Mana Pools National Park, situated in the Middle Zambezi Valley, is certainly one of the most popular Parks in the country. One reason is the unique opportunity to be able to walk freely in the Park. It is also a spectacular wildlife area particularly during the winter months when the Park is open for camping, i.e. 1 May to 31 October. At this time animals congregate around the floodplain and the river and large numbers of Elephant and Buffalo can be seen on a daily basis. Visitors walking in the area obviously do this at their own risk and must bear in mind that predators such as Lion are also prevalent in the Park.

Birding
Nearly 400 species of birds have been recorded here, with the Zambezi River offering some of the best birding opportunities.

From April to December African Skimmer breed on the exposed sand banks. In September huge flocks of Southern Carmine Bee-eater excavate their nest holes in the river banks, joined by smaller flocks of White-fronted Bee-eater. Other species to look for along the river include Mottled Spinetail, Böhm's Spinetail, Horus Swift, White-browed Coucal, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (summer only) Western Banded Snake-Eagle, Rufous-bellied Heron, White-crowned Lapwing, Long-toed Lapwing and Collared Pratincole. The river attracts a variety of waders and some of the more exciting which have been recorded include Green Sandpiper, Common Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Caspian Plover, Common Redshank and Bar-tailed Godwit.

The flowering epiphytes in the huge Faydherbia albida trees in the camp attract large numbers of sunbirds including Purple-banded Sunbird, Variable Sunbird and White-bellied Sunbird and, if you're very lucky, Shelley's Sunbird. The best time for Shelley's Sunbird is, unfortunately mid summer, when most of the Park is closed. In the thickets look for Red-throated Twinspot, Eastern Nicator, Bearded Scrub-Robin and Orange-winged Pytilia. Livingstone's Flycatcher and Black-throated Wattle-eye feed higher up in the trees. Lilian's Lovebird is a common resident throughout the area. Search the thick vegetation overhanging the river, particularly the Natal Mahogany Trichelia emetica for Pel's Fishing-Owl and White-backed Night-Heron. Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo has been recorded at Mana Pools and in summer it is possible to find Thick-billed Cuckoo. Racket-tailed Roller and Arnot's Chat prefer the mopane woodland.

General
The main camp site at Nyamepi has ablution blocks but visitors must bring all of their requirements including fuel. There are also several remote camp sites with no facilities other than a basic toilet and braai/barbeque stand. There are also several large fully equipped National Park lodges along the river which are open for most of the year. Because of the popularity of the Park advance bookings are essential and must be made through the National Parks Booking Office in Harare.

There are two luxury safari lodges, Ruckomechi and Chikwenya, which offer superb birding and game viewing opportunities with expert guides. In addition there are professional guides who offer conducted walking safaris in the area. One of the most spectacular ways to bird in Mana Pools is by canoe, and several operators offer 3-7 day canoe trips down the Zambezi River. It is an distinct advantage to use those companies that provide an armed professional guide which allows you to walk away from the edge of the river and find the many woodland species as well.

From Harare take the Lomagundi Road towards Kariba. Go past the Kariba turnoff at Makuti (296km from Harare) and continue to the National Parks office at Marongora (16km) to obtain an entry permit into Mana Pools National Park. Stop for fuel at Makuti - this will be your last opportunity. At the bottom of the escarpment (6km from Marongora) turn right onto the gravel road and pass through the boom (the scout will ask for your entry permit). A further 30km brings you to the next gate (again you will have to present your permit), turn left and continue to the Parks office at Nyamepi (42km). The road can be rough but is passable by saloon cars. There is a registered airstrip at Mana Pools and charter flights can be arranged from Kariba for guests visiting the safari lodges or going on organised walking safaris.

Website: http://www.zimparks.com

Derek Solomon 1997.
On Safari International
Tel: +263-4-487703
osi@ecoweb.co.zw
www.osi.co.zw