Sitting on the banks of the Zambezi River, Zambezi Expeditions is a small, mobile bushcamp with rustic charm and touches of safari chic. With easy access to both the river and the floodplains, the camp is in a prime spot for incredible game viewing and an immersion into the wild.
Location
The mobile camp is set up within the northern region of Mana Pools National Park and operates from April to November. Wildlife is abundant on the floodplains of Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses large herds of buffalo, many predators and elephants taking advantage of the numerous albida trees dotted throughout.
Rooms
There are six Meru-style tents along the riverbank and sitting under the shade of trees. All are styled simply but with comfortable and spacious interiors. There is a touch of safari chic to the tents with vibrant, colourful prints and campaign furniture spread throughout. Furnishings include twin beds, canvas wardrobes and en-suites with outdoor bucket showers and flush toilets. An outdoor seating area provides superb views across the river. Hot water is set in a thermos flask in the mornings and evenings.
Communal Areas
The main area is an open-sided mess tent with views of the Zambezi. The space is rustic and simple yet features a well-stocked bar and fridge and the long dining table and small lounge both have river views. Most of the time, meals are taken outside under the shade of trees or around the campfire accompanied with drinks and safari stories.
Activities
Float downstream on Canadian-style fibreglass canoes for a memorable day exploring the river followed by lunch on the banks. Fish for the famed Tiger-fish or take combined game drives and walking safaris on the floodplains to spot elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant among more. Walks tend to be taken in the mornings when the air is cool and drives in the afternoon.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
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
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Nyamatusi Camp
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What People Say
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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…
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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!!
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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...
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
