Zimbabwe Mana Pools Canoe Safari
Paddling the Zambezi through elephant country
Your Route
Harare/Kariba → Upper Mana → Lower Mana → Harare
Route Details
Upper Zambezi Canoeing
Chirundu to Mana Pools
Multi-day canoe expedition down the Zambezi, camping on islands.
Highlights
- Paddling past hippo pods and crocodiles
- Island camping under stars
- Elephants crossing the river
- Complete immersion in wilderness
Mana Pools Base Camp
Mana Pools
Fixed camp in Mana Pools for walking safaris and river exploration.
Highlights
- Walking safaris in the albida forest
- Elephants at arm's length
- Day canoe trips from camp
- Iconic Mana Pools scenery
A Typical Day
Sample from Upper Zambezi Canoeing
5:30–6:30
Break camp at first light
7:00–12:00
Paddle downstream with wildlife stops
12:00–15:00
Beach lunch under trees
15:00–18:00
Continue paddling or explore islands
18:00–21:00
Set camp on island, dinner around fire
21:00+
Hippos grunting nearby
Activities
Included Activities
Optional (additional cost)
Is This Right for You?
Best for
Adventure seekers, fit travelers wanting immersive experiences, photographers seeking unique perspectives, and those bored by conventional game drives.
Not ideal for
Those uncomfortable with basic camping, travelers with limited mobility, or anyone wanting predictable luxury.
Trade-offs
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Best Time to Go
Prime Canoe Season
Lower water levels, easier paddling, concentrated wildlife
Why This Itinerary Works
Every Vurara Safaris itinerary reflects specific trade-offs. Here is the reasoning behind this route:
7 days balances depth at each location against travel fatigue. Shorter trips sacrifice wildlife time; longer trips face diminishing returns.
Segment order minimizes backtracking and positions high-density wildlife areas at optimal points in the journey.
Mid-range tier balances comfort with value. Private guiding available; camps offer quality without premium positioning.
Adventure seekers, fit travelers wanting immersive experiences, photographers seeking unique perspectives, and those bored by conventional game drives.
Why each segment was chosen:
Upper Zambezi Canoeing
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
Mana Pools Base Camp
Location selected for wildlife density, logistical efficiency, and alignment with stated priorities.
These decisions are not arbitrary. They reflect documented trade-offs from thousands of safari conversations.
How Vurara Safaris makes decisionsCustomization Options
Accommodation Options
Travel Modes
Available Extensions
Hwange Extension
Add 3 nights in Hwange for elephants
Cost Context
$5,000–$9,000/pp
Per person estimate
This cost band represents typical per-person pricing for this itinerary pattern. Actual costs vary based on accommodation tier, travel mode, season, and party size.
Excluding international flights
Related Decisions
Questions to consider before booking