park is also an important habitat for endangered species such as the wild dog and the black rhinoceros.
Riverine Forests: The park features large stands of riverine forests along the Zambezi River, which provide important habitat for a variety of bird and animal species.
Mana Pools: The park is named after the Mana Pools, which are a series of four large pools formed by the meandering Zambezi River. The pools are surrounded by lush vegetation and provide important habitat for wildlife.
History: The area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and the park is home to several archaeological sites that provide evidence of early human settlements. In the early 20th century, the area was used as a hunting ground for European colonizers, but it was eventually declared a national park in 1963. Today, the park is managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and is a popular destination for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take guided wildlife tours, explore the riverine forests, and take part in outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and camping. It is important to note that the park is a wilderness area, and visitors should take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Fun Fact: Mana Pools has one of the highest concentrations of hippopotamus and crocodile populations in Africa.
Entry Fees: Entry fees for Mana Pools National Park vary depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay. The entry fee for international visitors was $15 USD per person per day.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Mana Pools National Park is Harare International Airport, which is located approximately 350 km (217 miles) southeast of the park. From the airport, visitors can hire a car or take a taxi to the park. There are also several smaller airstrips located within the park that can be used by private planes and charters.
By Land: Several bus companies operate daily services between Harare and Karoi, which is the nearest town to Mana Pools. From Karoi, you can hire a private vehicle or take a shared taxi to Mana Pools National Park.Some of the bus companies that operate on this route include Pioneer Bus Company, Citiliner, Pathfinder, Intercape
It's recommended to purchase bus tickets in advance, either online or at the bus terminal in Harare, to ensure availability. The journey from Harare to Karoi takes approximately 3-4 hours by road, and the fare can vary depending on the bus company and type of seat.
Where to Stay: Mana Pools National Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. A popular option is Ruckomechi Camp. This luxury camp is located on the banks of the Zambezi River and offers spacious tents
Next Stop: Great Zimbabwe National Monument