Customize one of our recommended trips or design your own from scratch
This experience is sadly no longer operational. Get in touch to find out about other canoeing experiences in Mana Pools.
Mana Pools National Park and the private Sapi Concession in northern Zimbabwe are part of a world heritage site that protects some of the most pristine and beautiful big-game wilderness in Africa. In 2016 the concession was awarded to Great Plains Conservation, a high-end eco-tourism outfitter owned and operated by the award-wining photographers and film-makers, Beverly and Dereck Joubert. The vast majority of this area is only traversable on foot, and thus, the idea for a 'Great Mana Expedition' was born. This 6-night safari aims to recreate the experience of Africa's great explorers, and will make you feel as if you're the only people to ever traverse the landscape. But don't worry, there's more than a little dose of style and comfort thrown in too...
From $830 person/night
After a day's walk in the bush, few things are better than a G&T or a glass of wine around the campfire and a comfy bed to fall into.
Paddle down the mighty Zambezi in a canoe and enjoy a new perspective on wildlife - looking up at elephants and buffalo on the banks and being at eye-level with crocs and hippos.
Soak in the sights and sounds of nature without the noise of a vehicle. The only noise here is the wind, the crunch of earth underfoot and a few gruntings and snortings from the local wildlife.
Over the course of your six nights, you'll move between three different locations (spending two nights in each). The communal areas are beautifully constructed of wood and canvas and there's plenty of space to lounge about on comfy sofas, drinking in the superb views of the Zambezi. The main areas are gently lit by paraffin lamps creating a romantic atmosphere that's perfect for dining like kings and queens and the barman is always on hand to serve up an ice-cold beverage. And of course, the campfire awaits for some post-dinner story telling.
Just three double or twin rooms accommodate a maximum of six guests at each stopover point. Built atop slightly raised wooden decks, the gauze and canvas tents allow for plenty of airflow and immerse you fully into in the bush (but all are quite safe). Antique wooden chests and long flowing curtains add a stylish dash of 'old-school safari' and a wooden veranda at the front has a couple of canvas chairs and a great view. The spacious ensuite bathrooms have a hot shower, double basin and a W/C.
Although game drives are available, focus your attention on the superb walks and canoeing and enjoy the absolute wild-ness of this place.
Show all activities
The majority of your time on your expedition will be spent on morning and afternoon walks and canoeing on the Zambezi, but game drives are available too. Both walking and canoeing provide exhilarating, up-close encounters with all of Africa's iconic creatures, from giraffe, lions and wild dogs on foot to elephants, buffalo and hippos on the river. Though your adrenaline may well be pumping, your expert guide's top priority will be keeping you safe. And there's a ton of other things to see in between the big 'n hairies so keep your eyes and ears open at all times...