Mana Canoe Trails

One of the most exciting back to nature experiences in Africa, this camping trip is perfect for adventurous travellers, seeking an iconic safari with an opportunity to enjoy one of the wildest stretches of the great Zambezi River. Traversing Mana Pools National Park along the Zambezi’s shoreline, with many close up sightings of animals, from the canoe or on foot, each night is spent camping on the banks of the river. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide.

One of the most exciting back to nature experiences in Africa, this camping trip is perfect for adventurous travellers, seeking an iconic safari with an opportunity to enjoy one of the wildest stretches of the great Zambezi River. Traversing Mana Pools National Park along the Zambezi’s shoreline, with many close up sightings of animals, from the canoe or on foot, each night is spent camping on the banks of the river. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide.

Day 1: Victoria Falls – Mana Pools

Guests are transferred to Ruckomechi by air from Victoria Falls or Harare, or road/boat transfer from Lusaka (at an additional cost), arriving at around midday. At approximately 1400 hours, after meeting the guide and going through a thorough safety briefing, canoeists start paddling downstream in sturdy Canadian canoes to our mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have already been set up in advance and the first afternoon of paddling covers about 10 to 11 kilometers(6.2 to 6.8 miles). This is a relatively easy distance to cover in the time available (partly because we always paddle downstream) and gives canoeists a chance to familiarize themselves with the canoes and the various paddle strokes required. Overnight camping. (D)

Days 2 & 3: Mana Pools

Canoeists are woken just before dawn each day with tea/coffee and biscuits and get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually calm and the peace and tranquility is amazing. After paddling for usually about 2 hours, we beach the canoes on the bank of the Zambezi River and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush. After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around mid-day. Lunch is carried in the canoes and usually consists of a salad, bread and cold meats. We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on and arriving at the next camp at dusk. The camp and guest luggage is moved each day by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by dinner. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 20 to 25 kilometres and the daily routine will vary according to wildlife movement. (BLD)

Day 4: Mana Pools - Victoria Falls

After breakfast by the river, guests will either be transferred by Land Rover or a walk to the nearby Chikwenya airstrip for the flight out to Victoria Falls. We highly recommend that you drive back to Ruckomechi for an additional few nights, where guests can enjoy the wonderful Zambezi Valley by extensive game drive, adding significantly to the overall experience. (B)

Inclusions:

• Three nights accommodation
• Equipment
• All meals
• Local drinks (excludes premium brands)
• Activities as specified
• Park fees
• Return light aircraft flights from Victoria Falls

You can choose to extend your trip by adding the following options.
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