As a result of feedback received by Wild Zambezi from visitors who have enjoyed camping in Mana Pools National Park, here are some important pointers to remember if you are planning a stay there. (Info updated Sept 2018)
1. PRIOR BOOKING IS A MUST: It is essential to pre-book accommodation and camping with the ZimParks HQ Booking Office prior to your trip.
2. CHECK IN AT MARONGORA AS WELL AS MANA HQ : All visitors to Mana Pools National Park must check in and obtain an entry permit (no charge) at the Parks Zambezi Valley HQ at Marongora at the top of the Zambezi escarpment, BEFORE you descend the hills and turn in at the first entry gate. If you do not have this permit, the gate officers will make you go back up the hill to Marongora to collect one! Once you arrive at the Zambezi River in Mana you must also check in at the Parks HQ at Nyamepi to show your Accommodation Booking Form and pay your Conservation/Vehicle Entry Fees. You will not be allowed out of the Park exit gate if you cannot show proof that you have paid these.
3. NYAMEPI CAMPSITE LAYOUT:
This graphic shows the camping site layout at Nyamepi Camp (the main Mana Pools camp). Note that this has been modified over the years as a result of bank erosion.
4. CAMPSITE CHARGES MAY CHANGE: Be aware that campsite charges may change each year. Contact ZimParks Booking Office for up to date tariffs.
5. TOILET FACILITIES: There are four Ablution Blocks in the Nyamepi Campsite (see map) with flush toilets, basins and shower facilities. They are basic, but have received a welcome upgrade recently, with new tiling and better plumbing. Hot water is provided via wood-burning boilers. Be sure to bring all your own toiletries, including toilet paper.
Note that the Public Exclusive Campsites elsewhere in the Park do NOT have Ablution Blocks or running water. The only facility provided at each site is a very basic “long-drop” toilet with a thatched surround for privacy. Campers at these sites need to be completely self-contained and able to provide their own water and ablution facilities. A spadeful or two of cold campfire ash sprinkled regularly into the “long-drop” toilet serves to reduce odours and help sanitise it.
6. THERE ARE NO FENCES!
In Mana Pools there are no fences around any of the camping areas. Potentially dangerous wild animals can wander through at any time of the day or night. They may look tame, but they are not. Be vigilant at all times, especially after dark, and carry a torch with a strong beam to shine all around before moving.
7. CHILDREN: Unless you are rigorously cautious about safety, it is inadvisable to camp in Mana Pools with very young children. There are five Park lodges available for hire. These are a safer option. If you are camping with children under the age of 12, keep them well within the confines of your campsite and NEVER let them move away alone (day or night).
8. UN-GUIDED WALKING IS PERMITTED, BUT ONLY WITH A PERMIT FROM THE OFFICE AND ONLY IF YOU ARE WILDERNESS-SAVVY. Mana Pools is one of Africa’s great wilderness Parks. Visitors are permitted to walk un-guided on the “floodplain” area near the Zambezi River, as long as you pay for a permit to do so from the office at Nyamepi. However, if you are not experienced in the African wilderness, do not attempt to do this. Rather hire the services of an armed ranger from the National Parks office at Nyamepi who will take your group out to enjoy this privilege.
9. SECURE, BURN OR REMOVE ALL RUBBISH. Mana Pools has a “carry-in-carry-out” policy for all rubbish generated within the Park. You should burn anything combustible on your nightly campfire, including organic material, but you must carefully bag any non-combustibles e.g. glass, polystyrene, plastic bottles, aluminium cans) and take the rubbish bag(s) with you out of the Park for safe disposal at an urban centre. DO NOT on any account leave your rubbish bag in Mana Pools or at the exit gate (there are no disposal facilities there, and you will be fined). Monkeys, baboons and hyaenas can be pests in a campsite if rubbish bags and foodstuffs are left out. Make sure all rubbish bags and food are securely shut away in your car, locked trunk or trailer at all times. Never leave food in your tent.
10. NEVER BE TEMPTED TO FEED ANIMALS This will only result in human-dependent behaviour which will untimately mean that the animals will have to be destroyed.
11. FIREWOOD IS A SCARE RESOURCE. In Mana Pools, you are not permitted to collect your own firewood. This must be purchased by the bundle at the Nyamepi Parks HQ. Keep your campfire to a minimum size in order to preserve a fast-dwindling resource.
12. RESPECT THE WILD Here are some useful guidelines for how to minimise your camping impact and make the most of your stay in a wild place like Mana Pools. Respect the Wild Code of Conduct
Linked stories:-
How to stay safe in wild areas
Information for self-drivers visiting Mana Pools for the first time - April 2016