African Reservations

The Mana Pools National Park, 400km north of Harare, a million hectares in extent, has a river frontage of 80km stretching from Ruckomechi Camp to Chikwenya Camp. The whole length of the Zambezi River stretching over 300km has in fact been set aside as a protected wilderness area. Over many years the Zambezi River has slowly moved northwards towards Zambia, leaving a series of old channels and river terraces on the Zimbabwe side of the river, where there are now countless pools and small ponds. During September and October – the dry season – this area has the highest concentration of wildlife in Zimbabwe. The large herds of elephant, buffalo and a wide variety of buck inevitably attract the predators: lions, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dog.

The middle Zambezi Valley is also one of the last remaining strongholds of the black rhino. The national park has two lodges and four camp-sites, while on either side of the reserve are the two independent safari camps of Ruckomechi and Mana Pools. These offer highly personalised safaris. The Zambezi with its waterfalls, rapids and tranquil flowing waters is ideal for canoeing and rafting. The quietness of the canoe enables visitors to view game at very close range.