Iconic, but... Mana Pools, Zimbabwe [61 Days Overlanding Ep 5]

In this video we visit the iconic Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, with its incredibly relaxed elephants. Hippo, hyaena and a lone lion also visit our campsite. We also discuss the things you need to be aware of about Mana Pools to ensure you are not disappointed.
We then pay a quick visit to Matandere in Matusadona, drive the Karoi Binga road and stay at Maabwe Bay on our way to Hwange national park.
Credits
Maps from Tracks4Africa website
Globe and satellite images from Google Earth Pro
Lurking Sloth by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | creatorchords.com
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Only Memories Remain by Hayden Folker | / hayden-folker
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Smartsound.com

[@overlandersa]

They do seem to be on the rebound. It is certainly a lot better than it was a few years ago.

[@user-xr2ky1ku2o]

That is good hear, as wild life fans, we want to enjoy nature in peace and tranquility.

[@alidapretorius5890]

Lekker, lekker, lekker! Goeie mense op die pad is so 'n riem onder die hart ...

[@overlandersa]

Inderdaad!

[@markyeadon7271]

I think Mana has seen the last of me. It’s just got too expensive. South Luangwa is only a day further away and wild life camp is 10 usd per night with hot showers, a restaurant & pool.

[@overlandersa]

Yes, Mana Pools is certainly expensive, especially if you are only two people. If I remember correctly Chitake Springs would have been more than USD 250 per night, which was just too expensive for us. Wildlife Camp in South Luangwa is a great bargain, although a bit crowded. For a wilderness experience Central Kalahari and the Botswana side of Kgalagadi is even closer. Hwange is also a good option, where tourist density was lower than in Mana Pools.

[@beverleyriyete]

Even Mazoe now is expensive.....😢

[@overlandersa]

@@beverleyriyeteWhere is Mazoe? It does not ring a bell...

[@raymondchikuku1809]

​@@overlandersa he is talking about Mazoe juice. A popular orange juice in Zim. Don't know why that came up.

[@raymondchikuku1809]

Also try Gonarezhou National Park

[@cameronrencken3723]

Hi. Great video - thanks for sharing. Which campsite is this and who did you contact to book? Is their power at the campsites?

[@overlandersa]

Thanks! The campsite at Mana Pools is Nyamepi, which is a Zimparks campsite which can be booked via Zimparks central reservations. No power. The campsite at Matusadona was Matandere Springs - also a Zimparks campsite. No power or ablutions. Maabwe Bay is a private campsite and can be booked by contacting Margot Donalson on [e-mail], or phone/Whatsapp [phone]. I think they do have power. As we were there out of season we did not book beforehand.

[@steveculhane7279]

Thanks for telling it like it is. Heading that way in a month (solo), at a 130$ a night, I will definitely give Mana a miss

[@overlandersa]

Thanks, I trust that you will enjoy your trip!

[@rooftile883]

Zimbabwe could have been the number one Africa adventure destination if it wasn't for poor administration. It has it all: remote Wild Parks, Zambezi river, Kariba dam, Vic Falls, etc.

[@overlandersa]

They do seem to be on the rebound. It is certainly a lot better than it was a few years ago.

[@henryhunter1876]

Why do white South Africans go to Zimbabwe to complain? Go to UK for christ sake.

[@henryhunter1876]

Do you just enjoy complaining about Zimbabwe? I don't get it. Go to Kruger national park.

[@rooftile883]

@@henryhunter1876 Not complaining, rather feeling sad about it.

[@henryhunter1876]

@@rooftile883 This is a country that has gone through hell. Its a miracle they still exist. Anyway thanks for the clarification.