Camp Mana, Mana Pools in Zimbabwe

Homesick for Camp Mana We had a truly outstanding time at Camp Mana. The site of the camp is spectacular and the tents with own shower room with hot water provided, and flushing loo, are a great luxury in the bush. The food was excellent, the staff endlessly friendly and helpful. But really what made the experience so rewarding was the incredible knowledge and experience of the camp owner, Steve, and head guide, Frank, and their absolute determination to show you every aspect of the place they clearly love . Their depth of knowledge is amazing, and in Steve's case, his knowledge of the political aspects of game reserves and game ranging throughout Africa added another dimension of interest. From Camp Mana we went on to a high end luxury camp and all agreed that we actually felt homesick for Camp Mana.

Complete immersive experience Camp Mana was an amazing experience to completely immersive yourself in the African bush. I would recommend Camp Mana to everyone - whether you’re a safari newbie or a veteran. Everything from the walking safaris and games drives, to the hospitality and ammenities. It was an awesome 5 days to completely switch off from reality and soak up everything Mana Pools has to offer. Huge shout out to Steve, Debbie, Frank and Richard and the rest of the team for making it the most fun, immersive and inclusive experience - walking with lions, elephant and hippos and then finish the day with a beautiful sunset over the rive, there’s nothing better!

Amazing camp experience This was an incredible one of a kind camp that brings you an immersive safari experience. Steven and Debbie, our host, did a great job making us feel safe and secured during our walking adventures. I learned so much from the time spent there and what conservation meant to the animals in the bush. The staff and food was also exceptional.

Camp Mana's Intimate Blend of Natural History, Adventure and Hospitality on Foot in Wild Africa. A walking safari encountering elephants, lions, hyenas, painted dogs, hippos and numerous other species on foot in one of the wildest remaining places in Africa is not for a casual tourist with a preconceived agenda and checklist. But Steve and Debbie Bolnick of Camp Mana know what they're doing, make you feel at ease, and will pamper you in their low-impact glamping base camp on the mighty Zambezi River. If you're adventurous enough and lucky enough, their mobile camp at Chitake Springs is truly a first-class experience in the remote African bush. Don't expect saunas or air-conditioned tents. There are spacious, comfortable tents with private hot showers and flush toilets at Camp Mana, their staff is excellent, the food is great, and Steve's entire premise is based upon sustainable, low-impact, intimate connections with what is left of wild Africa. His 8-cylinder Toyota Landcruiser will negotiate Mana's roughest roads and that's where it stays, beckoning you to depart the mechanized world and experience walking safaris where you can observe wildlife the way it was meant to be. Steve's expansive and detailed knowledge of the intricacies of the different ecosystems--from the microscopic, to the flora, the numerous birds, and all the way to the megafauna is founded on thirty-plus years' experience in the bush enhanced by advanced educational degrees. He shares this knowledge freely, with sensitivity and a good sense of humor. If you come to Camp Mana with Steve and Debbie, expect to get up before dawn, walk until you're tired, thirsty, and hungry, and do it again in the evening. Visiting Camp presents there's only one problem: You won't want to leave. A final note--Steve seems to be able to find the proverbial needle in a haystack, although nothing is guaranteed. Wild dogs? Lions? Kudu, buffalo, and eland? Elusive bird species? He can take you to them through kilometers of dry forest because he knows them, and many know him.

Unbeatable experience in a wonderful camp There are insufficient adjectives to properly describe the wonderful experience we had at Camp Mana. We were royally hosted by Steve and the team. Lovely, comfortable, environmentally friendly temporary tented camp. which is open to all manner of visitors… Hyena, elephant, baboon and hippo wandered through whilst we were there, but strangely, we felt no danger. This is a dream destination… luxurious but rustic (no WiFi/ electricity) in the famous UNESCO world heritage site on account of the abundance of game. The game viewing, in open vehicles and on foot, did not disappoint. A special feature of the Pools is the early mornings - characterised by a blue, ethereal glowing light as the early sun rises. Loved loved loved our stay!

Incredible vibe, amazing scenery, expert guides. My sons and I had the great pleasure of staying at Camp Mana in early September 2022. We were picked up and driven to the camp by a wonderful guide who had an incredible eye for spotting game. Just on the way in we were treated to up close sightings of the amazing wildlife in the area. On arrival at the camp, we were treated to a wonderful reception and took a seat in the incredible central tent. This is a gorgeous open Abrahamic tent which is open on all sides. The predominant view is to the Zambezi river, but animals large and small would stroll by during the day or night. Steve and Debby, the proprietors were incredibly hospitable and I feel like we made lifelong friends. Meals are served family style which is entirely in keeping with the vibe of the place. The food and drink were great and portion sizes were generous without being ridiculous. The beds were great and the accommodation simple yet very comfortable. Steve would lead walking safaris in the morning and afternoon for those who wanted, others opted for safari drives. I came away feeling grateful that I had just gotten to spend some time in one of the most beautiful places on earth. For good measure, I had learned so much about the bird life, the vegetation, and of course the animals of the area. To be sure, the camp is in a hot area and if you need air conditioning then this place is not for you. They live their commitment to being a true eco-camp. If you're looking for contact with nature and a place to steep yourself in it, this is it.

Immersive safari at its best Our stay at Camp Mana was memorable for all the right reasons - a totally immersive and authentic way of engaging with the landscape and the viewing of animals. Having Steve, Debbie and Frank show us, educate us and look after us was a true privilege. With animals strolling past the camp, delicious food and wonderful sunrise and sunset walks and drives, every day revealed new wildlife experiences and opportunities for engaging with the environment. The location - on the banks of the Zambezi in an open camp coupled with the attentiveness of the staff and the daily experiences won't disappoint for those who want this type of experience.

In alle rust genieten. Een heerlijk safari camp. Rustig en mooi gelegen aan de Zambesi rivier.Dieren komen letterlijk voor je tent. Verbindingen zijn niet stabiel maar ook dat voelt wel eens goed. Steve en Debby zijn met hart en ziel betrokken bij de natuur. Zo klein mogelijk fotoprint en toch genieten.

Go here for a safari done the right way. Throughout my stay in Camp Mana, I could see how thoroughl the staff are committed to the camp’s two founding pillars immersion and environmental stewardship. The view from the main tent is spectacular and it’s not uncommon for families of elephants to take strolls through the camp. I’d highly recommend going for an early morning walk with Steve and soaking up his knowledge of the bush and it’s inhabitants. Steve is a gifted naturalist who finds all the best vantage points for the park’s game. Trips with Steve are always educational - you learn about bird calls and paw prints and you gain an appreciation for animals like impala that other guides would gloss over for being so common. Camp mana is ‘scaled down’ amenities-wise. There’s no wi-fi and you won’t find the kind of hotel-in-a-tent experience that other lodges can provide, but trust me, it enhances the experience. The food is great and there’s a nice selection of drinks. All the guests have meals together, which is a nice touch. I’m very glad I chose camp mana.

Walking Safari We had the best time with our three grown up kids at camp mana! It is located right on the Zambezi River, with Harry the hippo grazing just in front of the dining area! The wildlife was amazing! We saw lion, buffalo, elephant, painted dogs and even pangolin! Steve is an excellent, knowledgeable and friendly guide. He ensured that each of our kids were included in conversation, and a bit of banter! The morning walks were just what we were after - three or four hours of beautiful bush walks, seeing so much wildlife, and learning a lot! The camp is very well organized and the food and accommodation just right! The staff are friendly and professional. Highly recommended!!