Zimbabwe Safaris: ABC 3nt Zambezi Canoeing & Walking Safari- Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park is a World Heritage site, situated in Northern Zimbabwe on the banks of the Zambezi, with flood plains producing incredible ecological diversity. Wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, lion, wild dog, eland, kudu, waterbuck, to name but a few, and the park is home to more than 350 species of birds. Canoeing the Zambezi allows interaction with the bush and its 450 square kilometres there is a vast variety of flora and fauna, with a mixture of hills and wildlife, and is the most varied trip available. The sense of achievement and enjoyment is like no other.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

1 night Vundu Mobile Tented Camp
1 night Chessa Camp
1 night Chitembe or Ilala Camp

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1 - 2 Vundu Mobile Tented Camp, Mana Pools
You will be met at Mana Pools airstrip by your guide, taken on a game drive, then into Vundu Mobile Tented Camp where there will be a full lunch waiting for you. You will then be shown to your en-suite, walk-in tents.

After lunch, you launch your canoes for a relaxing afternoon paddle for about 5 miles (8 kms). The Zambezi River is quite wide at this point, 1 mile (1.5 km) and you see the last of the Zambian villages on the other side of the river before entering the National Park on both sides of the river. Buffalo, elephant, eland, kudu, waterbuck and hippo are just some of the animals you will see along the way. Sundowners in the canoes are a magical experience and an "African" tradition that is hard to beat. Your afternoon's paddling will take you to your first Mobile Camp Vundu site, where your camp crew will welcome you.

After hot showers, a three-course meal is served under the stars. Please remember that with advance warning, specific dietary requirements are catered for. Fall asleep listening to the night sounds of the African bush.

Day 2 - 3 Chessa Camp, Mana Pools
Early morning wake up call with coffee, tea, cookies, porridge and cereals followed by a walk to your brunch stop along the banks of the river. By early afternoon you will get back into the canoes and paddle through some winding channels that often have buffalo on them, and get a chance to canoe right up to elephants crossing the river. You will get into camp in time for afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches before heading off for another activity should light permit. Chessa Camp overlooks the Mana channels where waterbuck, buffalo and other animals come to feed on the all-year-round grass. The bird life is abundant, having the waders and riverine bird's right there on your doorstep. Dinner is enjoyed "al fresco" with the channels on one side and the flood plains on the other, and you often hear the Imbere lion pride call at night.

Day 3 - 4 Chitembe or Ilala Camp, Mana Pools
Bright and early in the morning you are back on the river to canoe the rest of the channel. Before entering the open river you will take a walk up the Imbera River, then back into the open river, which is at its widest, approximately 2 miles (3 kms) at this point.
Chitembe Camp or Ilala Camp, your last campsite, is situated on a high bank under Acacia trees and is the home of the Sapi River elephants. Sitting having afternoon tea and watching these silent herds move slowly across the flood plain.

Day 4
After 3 days of adventure in Mana Pools National Park you will fly out by light aircraft to connect with your scheduled flight.

At dawn you have a full English breakfast in camp before either a drive or a walk to Chikwenya airstrip to catch your plane to your next destination, stopping along the way to see an old gravesite of a Tonga Chieftess in a hollow Baobab tree. Canoeing the Zambezi allows interaction with the bush and wildlife, and is the most varied trip available. The sense of achievement and enjoyment is like no other. End Of Safari.

SAFARI INCLUDES
Accommodation
Meals
Game activities during the safari
Drinks and alcoholic beverages, except premium brands
All road and air charter transfers
Laundry
Park Entrance Fees

SAFARI EXCLUDES
Additional activities not mentioned in Safari itinerary
Airport departure taxes I
Inter-Africa and international flights
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Staff Gratuities