Mana Pools May 2026

Mana Pools Photo Safari

Experience one of Africa’s most exclusive and untamed photographic destinations:

Mana Pools National Park

Based at the beautifully remote Camp Mana, set on the banks of the Zambezi River, this workshop offers a rare chance to capture elephants up close on foot, wild dogs hunting across the floodplains, and lions moving through golden light. With private access, small groups, and the comfort of an authentic tented camp, you’ll enjoy world-class photographic opportunities in one of the last truly wild corners of Africa. This is raw, intimate safari living, where the wild comes to you.

1 4

THE IMPORTANT STUFF

Trip Summary

DATES: 25 - 31 May 2026 (7 days)

Your adventure begins with a morning arrival at Harare International Airport on the 25th of May. From here we’ll board a private charter plane for a scenic flight over the Zambezi Valley to Mana West Airstrip, where the Camp Mana guides will meet us. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the remoteness of this wild place, camping along the floodplains of the mighty Zambezi River, surrounded by raw nature and endless photographic opportunity. We’ll spend six unforgettable nights living in the heart of the wilderness, capturing incredible images both on game drives and on foot, before returning by charter plane to Harare in time for late afternoon departures on the 31st of May.

PRICE: R89 500 pps (SADC) | $6700 pps (International)

The cost of this exclusive workshop is R89, 500 per person sharing for SADC residents, with a single supplement available at an additional R12,000. For international guests, the price is USD $6,700 per person sharing, with a single supplement of USD $1,050.

LOCATION: Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

There’s a special kind of magic to Mana Pools that’s hard to put into words. It’s one of Africa’s last truly wild places where elephants wander through camp, lions call through the night, and the light over the Zambezi floodplains turns every moment into a photograph. Camp Mana captures that raw, authentic beauty perfectly. Set on the banks of the river, it blends comfort and simplicity in the best way with spacious Meru-style tents, en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and views that stretch across to the escarpment. Evenings are spent around the fire under a sky filled with stars, sharing stories as hippos grunt nearby. What makes it so special is how close you feel to nature here; it’s immersive, unpretentious, and deeply connected to the wild heart of Africa.

PAX: 6 GUESTS

This workshop is limited to only six participants, ensuring plenty of space and freedom to shoot from our private photographic vehicle. The small group size allows for a more personal experience, unhurried time in the field, and exclusive access to the best sightings. It’s an intimate, focused safari designed to give every photographer the best possible angles, light, and opportunities to create truly exceptional images.

INCLUDES

Airfield transfers · All meals · Tented Accommodation · twice daily photo excursions by vehicle or Walking Safari · Private Charter Plane · Photographic instruction & Editing Sessions

EXCLUDES

Flights to/from Harare Airport · Gratuities · Travel or Health insurance · Personal expenses · Visas or extra fees for camera gear or luggage on charter flight due to weight

Camp Mana

Camp Mana is an owner run, iconic and intimate, private 12-bed tented camp on the Zambezi River operated by Sunpath Safaris, who have more than 35 years experience in the Zambezi Valley.

Accommodation is in 2.4m (8ft) high walk-in Meru-style tents with en-suite flush toilets and hot showers. The central feature of the camp is a remarkable communal lounge and dining area with sweeping views across the Zambezi River and mountains of the northern escarpment.

Our philosophy of touching the earth lightly is immediately apparent on arrival. The camp operates almost completely on solar power, with a back-up generator for emergencies.

This seasonal camp is entirely disassembled and stored for four months every year. This ensures that we have very little impact on the environment and that the area has time to recover every year.

1 3

Daily Program

Going WILD

We follow the rhythm of the bush, this means that we start the day early with tea or coffee and cereals at sunrise. This is followed by an early morning activity, aiming to be back in camp by approximately 10h00 for a brunch and siesta until 15h30 when we set off for another activity.

These guideline-times shift with the season and are also influenced by sightings and experiences. We are flexible working with the wishes of our guests, whether walking, game driving, canoeing, bird watching or just relaxing in camp.

Although Mana Pools lends itself to walking – game drives are also a very popular activity – be it in conjunction with walking or on its own. The advantage of game drives is that we can cover larger distances and see various parts of the park while looking for the great diversity of animals found in Mana Pools.

Camp Mana has set the bar for game-viewing vehicles in Mana Pools with our brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser – offering every guest an outside seat. This luxurious game drive vehicle is fitted with state of the art technology to ensure that your G&T’s are frosty and that every passenger has a personal charging station for their electronic equipment while we drive!

1 3

FAQ

What to pack?

As we will be flying in on a small charter plane, please note that small planes normally have a luggage restriction of a maximum of 20kg/person including hand luggage. This luggage must be packed in a SOFT bag.

Don’t forget these!

– Personal toiletries and medication

– Insect repellent

– Sunscreen

– Sunglasses

– Good flashlight or head-lamp

– Camera

– A good book to read

– A spirit of adventure

Clothing

Your clothing should be casual and lightweight. Bright colours should be avoided and neutral colours (khaki, green, grey, brown) are recommended.

Early mornings and evenings can be cold – especially on the back of a vehicle, but mid-day is usually very warm. So, when packing, think in terms of layers that can be peeled-off as the daytime temperatures rise. Here is a suggested clothing packing list:

– 2 pairs trousers

– 2 pairs shorts (zip-off longs are best so you have both longs & shorts)

– 3 lightweight fast-drying shirt – long sleeves will protect your arms from the sun

– 3 pairs of socks Underwear

– Hat or cap

– A lightweight windbreaker – early mornings on open vehicles can be chilly

– A fleece

– A warm jacket (winter)

– A buff is also very useful

– Beanie (if you’re travelling in winter)

– Comfortable walking shoes

– Sandals for around camp and canoeing

Wild animals

Please be aware that your safari will take you into close proximity of wild animals. Attacks are highly unlikely but no safari in the African wilderness can guarantee this will not occur.

All guests will be required to sign an indemnity form prior to embarking on their safari. Our safaris are guided by armed Professional Guides who undergo rigorous training before they are issued a guide’s license. Our Guides have many years of experience both conducting walking trails and canoeing the Zambezi River.

Health Insurance

Mana Pools is situated in a Malaria area. Malaria is seasonal in this area, however we recommend that prior to travel you consult a medical professional regarding malarial prophylaxis.

Please bring with you any personal medication that you may require. Our guides are trained in first aid and we have an emergency evacuation plan in place.

We strongly recommend that prior to travel you ensure that you have travel and health insurance in place.