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Mana River Camp

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe · National park

Lodge describes itself as: Luxury. Self-declared by the lodge, not an official grade.Tented camp
Mid-range · How we rate: Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.
How we rate

Explore Africa level, based on the typical lowest nightly rate per person sharing: Value under A$400, Mid-range A$400 to A$899, Luxury A$900 to A$1,799, Ultra-luxury A$1,800 or more.

Photo: Machaba Safaris · Source ↗

Full board+ (FB+)

Accommodation, All meals and 7 more

6 tents

Luxury double safari tents · Sleeps up to 12 guests

Children 6 and over

By air

via Mana Main

Wi-Fi in public areas

Solar power

From about A$860

per person / night, sharing

Overview

About Mana River Camp

Mana River Camp places six canvas tents beside the Zambezi in Mana Pools National Park. Each has an en-suite shower and a canvas veranda facing the river, while a shared lounge, bar and dining area sit beneath the trees. Elephants regularly visit this unfenced camp. Game drives, guided walks and pre-arranged canoeing offer different ways to explore, with walking reserved for guests aged 16 and over and canoeing for ages 12 and over. Meals, selected drinks, activities, laundry and Mana Main airstrip transfers are included. The camp opens from May to mid-November and is dismantled for the rainy season.

“Choose Mana River for a small, unfenced camp close to the Zambezi, with canvas tents rather than permanent suites. It suits returning safari travellers who enjoy walking, canoeing and time watching wildlife from camp.”
Why we love it · Explore Africa

Best for

Repeat safari-goersPhotographers

Known for

What you can expect to see

Elephant

A riverside setting in Mana Pools where elephants regularly wander into camp.

Your stay

What's included

Board: Full board+ (FB+)

Special offer: Save 10% on stays of six nights or more across a combination of Machaba Safaris camps in Zimbabwe in 2027.

Included

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Laundry
  • Lodge activities
  • Mana Main airstrip transfers
  • Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Park fees for full-paying guests
  • Taxes
  • Canvas veranda
  • Walking safaris
  • Game drives

Not included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Gratuities

The Conservation and Community Levy is USD 35 per person per night. Premium and imported drinks, flights, other road transfers, travel insurance, visas and gratuities are extra; Mana Main airstrip transfers are included.

Optional extras (at a cost)

A private safari vehicle costs USD 350 per night in 2026 and USD 400 per night in 2027 and requires advance arrangement.

Facilities

Comforts and facilities

At the property

  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Public WiFi
  • Wi-Fi in public areas

In your room

  • En-suite bathroom

Rooms

Where you sleep

Sleeps up to 12 guests

  • Luxury double safari tents6 at camp · sleeps 2 adults · En-suite bathroom, Canvas veranda, Hot and cold shower, Western flushing toilet, Electric lights

Activities

Things to do

Included in your stay

Walking safarisGame drives

Getting there

How you'll arrive

  1. Mana Main
  2. Transfer
  3. Mana River Camp
How you arrive
By air · via Mana Main
Transfers
Arrive by self-drive or fly to Mana Main airstrip. Return vehicle transfers from Mana Main are included. Self-drive guests must contact the camp the day before arrival to discuss their route.

Good to know

Before you book

Check-in
From 13:00 until 14:00
Check-out
By 11:00
Children
Ages 6 and over
Single travellers
A single supplement applies
Exclusive use
Available
Power
Solar power
Malaria
Seasonal malaria risk. Ask your doctor about prevention.

When to go

Best time to visit

  1. January: Closed
  2. February: Closed
  3. March: Closed
  4. April: Closed
  5. May: Good
  6. June: Good
  7. July: Good
  8. August: Dry season, best game viewing
  9. September: Dry season, best game viewing
  10. October: Dry season, best game viewing
  11. November: Good
  12. December: Closed
  • Dry season, best game viewing
  • Good
  • Closed
Month-by-month notes

Jan

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

Feb

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

Mar

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

Apr

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

May

Good

The camp is open, with favourable conditions for canoeing when water levels allow.

Jun

Good

The camp is open, with favourable conditions for canoeing when water levels allow.

Jul

Good

The camp is open, with favourable conditions for canoeing when water levels allow.

Aug

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Hot, dry conditions and sparse vegetation favour wildlife photography.

Hot, dry months bring sparse vegetation and favourable light for wildlife photography.

Sep

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Hot, dry conditions and sparse vegetation favour wildlife photography.

Hot, dry months bring sparse vegetation and favourable light for wildlife photography.

Oct

Dry season, best game viewing

Wildlife: Hot, dry conditions and sparse vegetation favour wildlife photography.

Hot, dry months bring sparse vegetation and favourable light for wildlife photography.

Nov

Good

Wildlife: Open 1-15 November; closed from 16 November.

Open from 1 to 15 November, then closed from 16 November. Canoeing depends on water levels.

Dec

Closed

Closed for the rainy season.

How we judge each month
  • Dry season, best game viewingAmong this property's strongest months for conditions, access and key experiences.
  • GoodVery favourable conditions for this property and its key experiences.A generally good time to stay, with some normal seasonal compromises.
  • Green seasonWorkable for specific priorities, with notable seasonal compromises.The property operates, but seasonal conditions bring substantial trade-offs.
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Details checked October 2026. Rates and availability are confirmed when you enquire.