Best monthsMay to November (dry season, stable river levels)
Overview
Paddle your own canoe through Mana Pools, camping on Zambezi islands. Elephants wade across channels, hippos surface beside you, fish eagles call from every tree. Safari at its most raw and beautiful.
Multi-Day Zambezi Canoe Trail
Island Camping Under Stars
Hippo And Crocodile Sightings
Riverside Birdwatching
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Generations deepFive generations in Zimbabwe
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Itinerary
Day by day.
Paddle your own canoe through Mana Pools, camping on Zambezi islands. Elephants wade across channels, hippos surface beside you, fish eagles call from every tree. The journey begins and ends in Harare.
MANA POOLS
Day 1
Riverside Camp & Afternoon Walk
Arrive at Mana Pools and set up a riverside camp where the Zambezi's murmur becomes your evening soundtrack. The afternoon brings a walking safari introducing the landscape—floodplain, pools, and the trails of the elephants and predators you'll pursue over the next days.
CAMPING IN MANA POOLS
Day 2
Full Day Zambezi Canoe Adventure
Paddle canoes down the Zambezi River channels in silence, moving through Mana Pools' heart. Elephants wade in the shallows and drink at the water's edge, apparently unmoved by your presence. Hippo pods surface nearby, and crocodiles bask on the banks. Lunch is eaten on a sandbar, Africa surrounding you on all sides.
CAMPING IN MANA POOLS
Day 3
Sunrise Paddle & Departure
Your final morning brings a sunrise paddle capturing the mist and the light before breaking camp. Transfer out knowing you've experienced one of Africa's most intimate wildlife encounters—the Zambezi River as your passage through wilderness.
Mana PoolsCouple canoeingGuests sitting with a guide beneath a tree, watching elephants on foot in Mana PoolsMana PoolsCanoes on the Zambezi in daylightMana PoolsElephant, trunk raised
Where you will stay
Hand-picked, night by night.
Mana Pools · ZimbabweCamping in Mana PoolsDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Camp confirmed in your proposal.
Things to know
Cancellation policy
30% charge (deposit) — 90+ days out.
50% charge — 61–90 days.
75% charge — 31–60 days.
A 30% deposit commits guides, permits and remote capacity.
Booking basics
Requested and confirmed within one working day.
Prices per person, based on two travelling together.
Private (max 8 guests).
Participation & safety
Age, fitness and equipment requirements form part of the booking.
The operator may cancel for weather or safety — new date or refund.
Physical level: Challenging.
Remote and specialist journey cancellation
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required because specialist guides, equipment and remote operating capacity are committed when your booking is confirmed.
If we receive your written cancellation more than 90 days before departure, the cancellation charge is 30% of the total booking price.
For cancellations received 61-90 days before departure, the charge is 50%.
For cancellations received 31-60 days before departure, the charge is 75%.
For cancellations received 30 days or fewer before departure, or if you fail to join the journey, the charge is 100%.
Any permit, flight, private camp or specialist service carrying stricter terms will be identified before payment and will apply to that component.
Participation requirements
The age, weight, fitness, mobility, health, clothing and equipment requirements shown on this page form part of the booking conditions.
A traveller who cannot participate because they do not meet a clearly disclosed requirement is not entitled to a refund.
Please disclose any relevant medical, mobility or accessibility requirement before booking so that we can confirm whether the experience is suitable.
Weather and safety
The final decision to operate rests with the licensed operator responsible for the activity.
If the operator cancels before the activity begins because conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, you may choose an available replacement date or receive a refund for the cancelled activity.
A route, departure time or activity sequence may be adjusted for safety without creating an automatic right to cancel, provided that the essential experience remains substantially the same.
If you choose not to participate while the operator confirms that the activity can operate safely, the normal customer-cancellation policy applies.
How booking works
Send your dates and party size — we confirm availability within one working day, usually sooner.
Nothing is charged until your booking is confirmed.
Deadlines are measured in calendar days, Central Africa Time, from the scheduled start of the first affected service. Cancellation must be submitted in writing. Full booking terms: zimtravellers.com/terms-of-service · Policy version 2026-07-11.v1
What’s included
Josh’s noteBucket List Experiences — Trips to the country's signature places — rare wildlife, deep silence, and the journeys travellers come back to remember.
Included
All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Professional guide and backup canoeist
All canoeing equipment (canoes, paddles, life jackets)
National park entry fees
Transfers as described in the itinerary
Camping equipment (if camping itinerary)
Emergency medical evacuation insurance
Direct WhatsApp line to Josh — before, during and after the tour
Not included
International and domestic flights
Visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses, souvenirs, and gratuities
Sleeping bag and personal camping gear
Alcoholic beverages
Items of a personal nature
Practical
Best timeMay to November (dry season, stable river levels)
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Mana Pools · ZimbabweCamping in Mana PoolsDetails in your proposalDestination photograph. Camp confirmed in your proposal.
