Destination Downtime
MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
Mana is Shona for “four”, which refers to four
large pools, remnants of ox-bow lakes carved out
by the Zambezi River thousands of years ago.
Here, in the Middle Zambezi Valley in northern
Zimbabwe, hippos, crocs, and large numbers of
aquatic birds flourish. And yet, Mana Pools remains
a well-guarded secret. It is a remote UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and one of Africa’s best parks for
walking safaris thanks to relatively relaxed big game
and sparse undergrowth.
Another exciting way to experience the region’s
natural abundance is by floating down the river
in a canoe, particularly between Mana Pools and
Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. It can be
a heady adventure, tactfully paddling past rivercrossing elephants, and avoiding wallowing hippos
and lurking crocodiles as you go.
Just beyond Mana Pools’ western boundary
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Ruckomechi Camp (www.wilderness-safaris.com)
comprises ten large reed-and-thatch tented chalets
sheltered beneath a grove of acacia and mahogany
trees. There are various spots from which to enjoy
the view, whether lazing in a hammock, sunbathing
alongside the infinity pool, or gazing up at the stars
from a cushioned deck.
Each of the six big tented chalets at Kanga Bush
Camp (www.africanbushcamps.com) has views of
remote, isolated Kanga Pan, a year-round water
source regularly visited by thirsty animals. One
adventurous add-on is an overnight sleep-out on a
platform with a mattress, raised on stilts beneath
wild fig trees, 1 km from camp.
Kanga’s colonial-style Zambezi Life Styles is a
semi-permanent camp set up on the banks of
the Zambezi, channelling the atmosphere of
Hemingway-era mobile safaris.