Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Game Drives
Walking Safaris
Camp Mana is a seasonal tented safari camp located on the banks of The Zambezi River in Mana pools, Zimbabwe and is part of a UNESCO world heritage site that is consistently rated amongst the best safari destinations in Africa. This is undoubtedly the best location for a walking safari. It also has a special status amongst wildlife photographers and is arguably the best place in Africa for canoeing safaris.
For those seeking an incomparable African Safari, Camp Mana provides exceptional guiding based out of a tented camp boasting simple elegance, old-world style and unpretentious luxury in the wilderness. Camp Mana provides all the creature comforts in the wilderness without removing the wild from the experience.
We provide our guests with an unforgettable, immersive, authentic bush experience with minimal impact on the environment. Without compromising guest comfort, we touch the earth lightly with our solar-powered luxury tented camp.
While at Camp Mana guests participate in bush walks, game drives, canoeing safaris and some choose to spend the entire day relaxing in camp enjoying the constant stream of animals and birds that pass through the camp.
Four nights at Camp Mana in August 2026, and after ten safari camps in five years this was the wildest, most authentic bush experience I have had. It is unfenced,... read more rustic, and built entirely around walking safaris — go in with open eyes and it is life-changing.
Getting there. We flew MackAir from Harare to the Mana Pools main airstrip, roughly an hour and five minutes, then transferred in to camp on the Zambezi. Easy, scenic, and far less punishing than the road.
The guiding is the reason to book. Our private professional guide, Carl Nicholson, hosted our group from start to finish and slotted seamlessly into the Camp Mana team. On foot he found us what most guests only glimpse from a vehicle: Boswell, the bull elephant who rears up on his hind legs to strip albida pods from the high branches of the Ana trees; a pride of lions; and a nomadic pack of four painted dogs, denless and without pups, that we walked alongside as they moved through the bush. Plenty of other big bulls were stretching skyward for pods as well. We got to within roughly 150 feet of Boswell, 50 feet of the wild dogs and 300 feet of the lions, and I never felt unsafe for a second. Carl anticipated what the animals would do before they did it, gave every one of them right of way, and never pressed or provoked an animal to manufacture a photograph. Our safety and theirs came first, every single time.
The people. Steve Bolnick was a superb host, and he walked us through the four-pillar philosophy behind the camp's near-zero-footprint design — the whole camp comes down and goes into storage for four months of the year so the ground can recover. Peter Tetlow, four decades in the bush and still visibly delighted by it, is the kind of professional guide you hope turns up at your fire. He pointed out how to use the southern cross to find the south direction at night! Frank ran the guest experience with real care, Ivan was warm and courteous throughout, and Owen in the kitchen cooked beautifully — peri-peri chicken, beef fillet, an excellent pasta, and plenty more. My wife is coeliac. We gave the kitchen good notice, and they kept her completely safe for four days without a single misstep.
The tent. We were in Tent 5, a walk-in tent facing the Zambezi with the escarpment on the Zambian side across the water — there is a particular pleasure in lying in Zimbabwe looking at another country. Comfortable bed. The bucket shower is genuinely hot, which out there is no small thing; budget about four minutes, and ask for a refill if you want longer. The camp is entirely unfenced and that is the whole point. We fell asleep to lions calling in the distance, hyena, a scops owl, and the soft crunch of elephant feet on the dried leaves around the tent. One midday, elephants came straight through camp and up to our tent, near enough that we could hear them breathing and feel the low rumble. Completely calm, completely controlled, and one of the most beautiful things I have experienced (photo attached). Sunrise over the escarpment — cloudless, just that warm building glow — I will remember for the rest of my life.
Other sightings. Eland, waterbuck, impala, zebra, hyena, hippo, crocodile, warthog and well over fifty bird species. No leopard, which is simply a reason to return.
One honest note. Wifi runs only between noon and 2pm Zimbabwe time and there is no cell service at all. If you must work, plan around that window. If you want to genuinely disappear off grid, it is a feature rather than a flaw.
Who this camp is for. People who love the bush for its own sake. It is rustic, authentic, wild, untamed and unfenced, run by a professional team who clearly love where they are. If you want a polished, resort-style safari with all the edges sanded off, look elsewhere. If you want the real thing — Mana Pools on foot with world-class guides — book it.
Kevin Courtney
1 August 2026 I’d been on amazing game drives in Uganda and Namibia, and wanted my wife to experience a safari. I was very excited to discover the Mana Pools had walking and... read more canoe safaris. I had high expectations, but boy were they exceeded my Camp Mana. If I tried to describe the density and diversity of animals, I would sound like a liar. It was almost impossible to look in any direction without seeing game of some sort. We had elephants walking through camp all day, for in spitting distance of lions, and had to bring our shoes into the tent at night to prevent hyenas from eating them. Our sleep was disturbed by elephants dropping exotic fruits on our tents. We canoed through hippo- and crocodile-infested waters. We saw painted dogs return from a hung and engage in a greeting ceremony. None of that was the best part. What sets Camp Mana apart is the people. Steve, his wife Debbie, the canoe guide Peter, and the rest of the staff made us feel like we could move in a live there forever. My wife and I are bummed that Steve and Debbie are not our uncle and aunt. Steve is the world’s most interesting man, but if he knows it, you cannot tell. He’s a fantastic conversationalist. I could sit and listen to him talk for hours. Every word out of his mouth sounds like it was written down and fine-tuned with an editor. He also takes interest in you and makes you feel interesting. I can count on one hand how many other people in life I’ve been lucky enough to meet that I made such fast friends with. What an experience!!
Ben R
1 July 2026 We have just had the most amazing experience at Camp Mana. Close to nature with incredible walking safaris. - We have just had the most amazing experience at Camp Mana, camping on the edge of the Zambezi with beautiful views. Steve took us on incredible walks, explaining everything in... read more detail from birds, plants, trees and wildlife all while making sure we were safe.
Veronica B
1 April 2026 Walks on the Wild Side. - We could not have asked for more than what we found at Camp Mana. The situation so close to the amazing Zambezi River was stunning. We visited during... read more the 'Green Season' and the sightings of Lions, Elephants, Impala, Eland etc. was really good and if you are a 'birder' you would not have been disappointed. The camp itself is well tended and you could not ask more from the staff who were always there to ensure we were well taken care of and before I forget, the food was outstanding. Guiding could not have been better and the walks we took with Steve will remain in our memories for ever. Would happily recommend Camp Mana.
BrighteyesWestSussex
1 April 2026- If you want a safari with a spa experience then Camp Mana is not the camp for you. However, if you want an authentic, comfortable , thoughtful safari experience... read more with a fabulously knowledgeable guide then sign up. The camp staff were great and looked after us so well. The food was excellent given its location ( bank of Zambezi, only solar power and outdoor kitchen). The guiding (walking, canoeing or by vehicle) was outstanding and we learnt so much. Owner-guide Steve’s knowledge is boundless; be it animals, birds, invertebrates, plants or trees. We always felt safe and in good hands. It was a privilege to be shown round Steve’s ‘backyard’ - he is one of the luckiest men we know to be working in such a fabulous environment.
AJDH3
1 April 2026 Greatest Safari experience - This was our second visit to Camp Mana and so glad we came back. This has to be one of the most authentic Safari experiences you could ever enjoy. Attentive... read more staff, the most highly experienced guide ever, wonderful (very close quarter) game experiences, fascinating walks / canoeing, great location on river frontage, excellent catering and just chilling with Painted Dogs, Ellie’s and Lions. Could not recommend more highly.
ConcordeRoom
1 November 2025 Fantastic experience of a lifetime. - This first-time safari for me and my wife was the experience of a lifetime. Steve Bolnick is an extraordinarily knowledgeable guide and an extraordinary person in terms of his... read more love for the bush, his personable nature, his moral character, and his efforts to make sure his guests have a great experience. When we would encounter other guides on our safaris, they would always show great respect for Steve. His wife Debbie, who does the bookings, was extremely helpful as well. The tents we stayed in (which are seasonal, being put up and taken down once each season) were comfortable, with separate areas for sleeping and the bathroom, which had a shower, a flush toilet, and a sink (fresh water delivered for use with the sinks daily). If you are looking for luxury, this is not the place. If you are looking for a comfortable experience in a great setting with great staff and guides, it cannot be beat. The camp is right next to the Zambezi river, so animals are often present around the camp and sometimes around the tents. My wife even decided to skip one of the driving safaris because it was so peaceful with such incredible views of a Noah's ark of wildlife while she sat right in front of our tent. Several elephants would visit the dining area of the camp around lunchtime while we were there. We did driving safaris, walking safaris, and a canoe safari as well. The food was excellent. Our first day there was truly one of the best days of my long life. We were taken to an elephant carcass (presumably died of natural causes) and witnessed hyenas, vultures, and lions there. Along the way, we saw a variety of antelope, baboons, zebras, hippos, crocs, and more. Later in the day we did a walking safari with breathtaking views including elephants. And that was just the first day. While we were there in October, it could get quite hot midday (well into the 90s farenheit), but the humidity was low and the safaris were done early or late in the day, so we were not uncomfortable. It was more comfortable than a hot and humid summer day in my home state of Connecticut, USA. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
Vacation574670
1 October 2025 An unforgettable African bush experience...in comfort - For us, it was important to find a camp that offered a true African bush experience in comfort (we did not want a lodge or something that lost the character... read more of being ‘in the bush’); a camp that was owner run; a camp that was driven by blending with and protecting the environment; knowledgeable guides sensitive to the environment; a camp with views of the Zambezi; and a camp that offered the choice of driving safaris, walking safaris, and canoe safaris. Camp Mana ticked all the boxes and importantly, delivered on every count.
A sign along the entry track says ‘expect dust and miracles’ and boy, is that true! The wildlife encounters were mind-blowing! From the camp, we could see all sorts of animals like elephants, rhinos, and even some rare birds. The safaris were fantastic – we did driving, walking, and canoeing safaris, and got to see and learn so much about this wonderful region.
Steve, the owner and our main guide, was super knowledgeable about the whole ecosystem of Mana Pools and it is such an enriching experience to learn not just about the large mammals, but all the animals, the flora and the birdlife. He was very attentive to what we particularly wanted to see, going the extra mile to track down Boswell, the famous elephant, as well as rare birds and painted dogs. Peter, our canoe safari guide was also amazing – a huge thank you to him for convincing Kevin to come along he loved it!
The camp itself is very comfortable and a great spot to while away the time not spent on safari. Debbie and Steve were great hosts, always interesting conversation at dinner! The food was great with good variety (though we did resist the temptation of trying Steve’s hot sauce!). The camp manager, Frank, and his team were super attentive and made sure we had everything we needed.
This place was just mind blowing. We arrived as strangers and left feeling part of the Camp Mana Family. We hope we will return.
Debbie H
1 September 2025 - Unforgettable time in Camp Mana - Delightful service from Debbie and Steve, from when we started our planning and throughout the stay. The choice of Camp Mana was largely driven by their respect for animals and... read more nature and their desire to leave as little mark as possible. Our expectations were high but exceeded despite this. The wild animals were all around us, day and night. The view was magnificent and the tranquility healing for the soul.
Food and accommodation were excellent even though we stayed in tents. If we felt something was missing Debbie or someone else in the very talented and nice staff was always on hand to accommodate us.
As nothing else was said we expected Steve as a guide but he was busy with another group when we were there. The guide Gus who instead was with us for four exciting and eventful days both in jeep, on foot and in canoe became an adequate replacement. His long experience, his calm and rich knowledge of the interaction between animals and nature made the days amazing. Gus was also able to patiently answer all our questions.
We hope to come back!
Björn Frithiof
1 August 2025 4 peaceful days at Camp Mana - We just spend 4 nights at Camp Mana. Steve and Debbie made this a very enjoyable experience. We had elephants in the camp most of the time we were there.... read more The tents are very comfortable and have a table and space for clothing in the sleeping area. The light inside the tent is not very bright but sufficient. We had coffee and rusks or cereal and Yoghurt early morning and brunch after our game walk/drive. Food was very tasty. The view from your tent is very peaceful with the river running in front of the tent. The trees in this area are really beautiful. There is a charging station in the dining area, no charging in your tent. Wifi available from 12:00-14:00 every day. This is a really beautiful and peaceful camp and I would recommend a stay at Camp Mana.
Alet S
1 August 2025 A wild and authentic Mana Pools experience! - I just returned from four nights at Camp Mana and have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. What I loved most about it, was how wild and rustic it was.... read more It's unpretentious and yet very comfortable, with a perfect location, delicious food and amazing hosts. Steve and Debbie looked after us so well and went out of their way to give us an authentic Mana Pools experience. If you're looking for a camp with large, luxurious rooms, wifi access in all corners of the camp and waiters standing at the ready all the time, this is not the camp for you but if you're looking for a camp where you share your dining area with elephants, you can put your feet up whilst admiring the Zambezi River, and hear hyenas and lions calling throughout the night, Camp Mana is the place for you!
Villiers Steyn
1 August 2025 a real taste of Africa - we went on a family trip and Debbie and Steve did their very best to accomodate 8 adults and 7 children ! The concept of the camp is really eco-responsible... read more but offers a maximum of convenience in the bush
Jean-Claude Lemper
1 August 2025 - Let´s do it again - everything was perfect, my tent, the food ( I need special diet), the walking safaris, the game drives. The camp is small, clean, everything you need is there. Wild animals... read more are roaming, very special!
Becky W
1 June 2025