Robin Pope Safaris

Nestled amid Mahogany and Trichelia trees, John’s Camp is a seasonal, simple property in the heart of Mana Pools National Park. Named after pioneering safari guide John Stevens, the camp is contemporary yet colonial in style with an intimate setting on the Zambezi River and a promise of top-notch guiding and exceptional service.


Location

The camp sits on the shores of the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is rich in flora, fauna and wildlife, home to four of the big five (no rhinos) and is the only park that allows visitors to walk freely with the wild animals. Guests can begin their safari experience on the 45-miute drive to camp from the Mana Main airstrip.

Rooms

There are five Meru-style tents spaced part from privacy, each sitting adjacent to the Zambezi River. Interiors exude a simple, authentic atmosphere with double or twin beds, big gauze windows, a veranda to observe the wildlife from and en suites with flush toilets and bucket showers.

Communal Areas

The open-sided main area contains a lounge with comfortable sofas, explorer chest coffee tables and superb views of the Zambezi. Communal meals are taken on long tables in the shaded dining area at the centre of camp or al fresco by the water. For pre-dinner snacks and cocktails, head to the campfire overlooking the floodplains.

Activities

Take game drives in Mana Pools National Park to explore the Big Five and more. Walk across the vast floodplains with passionate and knowledgeable local guides, a speciality of Robin Pope Safari’s properties. For a night under the stars, take to the mozzie dome tent or the star deck with the sounds of wildlife all round. Guests can also take tours of local villages or head to the park’s headquarters to learn more about local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Fully inclusive

Accommodation
Breakfast, lunch and evening meal
All house drinks (except premium imported brands and champagne)
Scheduled land and water safari activities
Laundry service

When to go

Find out when is best to visit

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WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’

April can be a real gem of a month to visit, if you are not necessarily looking for that classic safari – the best month of the emerald season. Temperatures are pleasant, and the rains are beginning to ease.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

DRY SEASON

May is the beginning of the dry season, although the landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains. Midday temperatures are average around 28°C/82°F, the mornings can, however, be surprising cool at around 10°C/49°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

DRY SEASON

The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can however be surprising cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

DRY SEASON

The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can however be surprising cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

DRY SEASON

Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 32°C/90°F and 16°C/61°F respectfully.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

DRY SEASON

Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are a little warmer during these months, averaging 32°C/90°F and 16°C/61°F respectfully.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

DRY SEASON

Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

WET SEASON

The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still however remain very hot, while the humidity adds a level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

WET SEASON

Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are a very pleasant, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.

Like the rest of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. We would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse whilst at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility. Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.

Explore Mana Pools National Park Properties

What People Say

★★★★★
  • The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…

    Chris Hutchens

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  • We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!

    Amy Williams

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  • Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...

    Margaret and Stephen

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  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

    Nick and Sarah

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  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

    David Glen

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  • Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.

    Amit Roy

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  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

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  • We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

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  • Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.

    Bob & Jen

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