Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued an urgent public notice warning that Mana Pools National Park has been severely affected by heavy rains that recently pounded the Zambezi Valley, leaving key infrastructure damaged and most access routes impassable.
In a statement released today, ZimParks said the persistent downpours caused extensive destruction to major access roads to the park, including partial damage to the critical Rukomechi Bridge, as well as the access road just after the Runyese River crossing.
“The recent heavy rains in the Zambezi Valley have resulted in significant damage to infrastructure within Mana Pools National Park. As a result, most routes into the park are currently impassable,” the authority said.
Mana Pools, one of Zimbabwe’s premier safari destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is popular among both local and international tourists for its wildlife and wilderness experience.
However, the current situation has forced authorities to temporarily restrict access to ensure visitor safety.
ZimParks has urged clients with confirmed bookings for the period between March and April 2026 to urgently contact its bookings office to explore alternative arrangements.
These include rescheduling visits or receiving credit notes where applicable.
Walk-in and self-drive visitors have been strongly advised to postpone travel plans to the park until conditions improve and access routes are restored.
The authority expressed regret over the inconvenience caused, emphasising that the measures were necessary to safeguard visitors and allow time for rehabilitation works.
ZimParks said it was closely monitoring the situation and would provide updates as restoration efforts progressed.
