Camp Mana, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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.

  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!

  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.

  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!

  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

  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!