Camp Mana, run by Sunpath Safaris, is a 12-bed tented camp located overlooking the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park and World Heritage Site.
On offer are guided game drives and walking, canoe safaris, fishing and wilderness walking trails. Sunpath Safaris also offer a mobile tented camp at Chitake Springs in the south of the Mana Pools National Park.
The focus at Camp Mana is on a genuine immersive wilderness experience with a minimal impact on the environment. Guests will be taken on a personal journey of discovery of themselves and of the magic of Mana Pools.
While aiming to provide an unforgettable up close and personal experience of wild places and excellent photographic opportunities, this will only be done without intentionally interfering with or disturbing wildlife.
Related articles:-
Mana Magic (Guest Blog Feb 2023)
Treading lightly in Mana Pools with Camp Mana (Guest Blog Oct 2022)
Little Gems in the Wild (Travel Blog May 2021)
Tourism and Conservation - hand in hand (Travel Blog March 2021)
Meet our People (Feature Blog July 2020)
2019 highlights at Camp Mana (Travel Blog Dec 2019)
Reviews 60
paulrB3740CF, UK
17 August 2024
Simply the best
What an amazing camp. Firstly the whole team make you so welcome that you feel been there before.
The camp itself is in an amazing position to see all the game without leaving, from birds to lions they all pass by. The tents were very comfortable and the food great with a good variation.
The game drives and walks which we mainly did were excellent and it is understandable why it has been voted “best walking safari camp in Africa 2024”.
Steve is knowledgeable and personable so our game walks always seemed to go too quickly. Looking forward to returning.
Paul - thank you for your kind words. We are blessed to have an amazing team working hard to ensure a wonderful stay for our guests. From our side . . . we absolutely loved having you and your delightful companions stay at Camp Mana. You guys brought fun and light to the camp and we miss you already!
BradyMYee, Hawaii
6 June 2024
Trip of a lifetime.
We came to Mana Pools with our family to experience wild life in it's natural habitat. We wanted to slow down and be in sync with nature with a low impact foot print.
As we toured with our guide Steve Bolnick, I came to realize that when it came to rare and endangered species, our guide was included on the list!
I had never been in the grace of a guide that was equipped with so many skills at his disposal. Aside from being well studied in fauna, and flora of the region in both micro and macro levels. Steve also embodied patience, humor, wit, confidence, courage, passion, and a genuine care for nature and the animals of Mana Pools that he knew by name.
My son and daughter bonded to Steve like he was a family member. Our chats at the dinner table were stimulating and intellectual and the meals were above and beyond my expectations of a bush camp.
The magic of Camp Mana is that it remains simple - like the ways of the past.
Slow down, walk with Steve, and let nature do the work, and it may be the trip of your life.
We are incredible grateful to have had this experience and plan to visit again.
Aloha, Brady, Aubrey, Tao, Samira
Thank you SO MUCH Brady. Your kind words are humbling. All of us at Camp Mana loved having you and your family visit and we are delighted that your stay had such a big impact on all of you. We look forward to having you all in camp again.
Freedom803643, USA
7 October 2023
I wish I could put in words the most incredible and extraordinary time we got to spend at Camp Mana in Africa with the best guide there is. Steve Bolnick who I traveled with several times before will get you safely on foot as well as on game drives as close to wildlife as one could imagine. Every moment made us feel like being in the movie “ Out of Africa”. His knowledge, kindness and expertise are extraordinary!! The camp is situated in the most stunning environment right by the mighty Zambezi with wildlife coming right up to your tent that is perfectly equipped with everything you need. Every individual staff member is as attentive, friendly and helpful as can be, food is delicious and the views are magnificent! Camp Mana is a truly spectacular camp and Steve Bolnick and his entire staff are by all means EXCEPTIONAL !!!
Miss it all every single day and can't wait to go back !!!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your safari with us. We are indeed privileged to be part of such an enthusiastic team at Camp Mana and to be situated in a place of such beauty.
Dael S, South Africa
29 September 2023
A true bush experience. Spent 3 nights in this fantastic Eco Friendly Camp on the banks of the Zambezi. A totally amazing experience. So close to nature. And having minimal impact. The staff are friendly and efficient and the experience of having elephants wandering through the camp at any time is wonderful.
Thank you Dael S. We are delighted that you enjoyed and appreciated our little piece of paradise and how we are managing it.
RainesforestM, Australia
26 September 2023
You won't find another place like this for a real" wildlife-sharing environment.
Available only for some months of the year, you will need to secure your place in advance to ensure you can have the best experience of your Africa visiting life. There's no equal..., very limited guest numbers make being here a real privileged time. Total bush camp provides all you need without all the city-living societal extras. Get real... and get reserved. Mother Nature and the Camp Mana team will take care of everything else for you. We'll be back next year, but to stay for longer. There's no better recommendation than that!
Thank you RainesforestM. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
Patricia, Netherlands
17 April 2023
Camp Mana opened 2 days earlier than usual especially for us! What a service! A piece of heaven on earth right there in Mana Pools: “basic camp” but who needs more when bush offers you everything? You don't need more than what they offer. A Bucket shower, just enough electricity, a clean tent, tasty and safe food and a great knowledgeable and fun crew! The cook, the cleaners and last but not least Steve and Frank, the great and inspired guides who not only know their way around the bush but are also great conversation partners! Wonderful camp, highly recommended. We enjoyed it!
ValP, Australia
30 June 2022
We had the best time with our three grown up kids at Camp Mana! It is located right on the Zambezi River, with Harry the hippo grazing just in front of the dining area! The wildlife was amazing! We saw lion, buffalo, elephant, painted dogs and even pangolin! Steve is an excellent, knowledgeable and friendly guide. He ensured that each of our kids were included in conversation, and a bit of banter! The morning walks were just what we were after - three or four hours of beautiful bush walks, seeing so much wildlife, and learning a lot! The camp is very well organized and the food and accommodation just right! The staff are friendly and professional. Highly recommended!!
Thank you ValP. It was such a pleasure to host you and your lovely family. I am so happy that you enjoyed your stay and especially happy that you got to see the Pangolin (as Lions and Painted Dogs and everything else). We all hope that you return soon. Prince Harry the Hippo sends fondest greetings.
SleepyJoel, California, USA
16 June 2022
Outstanding game experience for the experienced adventurer!
Four nights in Camp Mana was truly magical. I've had 8 game drive experiences over the years at various locations in Botswana, South Africa and Namibia. A guided walking safari along the Zambezi topped them all. Nothing has felt so wild, so untamed and so alive as staying in Camp Mana. Part of it is that the camp isn't permanent or a lodge made to feel like a camp. It's actually a temporary tented camp, albeit a very comfortable one. Service was excellent and the location is stunning, but the highlight is walking on foot in the bush with the most experienced, thoughtful guide I've encountered anywhere in my travels. In a world where more and more game lodge experiences feel packaged or tame, approaching animals in the bush on foot is a truly unforgettable experience.
SleepyJoel, thank you for your review. You are exactly the sort of guest we cater to - thoughtful, environmentally sensitive and appreciative of EVERYTHING to be experienced on safari. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us and we hope to see you again in the future.
Timbobutcher, South Africa
16 June 2022
Camp Mana, Zimbabwe - a gem. Comfort and simplicity, calm and excitement, Camp Mana offers a range of African delights as broad as the floodplain it looks over on the wild Zambezi River. Elephant and hippo graze through camp routinely, wild dog and lion occasionally, with six elegant tents shaded by centuries-old trees from the riverine forest surveying a stage that never sleeps. Here crocodile and buffalo, waterbuck and waterbirds, impala, baboon and a backing chorus of other animals dance a dance as old as the river, a distant mercury seam below a skyline framed by the Zambian escarpment. More excitement awaits when you explore beyond camp, by vehicle or, better still, on foot safely guided by the extraordinarily talented, Steve Bolnick. Through his skill the sound and smell of the bush tell their own story, one the visitor will want to hear time and time again.
@timbobutcher thank you not only for your (second) affirming review but also for your beautiful wordsmithing and your poetic description of Camp Mana, and the experience which we aim to share with our guests. Return guests are the finest accolade that we can receive - especially when the guest is a great African adventurer! We are proud to count ourselves amongst your African adventures - albeit very short ones.
faplp, Sweden
1 June 2022
Camp Mana is a wonderful, small-scale classic African safari experience, of the kind I have dreamed about for many years. Comfortable tents, all with lovely views of the open Zambezi river plain and the mountains across it in Zambia. Grazing elephants, hippos and antelopes right on your doorstep, and we had a male lion roaring in camp on our first night. A lovely communal dining & seating area under a huge open canvas top brings guests together to share the day's experiences. Steve Bolnick, the owner, is a fun and very knowledgeable guide to both flora and fauna in Africa, and he manages the camp with excellent attention to detail to ensure all the guests are happy. The camp is a solar-powered minimum-impact setup, and is dismantled entirely for four months every year, allowing the site to return to a pristine natural state. We loved Camp Mana and will be back as soon as possible!
faplp thank you very much for your compliments. We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay so much and will be just as delighted when you return. We will continue to improve the camp, while respecting the environment in which we are so privileged to be.
Glynis, Zimbabwe
31 May 2022
Just wanted to drop a line of thank you for a very enjoyable stay at Camp Mana. Please thank the Camp Chef for my delicious Vegetarian options on the menu, which was much appreciated and enjoyed by myself. Once again, a big thank you to all your courteous staff and special thanks to Steve for sharing his exceptional bush knowledge with us.
Alban, France
30 April 2022
Une immersion au plus proche de la nature Une équipe au petit soin pour notre séjour de 3 nuits dans le parc de Mana Pools.
Un camp en harmonie avec la nature, entièrement temporaire, présent moins de 8 mois dans l'année, l'électricité est produite à partir de panneaux solaires. Les tentes possèdent WC et douche avec eau chaude sur demande car c'est le personnel qui remplit un réservoir à l'extérieur de la tente avec l'eau chauffée. A notre arrivée, nous avons été accueillis par une troupe d'éléphants, une dizaine d'individus et 2 bébés, au milieu du camp et à moins de 2m de notre tente. Je vous conseille les safaris avec Steve qui propose de les faire en partie à pied pour « tracker » les animaux. Nous avons eu la possibilité de faire cette expérience sur la piste d'une lionne, sensation et excitation garantie. Même si la chance n'a pas été rendez vous, nous n'avons pas pu voir l'animal, nous l'avons parfaitement entendu à moins de 25m de nous cachée dans le bush.
Merci Alban de nous avoir rendu visite. Ce fut un plaisir de vous accueillir tous les deux (et parfois passionnant !).
Claire S, USA
14 April 2022
HIGHLIGHT OF A MONTH-LONG TRIP! We stayed in Camp Mana for three nights in early April. We were in the middle of a month-long visit to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Our experience at Camp Mana was simply the best. The camp is beautifully sited on the banks of the Zambezi with the hills of Zambia as a backdrop. Hippos, impala, elephants, and waterbuck regularly grazed on the floodplain in front of the camp and could be watched from the comfort of the living area. The mornings were filled with exciting walking safaris with Steven, seeing SO MANY ANIMALS!! There was something new around every tree. In the afternoon, driving safaris with Frank ranged far around the park with sightings of lions, cheetahs, and zebra. Good food, courtesy of Vinny, and good conversation filled the evenings, interrupted by the occasional elephant herd grazing through camp!! And, at night, snug in our well-appointed tent, we listened to lions, leopards, hyena, and the constant snorts of the hippos. We were sad to leave the camp and plan to return for another wonderful visit. If you are thinking of doing a safari in Zimbabwe, Camp Mana will be your best experience. If you are thinking of doing a safari elsewhere, change your plans and go to Camp Mana!
Thank you so much Claire, for choosing to visit us at Camp Mana and for your wonderful review. We are delighted that Camp Mana was the highlight of your wonderful holiday. Your feedback makes the entire staff at Camp Mana proud and we look forward to your return.
Joachim S, Germany
22 October 2021
Unforgettable
We - a group of six - Stayed in Camp Mana in late October 21. It is beautifully located at the banks of the Zambezi river, offering unobstructed views of the wildlife at the river. Many animals regularly roam the camp, and the sounds they make when the sun is down is a wonderful concert to fall asleep with.
The tents are simple, yet offer everything one needs. The hot water service in the morning to fill the bush showers is a wonderful treat and makes one feel ready to have a quick cup of coffee before the sun comes up, and then do an early morning safari with Steve Bolnick, who runs the camp and is the most experienced guide we ever met. He is a walking nature encyclopaedia who is both very interesting and fun to listen to. We learned a lot, and loved to go with him on walking safaris to get closer to elephants, buffalos or wild dogs - unforgettable experiences.
Thank you Joachim S for your review. We certainly had fun hosting you and your friends and hope that you will return to Camp Mana. Hopefully the remainder of your safari was also "unforgettable". Thank you and your friends for travelling during this challenging time of COVID and for supporting us.
Juliabev1, UK
24 September 2021
Incredible....... Camp Mana was incredible! The location is out of this world; serene and peaceful come to mind. The game viewing was incredible from seeing numerous elephants (including some iconic eles of Mana), lions on a buffalo kill, hyena and the most incredible birding. The food was out of this world and the staff went above and beyond. Though the camp was stunning for us what makes the camp even more special were the staff. Steve and Frank were lovely and the respect and compassion shown between them was special. Steve really inspired us with his knowledge of wildlife his passion for conservation, to the point we are running a marathon for anti-poaching. There are no words to explain the team. Overall, we will 100% be going back and if people are thinking of going you will not be disappointed.
Dear Juliabev1. Thank you for your gushing review. I wish that we could provide a review about you guys! Suffice it to say that we loved hosting you and we are delighted that you managed to find some serenity and peace at Camp Mana after the difficult months and weeks you have endured. We eagerly await your return and promise that your next visit will be even better!
Peter, Zimbabwe
30 June 2021
Beautiful isolated camp overlooking the Zambezi river and Zambian escarpment. Camp Mana is located on the south bank of the Zambezi river at Mana Pools with spectacular views of the river and mountains in the background - the sunsets are amazing. The camp is well run and maintained, so as to have as little impact on the environment as possible. Steve Bolnick, Camp Mana manager and guide, and his team work tirelessly, considering every detail, to ensure you have a good stay and memorable experience. The game and bird viewing from the camp is out of this world and is a magical spot for photographers. It is a delight to listen to Steve, with his vast knowledge of the bush, and learn about nature and he is always happy to answer any questions you may have. We spent five nights at Camp Mana, which was a wonderful get-away. The accommodation and food was of a high standard, adding to the lovely experience in this idyllic place, and I am looking forward to my next visit to Camp Mana.
Peter, thank you for the flattering review. It was wonderful to have you at Camp Mana and delightful to witness how much you and your group enjoyed your time with us. We look forward to your next visit.
Barrie H, Zimbabwe
30 June 2021
We have just completed a marvelous 5 nights at Camp Mana and were treated to Steve and Frank's excellent hospitality a, wonderful camp , food , accommodation , local knowledge on all the fauna and animals together with with lots of local anecdotes , it was a very special and memorable trip , we will definitely be back ... thanks guys
DG Bain, Zimbabwe
30 June 2021
We have just returned from 5 nights at Camp Mana.. The whole experience was world class from start to finish. Steve allocated all the rooms in advance so check in was simple. The rooms themselves were well positioned with wonderful views of the river and game in front of the camp. With comfortable beds and a bathroom en-suite we could not have asked for more. His staff were amazing in assisting us in every way. His chef produced exactly what we wanted and always on time. We went on game drives and guided walks to many interesting places and Steve was incredibly informative on flora, fauna, geology and even history. At night, we would sit in the comfortable lounge/dining room tent and relax around a fire. I certainly intend to visit again soon.
Diane G, Zimbabwe
30 June 2021
A fabulous stay at Camp Mana, every detail finely tuned from exquisite hot showers to sundowners overlooking the Zambezi - sumptuous meals and exhilarating game drives and walks led by Steve, pointing out all there is to know about the bush. Highly recommended.
Lorna McCosh, Zimbabwe
30 June 2021
Camp Mana is a seasonal eco-camp, set up with a view to make as little impact as possible on the environment, Mana Pools. We are Zimbabwean visitors who have spent nearly forty years visiting this exquisite part of the country and we fell in love with Camp Mana. The camp is beautifully sited on the banks of the Zambesi river and the tents are very comfortable, simply and tastefully appointed. There was a steady stream of elephant visitors through the camp, which we were able to observe from close quarters. The staff were friendly and helpful and worked hard to ensure their visitors every need was met. We went on a guided walk with Steve Bolnick, (who runs the camp) and is a well experienced guide. Steve's encyclopaedic knowledge of the area, flora, fauna and game meant we had the most wonderful experience walking at Mana Pools. Thanks Steve, it was truly magnificent! For a trip to Mana Pools, it would be hard to beat Camp Mana, for their expertise, their staff, the site and their philosophy to “touch the earth lightly”.
Davero63, Zimbabwe
30 June 2021
Camp Mana was our base and home for a 5 night trip. Camp Mana is a tented camp which is totally Eco-friendly. The Camp is dismantled each year at the end of the season. There is a main dining/lounge area looking on to the Zambezi River - a beautiful spot indeed covered by a large marquis. There are 6 guest tents. These have a small veranda, sleeping room with clothing storage etc, and en-suite shower, basin and toilet room at the back. All very comfortable. The tents all have delightful views of the river and wildlife passes in front during both day and night. We were well looked after by the staff. We also went on game drives and guided walks with Steve who has vast experience and knowledge of all things flora and fauna. Although we had self-catered, the Camp chef assisted with the things we asked him to and all meals were superb. Camp Mana is a unique experience. A big thank you to Steve and his team and – we will be back!
M & J, Zimbabwe
28 April 2021
We have been so lucky and privileged to have Camp Mana and Steve Bolnick to ourselves for the past 5 days. Steve's knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the bush is remarkable. We have truly enjoyed our stay at Camp Mana and hope that we are able to visit again in the near future. Thank you to Steve and all the team at Camp Mana.
Sean H (via Trip Advisor), UK
15 February 2021
I have visted Camp Mana many times with my family and it is certainly a place that you will want to return to. Our most recent visit started with a boat transfer from Chirundu down the Zambezi - an amazing way to start the trip. Many elephants and hippos greeted us on our boat trip and the wildlife experience continued throughout our 7 day stay. Steve and Carl are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced bringing us face to face with an incredible array of wildlife including on foot encounters with lion and leopard. We felt safe and comfortable at all times and loved sharing their passion in the local fauna and flora. The team are also incredible hosts with accommodation and food outstanding - nothing better than sharing a cold beer at the end of a long trek watching the sun go down over the Zambezi. I cant recommend the team enough and we will be back.
Peter (via Trip Advisor), New Zealand
30 November 2019
Camp Mana is excellent. It's very comfortable, without being excessive and you have all you need. Elephant regularly come and brush up against the tent as they feed from the trees beside it. The camp has a fantastic team and the meals are excellent. It has a personable, homely feel and dinner conversation is certainly not boring. Steve is a very knowledgeable guide on flora and fauna (as well as on many subjects), is energetic and goes out on a limb. On our drives and walks, we found many animals, including wild dogs (twice), lion, and elephant. Too dry to see snakes, unfortunately, but maybe next time! :) Steve and the team say they are committed to an environmentally friendly camp and they do what they say – solar power, good water management, and the entire camp is erected and then completely taken down at the end of the season to minimise its footprint. It was also great to see the care and dedication they have for the wider park. We visited during one of Zimbabwe's worst droughts, with many starving and dying animals. The safari operators got together to do hay drops and rescue infant elephants, all aside from their usual work. These guys are a big part of the reason pristine wilderness areas like Mana Pools continue to flourish. We absolutely recommend Camp Mana.”
SnsZ1 (via Trip Advisor), Belgium
31 October 2019
(Translated from Flemish: "Amazing experience!" Together with a group of good friends, we were unfortunately only able to stay a few days in this paradise! The game drives and bushwalks led by top guide Steve Bolnick were incredible, this man's experience and knowledge of the bush is phenomenal. We were even allowed to help save an orphan elephant, a unique experience to remember! The spacious tents even had a bathroom with shower and toilet! So you didn't have to leave your tent during the night and you could safely enjoy all the wildlife that ran around your tent. Really authentic Africa! Great food and great wine made my dream complete! I hope to return soon.
Reiko (via Trip Adviser), Japan
31 October 2019
As soon as we arrived at Camp Mana, we fell in love with the place. We could see wild life just in front of our tent. Very nice and relaxing place. The tent was very comfortable with nice shower and toilet. The hot water brought to the tent every morning was great, too. Steve has wide knowledge of animals, trees, flowers and it was so much fun walking in the bush with him. Cindy and other Staff were very friendly and we felt home. We would definitely like to go back there again. Thank you!
It was wonderful to meet you and your family. Thank you for teaching us a little about Japanese culture. Thank you so much for your kind comments. We hope that we will see you again at Camp Mana.
Peter Z (via Trip Advisor), USA
30 October 2019
My wife and I visited Camp Mana in early October 2019, not fully knowing what to expect. It turned out to be an incredible experience. Proprietor Steve Bolnick and his team have created a wonderful base on the Zambezi river in Mana Pools National Park. The accommodations are comfortable, the food varied and delicious, and the staff genuine in helping us have a fun, safe experience. Steve and the other guides made it easy to see loads of amazing animals (elephant moms and babies were among our favorites!) and learn so much about them, but more than that the guides anticipated where some of the rarer animals would be (think leopards, lions and wild painted dogs) and took us on tracking, vehicle and walking journeys to view them in the bush. Back at Camp there are wonderful surprises as various animals wander in from time to time, and the sounds of far away (and some not so far away) species can be heard at night. Many thanks to Steve and the team. This was a special experience, that I know we'll cherish for years to come!
Thank you Peter... We have thought long & hard about how we can provide the most authentic comfortable bush experience without having too great an impact on the environment. I am delighted that you enjoyed the camp & staff so much and hope that we will host you again in the future.
Jan (via Trip Advisor), Belgium
30 October 2019
What an incredible place! We just had the privilege of spending a couple of days in Camp Mana and the visit exceeded our wildest expectations. The view from our tent was simply incredible: elephants, hippo's, zebra's, impalas... against the impressive backdrop of the Zambezi river and the hills in Zambia.
During the night, elephants, hyenas and hippos were rooming the camp, and in the early morning we accidentally woke up an elephant that sleeping against a tree... During the early morning and late afternoons we made extensive tours in the park, both on foot and by car. The guides - Carl Nicholson, John Zvinashi and Steve Bolnick - were pleasant and very knowledgeable. This truly is a camp for people who love nature!!!
Pedro (via Trip Advisor), UK
25 October 2019
Living in very close contact with nature. Nicely situated on the banks of the Zambezi river. Experiencing 'real-life' nature at its best. Well equipped tents with private bathroom and shower. Very friendly and helpful staff. Karl is a very knowledgeable and excellent guide who will go out of his way to make it an unforgettable stay.
Leonard G (via Trip Advisor), USA
30 September 2019
Camp Mana is not a luxo-safari camp. It is erected and taken down with the seasons. I have stayed in fancy camps on a previous trip to Africa and I would take Camp Mana any day. It provides a much more connected and natural experience with nature and the animals. Steve Bolnick runs the camp. His company, Steve Bolnick Safaris, has been in existence for 40 years. He is an extraordinary guide and a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge. He is also very funny. We got to walk a few times rather than just ride in the safari jeep. It is a whole different experience. The food and beverages are remarkable for such a remote location. This experience is highly recommended.
Ruth8745 (Via Trip Advisor, USA
30 September 2019
Authentic, Amazing Zimbabwe Experience! If you're looking for an authentic African safari experience where you truly feel a part of nature, then I would highly recommend staying at Camp Mana. Some highlights: - Guided drives and walks through the bush with incredibly knowledgeable guides who imparted a deep respect for nature and all animals - Arriving back at the camp to cold, refreshing towels and delicious meals prepared by the amazingly attentive staff - Ending the day with G&Ts watching the sunset over the river - Falling asleep in luxury tents to the sounds of elephants walking by - Waking up with the sun to do it all again the next day! Staying at Camp Mana was a truly amazing experience and I would definitely go back given the opportunity.
Loulou Beavers, Netherlands
30 September 2019
Great stay at camp Mana! Mana pools is great for wildlife! Camp mana makes a great stay in Mana pools. Here are no fancy lodges, but comfortable caming in the bush. During the day you will see tons of wildlife, during the night you wil here the lions roar, and hippo's will be next to your tent. The staff is great, the guides are super and have the best training in Africa. You can be on foot and you will be safe and feel very relaxed.
Sarah (via Trip Advisor), USA
30 September 2019
Fantastic stay at camp mana. Great personnel, very hood food, comfortable tent with en suite. Fantastic game drives and game viewing from the camp. Would recommend it to everyone! Go to this camp if you are visiting Mana Pools, unique location.
Andius (via Trip Advisor), Netherlands
30 September 2019
Fantastic Safari Camp with great guides and experience!
Stayed in this camp for a week. we had Carl as guide, who did a fantastic job. The stay in the camp was very nice. elephants roam through the camp, lions passed by and at all times the staff ensured our security. The service and the food were great. Really recommended!
Rosana (via Trip Advisor), Canada
30 September 2019
Mana magic! We visited Mana Pools for the first time September, 2019 and were enthralled with the uniqueness and rugged beauty of this Unesco protected site. We stayed at Camp Mana together with three adult family members and enjoyed wonderful hospitality with host Steve, hostess Cindy & Leon as team leader of the staff who provided excellent service and meals. They made our family reunion a memorable experience. The accommodation was perfectly suited to minimize environmental impact and meet our needs. We were privileged to have Steve as our guide; he taught us to appreciate with wonder "all creatures great and small", from ant lions to elephants, birds, trees, civets and painted dogs. We left Camp Mana enriched by his expertise and wishing we could somehow stay longer to learn more- thank you Steve! Naturally our guided tours included watching at close range the behaviours of elephants and lions which was great but we really learned to marvel at the uniqueness of this special place with it's diverse flora and fauna.We highly recommend Camp Mana as a special place to stay at Mana Pools.
Colin (via Trip Advisor), Australia
29 September 2019
Experience of a lifetime. Camp Mana has been my best safari experience in the last 50+ years of visiting game parks and reserves across Africa. The location is sublime, and the animals are abundant. The low environmental imapct camp really allows you to feel that you are part of the bush, with animals walking through it, while providing very comfortable accomodation. The guides are all extremely knowledgable, and educate and immerse you in the whole Mana Pools experience, and the camp staff and food are excellent.
Camilla (via Trip Advisor), Sweden
28 September 2019
Amazing Camp! Fantastic camp with amazing location and the staff provided great service and had a wide knowledge of the animals and the history of the place. Great value for the money, with wild animals all around us. I can't recommend it highly enough, I'll definitely go back one day!!
Robin Chow , Seattle, USA
26 September 2019
An unmissable safari experience. We had the privilege of staying for about at week at Camp Mana late September 2019, under the care of veteran safari guide Steve Bolnick, and his fellow guide Carl Nicholson. It had been a very dry season and it showed on the landscape and on the health of the animals. Steve and Carl provided the knowledge and insight for us to understand what it was that we were seeing around us, and what it truly means to live amongst wild animals. They also exhibited what a city-dweller like myself would consider super senses, as they noticed things in the distance with their naked eye, that I would only finally be able to pick out after intense concentration through my binoculars. Camp Mana itself is run by a dedicated and attentive team, and being at camp provides a surreal experience of sleeping in a fully-featured tent that still places you firmly in nature (each tent comes complete with separate "bedroom" and "bathroom", along with a gravity-fed shower and sit down toilet, no less!). The food was plentiful and delightful, and I have only praise and awe for what was catered given the minimal cooking setup. If you're looking to experience first-hand the natures of Zimbabwe, I highly encourage doing so at the wonderful Camp Mana. You will have the most amazing days driving and hiking to see elephants, zebras, hyenas, lions and maybe even the famed wild dogs. And in between, you'll be resting up in a camp that is very much a part of nature (elephants walked through on several occasions during our visit!). Room tip: Listen to the guides - they only have your best interest at heart!
Marc (via Trip Advisor), Australia
24 September 2019
A trip of a lifetime! Camp Mana is a truly special place. The camp itself looks out onto the most spectacular view of the Zambezi and the animals just seem to stroll past: elephants, hippos, kudu. The tents are great -- by far my most comfortable camping experience, and the food was out of this world. Steve is a superlative guide. He led us to the famous painted dogs twice in four days! I have been on safari before but nothing compares to this. I cannot recommend Camp Mana strongly enough.
Mark J (Via Trip Advisor), USA
20 September 2019
Mana Pools Safari - For people interested in finding peace, tranquility and being at one with the bush and the wild this is heaven on earth. Steve Bolnick, who is the driving force at Camp Mana, is the most experienced, knowledgeable and dedicated host and guide I have had the fortune to provide me with an experience of this magnificent world heritage that is beyond compare. Whether by game drives, guided walks or just sitting at camp on the banks of the great Zambezi River, this is a place where wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and conservationists will luxuriate. All this with the added bonus of comfort, fine food and wine to embellish the experience. I will be returning to this Paradise as soon and as often as possible!
Eden, USA
20 September 2019
One Of Our Favorites in Zim - Great Safari Experience! We first visited Camp Mana late July and loved our time here so much that we came back again last weekend (early Sept). The setting is pretty perfect; the tents are set up overlooking the Zambezi river. The accommodations are what I'd call glamping (excellent tents with en suite showers & toilets, complete with toiletries and hot water). The team is so dedicated to making as minimal impact on the land as possible. You won't be online at all, so be ready to unplug and enjoy being out in nature. This 2nd visit, I will say the tsetse flies were in full force, so make sure you bring some bug spray (the camp provides spray for you to spray your tent, but you'll want to bring spray for yourself just in case)! We learned so much from our guides.. They take care to learn about you and what your interests are to help tailor the trip to those interests as best they can, but you may likely find that your interests expand beyond what you may initially have in mind. We were never into birds...but we walked away from the trip with a real love for bird watching. We were so excited to do more bird watching our 2nd time, and Steve did a fantastic job helping us with that. It's clear how much everyone at this camp, genuinely loves Mana and wants to help conserve the land. Finally, we can't say enough about the wonderful care and service everyone in the camp provided. They make every effort to give you the best experience. Cindy is a perfect ambassador for the camp. She makes every effort to get to know each of the guests and ensures everyone has a great time.
Mana is such a beautiful place to visit, and we're incredibly fond of the Camp Mana team. We love it here so much we also got engaged on our last trip. It meant a lot to us to have the team there to help celebrate with us. We'll certainly be back to visit!
Michelle (Via Trip Advisor), Florida, USA
18 September 2019
A different type of Safari. We spent 4 days at Camp Mana in a tented camp in Mana Pools. We have done this other places in Africa and this was a unique experience as we were able to enjoy walking safaris! We spent time tracking animals and were able to get close to painted dogs. Tents are situated facing the Zambezi river and animals roam freely. Impala, zebra, waterbuck and warthogs drink daily at the river. There are hippopotamuses lounging in the river during the day and grazing in full view in the evening. Elephants,lions and hippos roam next to your tents at night and you can often hear the lions calling during the night. We never felt unsafe, we were escorted to the tents nightly.
Tents were outfitted with an en suite flushing toilet and hot showers as well as a camping cupboard to organize your things. The beds were comfortable with high thread count sheets.
Meals are served int he reception tent and every effort is made to consider dietary needs and restrictions. Enjoy a gin and tonic in the reception area or on an evening drive to watch the unforgettable African sunsets. Our guide Steve Bolnick is extremely knowledgeable about local flora and fauna as well as the history of the area. We did visit during a time of extreme drought in Zim but the animal viewing was still plentiful. Great place for birders as there are many here you will not find elsewhere. Dinners were excellent and you can enjoy a full hot breakfast after returning from your morning walk. Staff was friendly and attentive and Cindy made sure all of our needs were met. You travel in and out of the camp on bush planes which are arranged by Camp Mana. Expect interesting conversations with naturalists and conservationists who often drop by unexpectedly.
Carbon footprint of the camp is minimized by solar power to tents for lighting and cooking. WiFi and cell service is unpredictable and unreliable in this area but enjoy the time to unplug, relax and enjoy.
Jackie (via Trip Advisor), South Africa
17 September 2019
Unparalleled African bush experience!
We visited Camp Mana during September and found the weather to be warm but not too hot. Sitting out in the evenings, watching the stars, was most pleasant.
Camp Mana is an authentic bush camp. The tented accommodation was comfortable with ablution facilities en suite.
The location of the camp, on the banks of the Zambezi river, is superb, with views over the river to the mountains of Zambia.
Despite the fact that elephants, waterbuck and other animals roamed through the camp, we felt completely safe. After dark, we were walked to and from our tents by an armed ranger.
We enjoyed wonderful walks and game drives. The game and bird viewing was excellent, the highlights of which, were watching wild dog puppies near their den, a wild dog kill of a young eland, lions and the migration of the carmine bee eaters.
Our guide, Steve Bolnick, was friendly and extremely knowledgable.
The food was delicious with coffee, tea or cold beverages freely available.
The camp was efficiently run with friendly staff.
After four nights we left feeling very relaxed. We would definitely go there again.
Debbie K (via Trip Advisor), Solano Beach, USA
15 September 2019
We couldn't be more excited and enchanted with our trip to Camp Mana. Our guide Steve Bolnick is an expert tracker with a depth of knowledge which he shares with his love of the multitude of the animals he knows so well. The camp is lovely, with very comfortable accomodations and fine dining in the bush. We heartily recommend this camp, an experience of a lifetime.
Thank you Steve and all the staff who made this all possible.
David K (via Trip Advisor), San Diego, USA
12 September 2019
Incredible location and guides. One of the premier wildlife spots I have visited; Steve Bolnick our guide is knowledgable and very experienced, as are his helpers. Professional, concerned for our wellbeing and safety and comfort, perfect accomodations; not over the top.
Jonathan S (Via Trip Advisor), UK
31 August 2019
Trip of a lifetime. My wife and I chose to visit Mana for our first safari experience on recommendation of some more experienced safari visitors who also joined us - we saw a wide variety of species of animals and birds and were guided by Craig and Karl who both helped make our trip memorable with their knowledge and care - the rest of the staff were courteous warm and fun and the facilities ie the camps were charming and beautiful. Food good, we were comfortable and can't wait to return.
Ed H (via Trip Advisor), UK
31 August 2019
Stunning experience in the real wild of Africa. There really is nothing like this place. The tents at camp Mana face out over the Zambezi and during the dry season it feels like the whole of Africa is passing through. From just the tent we saw lion, zebra, elephant, gazelles, warthogs, everything. Craig, Sharon and the staff ensure that the camp runs seamlessly and even though you're really in the wild of Africa, the level of service and comfort is staggering. The ability to do walking trips around the camp (under the safety of guides!) is the real unique experience the camp offers. The guides (especially Carl Nicholson) are incredibly experienced, and we had the opportunity to track lion on foot on multiple occasions, and after a 3km walk were able to get within 50m of a female and yearling, and a "honeymooning couple" on another occasion. The difference between seeing these animals on foot compared to from a vehicle is incredible, and having the opportunity to spend a couple of hours in the company of a wild, fully grown lion that we had walked up to will stay with me forever. On the walks, we also came across Leopard and Hyena. We were there in 2017, 2019, and are looking at heading back in 2021, a truly awe-inspiring experiences.
Sean H, UK
28 August 2019
An unparalleled African bush experience. I have visited Camp Mana many times with my family and it is certainly a place that you will want to return to. Our most recent visit started with a boat transfer from Chirundu down the Zambezi - an amazing way to start the trip. Many elephants and hippos greeted us on our boat trip and the wildlife experience continued throughout our 7-day stay. Steve and Carl are incredibly knowledgeable and experienced bringing us face to face with an incredible array of wildlife including on foot encounters with lion and leopard. We felt safe and comfortable at all times and loved sharing their passion in the local fauna and flora. The team are also incredible hosts with accommodation and food outstanding - nothing better than sharing a cold beer at the end of a long trek watching the sun go down over the Zambezi. I can't recommend the team enough and we will be back!
Dotty (via Trip Advisor), USA
28 August 2019
First-rate African Experience! Here you will sleep in comfortable beds, with a toilet and a shower in your tent, while outside, animals roam by. Awaken in the night to the sound of a lion's low growl, hippos snuffling and eating, a jackal's cackle before drifting back to sleep. Safety is key here--we were always escorted to and from our tents after dark; and when a herd of elephants decided to dine on leaves a few feet away from our own open-air dining tent after lunch, we were simply told to stay quiet--and what joy! Not one of us minded that our afternoon safari was held up for 45 minutes--we got to watch these marvelous elephants--matriarch, babies, youngsters, and other females--as they ate and interacted. Such a gift! Steve Bolnick, our guide for our entire 2.5 week trip, is the owner of Camp Mana, and ranks as one of the best guides in the business. His depth of knowledge is astounding--whether walking with him or driving in safari vehicles, you will come away with much more of what African wildlife is about than simple identifications; you will gain detailed understandings of each animal and plant, and how the ecological community works. His kindness, thoroughness, and unflappability kept us all at ease no matter what arose. Carl Nicholson was our other guide at the camp, and his knowledge, birding skills, and thoughtfulness were superb.The staff at the camp is excellent; the food divine. I have a restricted diet, and they handled it with ease. Rising each morning at sunrise to look out over the banks of the Zambezi, where kudus, waterbuck, zebra, and impala grazed, where hippos cooled themselves in its water, where warthogs knelt to snuffle for food, where saddle-backed storks and egrets stood by a pond and small blue waxbills flitted about near our feet, was to awaken in paradise. We spent four days there--but wished it never had to end.
Jonathan (via Trip Advisor), USA
27 August 2019
Absolutely the best way to experience Africa! Four days at one of the most magical places I have ever been — Camp Mana in Mana Pools National Park. Pictures and words can only give a slight feel for the beauty of the place, looking out over the floodplain toward the Zambezi River. It is hard to convey the sounds of the breeze and the wildlife, birds, elephants, hippos, baboons, lions and more all communicating.
For much of every day in that broad open view to the river we could see eight or nine large mammal species, most of those listed above, plus impala, waterbuck, kudu, warthogs and sometimes eland. Elephants wander through camp. Hippos would graze at night just a few meters from some of our tents.
The experience of the landscape and the wildlife is made all the more special by the feel of Camp Mana itself. The clean and comfortable tents and the whole camp lie light on the land, feeling like the most authentic and appropriate way of living in Mana Pools National Park. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive and the food is delicious.
The quality of the guiding is beyond excellent. Our group is well traveled and we have spent time with a lot of guides. We are interested in almost everything in our attempts to understand a place. It is hard to imagine anyone better for this in all of southern Africa than Steve Bolnick who led our entire trip. A remarkable man of deep knowledge and experience, wonderful stories, great energy, and high standards, Steve provides the best possible leadership through Mana Pools. Carl Nicholson, who also shared guide duties at Mana with us, was also fantastic -- thoughtful, considerate, knowledgeable, and a great birder to boot!
It was hard for all of us to leave Camp Mana and its very special beauty lingers in our souls.