One of the park's most unique features is its vast network of river channels, ponds, and pools formed by the Zambezi, which has been the life source of the region for thousands of years. These water sources are magnets for wildlife, making them excellent spots for game viewing. As the Zambezi passes through the park, it bends around corners and is dotted with islands, providing a breathtaking and enchanting experience for visitors.

Mana Pools National Park owes its name to the pools of the old river channels that provide a reliable source of water for animals throughout the dry season. These pools are large enough to maintain water throughout the year, making them essential to the park's wildlife. Visitors on safari can witness animals congregating around these pools for a drink, providing a unique opportunity to observe wildlife behavior in its natural habitat. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including herds of impala, elephant, zebra, buffalo, eland, and kudu. The park's rich ecosystem supports a range of predators, including lions, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, and other scavengers.

In addition to its wildlife and rivers, Mana Pools National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a chance to spot a plethora of Southern Africa's bird species along the riverbanks. The park's shores are particularly exciting for birders looking to add to their life list.

Mana Pools National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. The park boasts an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, with a tailor-made safari offering some of the most exhilarating experiences one can have in Africa. One of the biggest draws to the park is the African wild dog, with over 100 individual adults calling Mana Pools home, making sightings relatively common compared to elsewhere on the continent. The park’s elephant population is also healthy, and these majestic creatures are known for standing upright on their hind legs to reach high tree branches, a rare sight in other parts of Africa.

Lion and hyena sightings are frequent in Mana Pools, while leopards can also be spotted in the park. Plains game such as zebra are common, and herds of buffalo can be seen battling with the park’s lions. It’s worth noting that there are no rhino, giraffe or wildebeest in Mana Pools.

The park offers a variety of safari activities including game drives, river safaris, night game drives, photographic safaris, birding excursions, canoeing on the Zambezi, and walking safaris. A visit to Mana Pools guarantees unforgettable wildlife encounters and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of one of Africa’s last untouched wilderness areas.

Mana Pools National Park is a haven for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts. The park offers a wide range of safari activities that cater to different interests and preferences. Game drives and river safaris are the most popular activities in the park, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the park's diverse wildlife, including large herds of buffalo and zebra, and predators such as lions and leopards. Night game drives, photographic safaris, and birding excursions are also available for those looking for a more specialized experience.

For a more immersive safari experience, visitors can take part in walking safaris led by experienced guides who will take you on a journey through the park's diverse terrain, including riverine forests and open plains. The walking safaris offer an up-close encounter with the park's wildlife and are a great way to appreciate the park's natural beauty.

Canoeing on the Zambezi is another popular activity in Mana Pools, offering visitors a unique perspective of the park's wildlife and landscape. This activity is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed safari experience while enjoying the tranquility of the river.

The best time to visit Mana Pools National Park depends on your interests and what you hope to see. Generally, the dry season from May to October is considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals tend to congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. During this period, the park experiences mild temperatures, low humidity, and virtually no rainfall, making it a comfortable time to be out on safari.

The wet season from November to April sees the park transform into a lush green paradise, with abundant birdlife, and young animals being born. Although the vegetation can be dense, the landscapes are beautiful, and the park's scenery is stunning. This season is ideal for those who prefer a quieter time, as there are fewer visitors to the park, and prices tend to be lower. It's worth noting that during the rainy season, some areas of the park may become inaccessible due to flooding.

January:

January is still the rainy season, with average temperatures of 30°C during the day and 18°C at night. The chance of rain is high, averaging 12 rainy days in the month. The park is still lush and green, but the humidity can be high.

February:

February is the end of the rainy season, with temperatures averaging 30°C during the day and 17°C at night. The chance of rain decreases to an average of 8 rainy days in the month. The park is still green, and the wildlife sightings are excellent.

March:

March is the beginning of the dry season, with average temperatures of 32°C during the day and 16°C at night. The park is slowly drying out, and the humidity is low. The chance of rain is low, averaging 5 rainy days in the month. It's a good time for game viewing, especially near the river.

April:

This month marks the end of the rainy season, with average temperatures of 32°C during the day and 16°C at night. The park is lush and green, but it can be humid with a high chance of rain, averaging 9 rainy days in the month.

May:

May is one of the best times to visit Mana Pools National Park. The temperatures average around 31°C during the day and 12°C at night. The rainfall decreases to an average of 5 days in the month, and the wildlife sightings are excellent as the grass is still long.

June:

June is the beginning of the dry season, with average temperatures of 28°C during the day and 7°C at night. The chance of rain is low, and there are clear skies, making it the perfect time for stargazing. It's also a good time for wildlife sightings, especially near the river.

July:

July is the peak of the dry season, with an average temperature of 27°C during the day and 6°C at night. There is no rain during this month, and the skies are clear. The park is dry, and animals are concentrated around water sources, making it easier to spot them.

August:

August is still dry, with an average temperature of 31°C during the day and 9°C at night. The park is now at its driest, and animals congregate around the remaining water sources. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like walking and canoeing.

September:

September marks the start of the hot season, with temperatures averaging 35°C during the day and 14°C at night. There's little to no rain during this month, and it's an excellent time for game viewing, as the animals gather around the remaining water sources.

October:

October is the hottest month, with temperatures averaging 37°C during the day and 19°C at night. The chance of rain is low, and the heat can be overwhelming. The animals are still gathered around the water sources, making it easier to spot them.

November:

November is the start of the rainy season, with average temperatures of 33°C during the day and 19°C at night. The rains can be heavy, with an average of 10 rainy days in the month. The park is lush and green, and the birdlife is excellent.

December:

December is the peak of the rainy season, with temperatures averaging 30°C during the day and 19°C at night. The chance of rain is high, averaging 13 rainy days in the month. The park is lush and green, but it can be humid and uncomfortable.