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Mana Pools Canoe Trail

Paddle the mighty Zambezi through herds of hippo, elephant, and crocodile

4 days
From $320 per person
2-8 guests
Zimbabwe
Mana Pools Canoe Trail - Image 1

Tour Overview

Experience Mana Pools from the water on this extraordinary canoe safari along the Lower Zambezi. Paddle through channels flanked by elephants drinking at the banks, hippo pods surfacing nearby, and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its walking safaris, but the canoe trail offers a completely unique perspective. Camp on remote sandbanks under the stars, with the sounds of the African bush all around you. This is wilderness canoeing at its finest.

Zambezi River canoeing
Sandbank fly-camping
Elephant encounters from water level
Hippo pod navigation
Walking safari in Mana Pools
Star-lit bush dinners

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

4 Days / 3 Nights11 Activities

Meet your canoe guide at Chirundu and receive a safety briefing. Launch onto the Zambezi and paddle downstream through beautiful riverine scenery. First night camping on a remote sandbank.

Morning
Canoe launch
Afternoon
River wildlife
Evening
Sandbank camping

Tonight's Stay

Fly-camp on Zambezi sandbank

Lunch Dinner

Paddle through the famous stretch where elephants cross the river and feed along the banks. Navigate past hippo pods and spot fish eagles overhead. Camp on another pristine sandbank.

Morning
Elephant crossings
Afternoon
Hippo encounters
Evening
Fish eagle sightings

Tonight's Stay

Fly-camp on Zambezi sandbank

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Leave the canoes and explore Mana Pools on foot with your armed guide. Track wild dogs, elephants, and buffalo through the iconic acacia albida woodland. Return to a luxury tented camp.

Morning
Walking safari
Afternoon
Acacia woodland
Evening
Wild dog tracking

Tonight's Stay

Mana Pools Tented Camp

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Final morning game walk or canoe paddle. Transfer to the airstrip for charter flight back to Harare or onward destination.

Morning
Morning game walk
Afternoon
Charter flight
Breakfast
🎬

4 Days of Unforgettable Moments

11 curated activities across 2 unique stays

Interactive Route Map

What's Included

  • All canoeing equipment
  • Professional canoe guide
  • Armed escort
  • Fly-camping gear
  • Park fees
  • Full-board meals
  • Transfers from Chirundu

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Charter flights to Mana Pools
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

How to Get There

Fly to Harare (HRE), then charter flight to Mana Pools or road transfer via Chirundu (5 hours).

Best Time to Visit

June-October dry season for best wildlife viewing and ideal water levels for canoeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting from

$320

per person sharing

Duration4 days
Travel StyleMid-Range
Group Size2-8 guests
DestinationZimbabwe

No booking fees Β· Free cancellation up to 30 days

Ideal For

Adventure SeekersNature LoversActive Travellers
Back to Zimbabwe

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