Mana Pools National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Zimbabwe’s remote and rugged southern banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It received its UNESCO designation in 1984 due to the unique and diverse ecosystem of the region. The name Mana comes from the Shona language and means “four”, referring to the four large permanent pools formed by the Zambezi River. The landscape is characterized by riverine forests and towering albida and acacia trees, providing much-needed shade in the dry season. With abundant water in the area, a canoe trip is a great way to explore Mana Pools. This can be combined with a walking safari where you will explore the wilderness on foot with experienced guides.
“The name Mana comes from the Shona language and means “four”, referring to the four large permanent pools formed by the Zambezi River.”
Mana Pools National Park is also famous for the unique behavior exhibited by its elephants. They are known for their ability to stand on their hind legs and stretch upwards to reach fruit from the branches of tall trees. This behavior is commonly referred to as “tree-standing” or “upright feeding.” It’s believed that the unique environment of Mana Pools, with its abundance of albida and other acacia trees, has contributed to the development of this skill among its elephants. It’s an impressive sight to witness and has become one of the must-see safari experiences for guests of Mana Pools National Park.
