Mana Pools the ‘silent giant’ tourist attraction in Zimbabwe

Situated in the pristine northern region of Zimbabwe, in Kariba, on the Zambezi River Escarpment opposite Zambia and the Lower Zambezi National Park, Mana Pools is a Unesco World Heritage site that was inscribed in 1984 because of its incredibly high concentration of wildlife and scenic beauty.

The name Mana Pools is derived from “Mana” meaning four in Shona. This relates to the four permanent pools namely; Chisasiko, Chine, Green Pool and Long Pool.

Thus, the Mana Pools are former waterways of the Zambezi River that have incessant geological processes which present a brilliant illustration of erosion and deposition that has a vibrant form of plant succession on its alluvial deposits.

The Zambezi River meanders in these rich mineral volcanic soil deposits which have built into small lakes surrounded by swanky vegetation.

Mana Pools is Zimbabwe’s largest anchorage and concentration of the “water kings”; the hippopotamus and crocodiles.

Although holidaymakers can visit Mana Pools anytime throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the dry season as from June to October. This is because during the start of the summer rains, the vast areas of Mana Pools become inaccessible to lodges around, making it difficult for vehicles to drive through due to quaggy roads.

The pools are entangled in a national park that stretches across 2 200km2 of prime Zambezi River front foliage with an enormous number of fauna subjugated by the majestic “standing” elephants.

Although Mana Pools has a high population density of mammals, it has a limited number of species. There are no giraffes, wildebeest, black and white rhinos which were decimated in the 80s and early 90s due to commercial poaching but are very common in most areas in the country.

Inversely, there is a variety of daily activities for visitors such as hiking, boat cruising, safari walk among common game on the flood plains which is both a mixed feeling of adrenaline and serenity.

Also, for canoe loving guests, canoeing in Mana Pools down the river is an amazing experience as there is a profusion of wildlife that use the course of the river on a daily basis such as hippos, crocodiles, spotted hyenas, leopards, impalas, waterbucks, cheetahs (rare), elands and a mosaic of bird species depending on the time of the year.

Mana Pools proffer a unique panache of photographic experience such as flora and bird photography which is superb in the area and provides a variety of different photographic opportunities.

Early mornings and late afternoons witness a number of different types of birds whiffling up and down the river valley in search of food and quench thirsting.

High profile carnivores and herbivores that comprise of lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and wild dogs are watched from the cosiness of 4×4 vehicles, where over time the fauna have been accustomed to the sounds, scents and look of vehicles which has relaxed them, not tamed of course.

Nonetheless, to complement the majestic scenery at Mana Pools, the best and world class accommodation establishments that offer exceptional service, amenities and facilities are available.

These establishments consist of the Little Ruckomechi Camp, Nyamatusi Camp, Kanga Camp, Nyamatusi Mahogany, Mana River Camp, Kavinga Safari Camp, Chikwenya Camp and the recently opened Molori Mashuma Camp.

Molori Mashuma Camp, co-owned by conservationist Eric Ichikowitz, offers a natural environment that features an eco-friendly and sustainable accommodation elegance with six scintillating and luxurious en suite tented rooms.

The lodge provides a nexus eco-based set-up that allows wildlife to wander around the camp in front view of the guests and through the large pan.

The spacious air-conditioned accommodation features private decks for game viewing and relaxation as well as soaking bathtubs, outdoor showers, and the interior designs with an African quintessence that helps create a memorable material culture attachment to the beautiful design and decor crafted by local Zimbabwean artists.

Mana Pools is a “silent giant” attraction in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, if not Africa as a whole embedded in an exquisite wildlife, adventurous activities and a therapeutic atmosphere.

It will be an unforgettable destination of choice for both domestic and international tourists, ecological researchers and celebrities to visit and experience the bravura of avifauna, flora and fauna in its natural habitat and clean environment.

Simbarashe Murima (PhDc) is a Research Fellow and writes in his own capacity as an education, tourism and hospitality expert in Namibia and Zimbabwe. He can be contacted via email [email protected] or phone 0781480742/ +264814571709 (WhatsApp)