Canoe Mana Pools
a wilder, more remote version of the okavango deltA
"Travellers consistently describe canoe trips through the Zambezi Valley as one of the best things they’ve done in Africa." - Lonely Planet
"I was quite mesmerised as I watched a male African paradise flycatcher seemingly dancing with the gentle breeze. As I continued to be captivated by his performance, he began to elegantly dart in and out of the water berry thicket at the river's edge. It was then that his mate emerged and they continued their enchanting and colourful flit of passion. They must have had my attention for some while, because it was Sammy who broke my mesmerism and averted my gaze to a particularly dense grove of mahogany trees right on the edge of the riverbank. I initially saw nothing but we waited and watched in silence as we slowly drifted with the river's current, our gazes fixed upon the distinctively green leaves of the mahogany trees. And then slowly, cautiously, almost cheekily, he emerged into the afternoon sun's warm glow. I immediately pondered whether he'd been seen by people before - he wasn't acting like it. Still we didn't speak and we continued our drift, at a slightly swifter pace now. Our bull elephant friend was oozing curiosity and it became clear that we was tracking our drift. When he approached an obstacle or tree, he would momentarily disappear and then the suspense and excitement, for us, would take hold. Again, the drifting and unrelenting peering would ensue as we waited for the second, third, fourth and then fifth, re-emergence of our new best friend. And then it dawned on me, that this was the very sort of interaction that's so difficult to describe for those who have not been to Africa, let alone Mana Pools and the Zambezi Valley." - James Blevin
It would be difficult to better convey the essence of a canoe trip down the Middle Zambezi through Mana Pools, than the quotes above have attempted to. There is much to be said for a canoe safari, principally because you are in a unique position to approach mammals, birds and reptiles in almost complete silence, save for the odd gentle dip of a paddle into the water. This in itself will afford you unparalleled photographic opportunities and access to the natural behaviour and interactions of the animals. If it's adventure with a dash of luxury that you seek, then we'd be hard-pressed to find something better for you.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - 6 DAYS
Day 1-3 - After arriving at Harare International airport, you'll board a private air charter into the remote Zambezi Valley in the extreme north of Zimbabwe. From the bush airstrip you'll embark on a short road transfer to the western edge of Mana Pools to commence your mobile canoe safari. This is a luxury mobile experience whereby you leave camp in the mornings after a hot chocolate around the fire, and then leisurely canoe your way to the next camp downstream. As you float into each camp location with the sunset behind you, an ice-cold drink, hot shower and dinner will be awaiting you. This 3 night, 4 day safari follows the Zambezi River through Mana Pools and ends once you reach the Zambezi's confluence with the Sapi River. Get your camera ready, you're likely to get that once-in-a-lifetime photo on this one!
Day 4-6 - Your canoe completed, we'll transfer you to Little Ruckomechi to finish your safari in luxury and style. Nestled amongst the iconic acacia albida trees, the camp has access to the private Ruckomechi concession, allowing for exclusive game viewing experiences. As with many of the locations we choose for our guests, activity options are abundant and include boat cruises, game drives, birding safaris, specialised photographic safaris, tiger fishing, bush walks and private meals in the wilderness. Perhaps the peak of Little Ruckomechi's offering however, is its employment of Zimbabwean guides. The training for Zimbabwean guides is rigorous and includes the study of flora and fauna, dendrology, astrology and geology to name a few. In short, no question of yours will go unanswered.
