Mana Pools versus Lower Zambezi: A Comparison

Canoes, Cats & Campfire Tales

This is another in our irregular series where we compare two different, but similar regions that you may be choosing between. Kate loves both and has travelled through them extensively, so she was the perfect person to ask to give us the low-down.

Two of the most similar regions – at least at first glance – are Mana Pools in Zimbabwe and the Lower Zambezi in Zambia.

Indeed I am very happy if a client heads to either of these superb game reserves. And both share the following captivating characteristics;

How are they similar?

• Both border the Zambezi River (almost across from each other)
• Epic views of the river with a mountain backdrop
• Excellent game-viewing especially of elephants and big cats
• Similar climate and vegetation mix leading to comparable wildlife sightings
• Both offer superb walking safaris
• Range of camps to suit all budgets
• Most camps close during the wet summer months of mid-November or December to April or May
• Both reserves are well away from villages, so you’ll relish the feeling of complete wilderness – just you, the wildlife, and the occasional bird judging your binocular skills

Mana Pools vs Lower Zambezi : The Differences?

Ease of access

The Lower Zambezi is a little easier to access as it is close to the capital city of Lusaka (35 min flight) with easy connections via Lusaka to both Livingstone (Victoria Falls) and Mfuwe for South Luangwa National Park.  There are two airstrips which are used for scheduled seat in charter flights and a third one used for private charters.

You can also drive from Lusaka to the Zambezi River and then take a boat transfer, though this is less common.

Mana Pools is also accessible by scheduled seat-in-charter flights, though they’re sometimes routed via other destinations.

Canoeing experience

Here I think the Lower Zambezi has the win. As usually you are canoeing in the quieter and very scenic tributaries of the Zambezi River where you are less affected by wind, and where the animals can be very close by.

However the multi-day Mana Pools canoe safaris operate from the Zimbabwe side, an epic trip for the adventurer.

Congestion of the park

Neither park is what you’d call busy. You’re more likely to bump into a leopard than a Land Cruiser convoy. But the easier topography of Mana Pools makes it accessible for adventurous self-drivers, so you might spot a rooftop tent in the wild, rather than just a leopard in a tree.

Positioning of the camps (facing north or south)

The Mana camps mostly face north, soaking up more sun. That’s a welcome small bonus in the winter months. But come October, you may find yourself chasing shade like a warthog at siesta time. By that time I want my tented room to stay as cool as possible!

Boating on the Zambezi

Another win for Lower Zambezi as they allow boating safaris and thus tiger fishing on the Zambezi River whereas this is NOT allowed by Mana Pools.  

Ability to do night drives in the park

Another plus point for Lower Zambezi is that Zambia is somewhat unique in Africa in allowing night drives in the park. This offers you a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife like leopards, civets, and servals, which are rarely seen during the day. This is not an option IN Mana Pools but some of the Mana Pools camps are in their own adjacent concession areas and so they have more freedom to offer night drives to guests.   

Camp Location

Mana Pools gets a slight edge here—some camps are tucked further inland, allowing for a two-camp experience with contrasting terrain and game-viewing. In Lower Zambezi, the camps are ALL riverside camps, so the variety comes more from the style of camp than the scenery. Such as combining Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro.

Mana Pools in a Nutshell

A UNESCO World Heritage Safari Destination

Situated in the north of Zimbabwe, on the southern banks of the Zambezi River, Mana Pools National Park will leave you breathless with its beauty. It’s a paradise for walking and canoeing safaris, Mana Pools is a wildlife-rich, biodiverse wonderland.

Keen photographers are in heaven here, with ethereal forests of Ana trees and golden afternoon light that turns every shot into a possible Nat Geo moment. These forests provide much needed shade for the 12,000-strong elephant population in the dry season.

Mana’ means ‘four’ in Shona – a nod to the park’s four permanent pools that attract thirsty wildlife like a bushveld cocktail bar. It’s also famous for the Mana Pools canoe safaris – adventurous and rustic muti-day canoeing trips down the Zambezi River.

Sample Zimbabwe tours including Mana Pools:

Zimbabwe Safari explorer – 12 nights

Zimbabwe Water & Wilderness – 6 nights

Lower Zambezi in a Nutshell:

Lower Zambezi National Park lies on the southern edge of Zambia on the northern banks of the mighty Zambezi river, also opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools . Its game is concentrated on the valley floor as the northern escarpment offers a physical barrier to the park’s resident wildlife. Enormous herds of elephant, some up to 100 strong, are often seen at the river’s edge. The riverine woodland includes ebony, fig, and Albida trees, whose seed pods are a huge attraction to the elephants and browsing animals.

The park offers big herds of elephant and buffalo, sunbathing crocodiles, sleeping lions, stealthy leopards, lively African wild dogs, and many more. It’s also a fantastic spot for fishing, with healthy tiger fish and bream often caught along the lush riverbanks.

Obscure Fact: Lower Zambezi was once the private game reserve of Zambia’s president. It only opened to the public in 1983.

Sample Lower Zambezi Tours

• Zambia Meander
• Zambia Family Safari
• Zambia & Malawi Bush & Beach Getaway with Lower Zambezi extension

Lower Zambezi lodges on the river:

• Chiawa Camp
• Sausage Tree Camp
• Chongwe River Camp

FAQs about Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi

Kate catching her first tiger fish!

Two Parks, One River: Which Side Wins Your Heart?

So it may sound like it’s a clear win for the Lower Zambezi? Not so fast…

Yes, if you were booking Mana Pools or Lower Zambezi ONLY, then the Lower Zambezi may have the slight edge.

But that’s not how most safaris are booked in real life. More often, you’re weighing up Zimbabwe vs Zambia itineraries, not just the parks. So the bigger picture comes into play. Mana Pools vs Lower Zambezi is just one part of the thinking.

For more on how to compare these two countries (alongside Botswana) check out this article

Botswana vs Zimbabwe vs Zambia

And secondly, they are both offer such wonderful game-viewing and a range of safari activities, that our clients are more than happy at either reserve.

In both reserves, you can get up close to big elephant bulls or even follow African wild dogs on the hunt. You can opt for a slow game drive or take a canoe or boat to see huge pods of hippos, along with amazing bird species including the African fish eagle. Fishing is excellent, and there is no better place to watch endless wildlife activity. Perhaps drifting past hippos with a G&T in hand, watching the Zambezi sky turn sherbet orange.

The Lower Zambezi or Mana Pools are calling you!

Zambia or Zimbabwe are both perfect for the safari lover who wants the real thing. Walking safaris, wild parks, and moments you’ll remember for a lifetime

How to Start planning?

1. Explore our Zambia or Zimbabwe safari tours above for inspiration
2. Chat with us about your dream adventure – walking safari? Stylish eco-camp? Both?
3. We’ll send a detailed proposal, fine-tuned to your wish list

Mana Pools versus Lower Zambezi: a comparison was written by Cedarberg Africa

We’re Cedarberg Africa – safari specialists with over 30 years of creating tailor-made trips across Southern and East Africa. Mana Pools and the Lower Zambezi are both some of our favourite ‘under-the-radar’ gems, particularly loved by our co-founder Kate, and we love pairing their raw beauty with comfort and style.