Mana Pools: a magical place

Everyone talks about the Mana Magic. But what does it mean? First of all, there is the Acacia Albida forest, harboring a mystical atmosphere. The dust and the light create a blue hue in between the trees, which feels quite unearthly. Add to that the warm sun rays which bathe the forest in a golden light, then you’ll know what they are talking about when they mention Mana Magic.

The large mahogany and fig trees are very impressive too.

The Zambezi escarpment on the Zambian side, across the Zambezi river, forms a beautiful backdrop with often a blue haze as well.  The park has been declared by the UN as a World Heritage site.

Unprecedented photographic opportunities

The fact that you can get out of the car makes Mana Pools special for photographers! You step closer towards the animals, you can take lower positions by lying on your stomach or you can follow tracks leading to hunting wild dogs. Say goodbye to the bird’s eye view perspective that you get when taking photographs from the jeep.

What makes this photography trip to Mana Pools National Park so special?

Carole and Stretch form a team to provide you with the very best photography experience. 

Stretch Ferreira is a professional safari guide who has over 35 years of experience, and a reputation as one of the finest guides in Africa.  Described as a ‘living legend’, Stretch has been guiding walking safaris in Mana Pools for most of his life, and has a special affinity with the animals in the area.  Stretch’s priority is first and foremost the safety of his guests.  With his decades of experience, he is able to judge how close he can bring them to watch the animals of Mana Pools.  Each and every day is different, and each animal is different, and the utmost care and respect are always shown to the wildlife on his walks.  Stretch is described as the ‘elephant whisperer’ and has personally named many of the bulls of Mana Pools.  However, please not that it is not a given that all guests will be able to get an up close and personal encounter.

Is this photography tour to Mana Pools something for you?

If you are into photography, you will have the time of your life. Mana Pools is every photographer’s dream. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, that does not matter for this trip.  Carole will help you according to your level of photography.

If you are not into photography, you will also have the time of your life!  You will be immersed in the bush, walk with elephants, sit with lions and wild dogs…  Every day we come across new things.  So don’t think this trip is not for you. Mana Pools is all about the experience of being one with nature.  Away from city life, back to the roots.  You will love it!

Come and experience the Mana Magic yourself.

Our Camp at Stretch Safaris

The camp is situated in a shaded grove on the banks of the Zambezi River with 7 tents in East African Style.  You will feel like you are in the movie  “Out of Africa”.  Although the camp is luxurious, it blends seamlessly into the bush.

There is a large campfire area to enjoy bush stories while having Sundowners, as well as witness Stretch himself braai under the stars.   We also have a covered public lounge area with views on the Zambezi River and an al-fresco dining room.

Camps are open to nature and have no boundaries so be prepared to share your space with a host of wildlife, which call the riverbanks home.  Do not be scared when an elephant comes along to take a look …

We only cater for a maximum of 12 guests at a time, so there is more than enough space and privacy for everyone.  

The tents are furnished with twin beds or double beds, with comfortable mattresses, high quality linen and mosquito nets to give you a nice home in the bush.  Each tent has running water, a flush toilet and a hot outdoor shower for your maximum comfort.  The entire camp has soft river sand to walk on so guests can walk around barefoot, and enjoy the casual atmosphere.

changa safari camp

Changa Safari Camp is a unique 5 star tented camp on the edge of Lake Kariba within the Matusadona National Park.  It has great food and beautiful views right from camp.  The lake is a superb place to watch the sunset, with the Matusadona Mountains in the background making for an excellent photo opportunity

Transport

The international flight is not included in the price, but we can recommend which flight to book that best meets up with the trip, and if you like, we can book it for you. If you wish to arrive a day earlier we can arrange a lodge in Harare for you.

Transport from and to Mana Pools is by bus. We drive from Harare to Chirundu, where we take a boat to go into the park.

In Mana Pools we use a safari jeep, which is spacious but which we will leave at regular intervals to go and take photographs on foot.

Climate, clothing and equipment

This time of year can be very hot. Appropriate clothing is recommended.

Sturdy walking shoes are a must, because we will walk a lot in the park. A light pair of trousers is essential because we often sit on the ground or lie down, which is not always so comfortable. Light shirts or tops, and a light sweater for the evenings, or at least a shirt with long sleeves.

Be sure to bring your camera, wide angle and telephoto zoom lens, tripod or monopod with you. A beanbag is always useful when taking pictures at ground level.

More information will follow one month before departure.

Itinerary

You will arrive in Harare on October 7, where our minivan is picking us up to bring us to the lodge for lunch.  Armadale boutique lodge is a beautiful lodge in Harare with comfortable, clean rooms.  We can relax and rest up before dinner.  The next morning, after an enjoyable breakfast, we will leave at first light in our private bus. The drive through Zimbabwe will be quite the adventure.  On the drive I will be helping everyone to get their camera gear set up properly, that everyone is ready to start photographing.

In Chirundu we will board a speed boat to bring us to Mana Pools.  On the Zambezi we may see our first wildlife!  Hippo’s, elephants, crocodiles… We will arrive in camp in the afternoon.

We will be sleeping in the luxury tented camp of Stretch Ferreira Safaris along the Zambezi river for the next 7 nights. The camp is situated in one of the most ideal spots, close to the forest. 

We will get up early every morning and after some coffee and a biscuit we will head out to try and find something to photograph in the beautiful morning light. This is when the fun begins! We get out of the vehicle, and head into the landscape on foot to capture the best images. This way we can choose our own point of view, according to the light. Our guide Stretch will take us a little closer to the animals, while keeping at a safe distance.

We will return to the camp for brunch at about 10 – 11 am . Afterwards there will be time to discuss our photographs, and go over Lightroom and Photoshop. At about 4 pm we will head out again in search of new adventures. After sunset  we will have a few sundowners around the camp fire while the cook prepares our evening meal.

On October 15 we will drive to the airstrip after a morning game drive.  From there we will board the small plane and fly to Matusadona.  The safari vehicle from Changa camp will pick us up and bring us to the lodge.  This is where we will sleep for the next 2 nights.  The guides know the area well and will make the most of every game drive. We will also be going on the water by boat to get the sunset on the lake. This will give us completely different images from what we have seen in Mana Pools.

On October 17, after a short game drive and breakfast, we will travel across the lake to Kariba town, where the bus will meet us to drive back to Harare for our evening flight.  If you wish you can add another night in a lodge in Harare, before flying home.