Mana Pools Photo Safari
Walking with Giants in Zimbabwe’s Wildest Valley
A photographic journey through Mana Pools
Join me for an immersive photographic safari in one of Africa’s most magical wilderness areas. We start at Victoria Falls, then fly into Mana Pools for a carefully crafted itinerary that combines three very different camps and perspectives: the inland escarpment and hide at Kavinga Camp, the iconic Zambezi riverfront at Camp Mana, and the intimate pan-side experience of Kanga Expeditions.
This trip is designed for nature‑loving photographers who want time, space and expert guidance to create powerful images – and to simply enjoy being in the wild.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Victoria Falls
Arrive in Victoria Falls and transfer to your lodge/hotel. Depending on your arrival time there may be an option to visit a viewpoint of the Falls or enjoy a sundowner on the Zambezi. Welcome dinner and briefing about the days ahead.
Day 2 – Fly into Mana Pools, Kavinga Camp (2 nights)
After breakfast we take a scenic flight into Mana Pools and transfer to Kavinga Camp. Built on a cliff above the dry Ruckomechi riverbed with views to the Zambezi escarpment, Kavinga offers an inland perspective on Mana Pools, away from the river crowds. The pumped waterhole below camp attracts elephants, buffalo, antelope and predators, often visible right from camp or the sunken hide. Afternoon game drive or first session in the hide.
Day 3 – Kavinga: hides, walks and escarpment views
Full day to explore Kavinga’s private concession: morning walk or drive with your professional guide, followed by time in the water‑level hide for low‑angle elephant and bird photography source: Kavinga. Evening game drive or another hide session, returning to camp for dinner under the stars.
Days 4–9 – Camp Mana (6 nights)
From Kavinga we drive down into the Zambezi Valley and along the river to Camp Mana. Here we base ourselves right on the riverfront, with Mana’s famous albida forests, open floodplains and the ever‑present Zambezi as our backdrop. Over six nights we have time to settle into the rhythms of the valley: morning and afternoon game drives, walks with your guide, and long photographic sessions with elephants, wild dogs, hippos, lions and an incredible variety of birds. The extended stay means we are not chasing sightings – we wait for the right light and behaviour, and return to promising spots over several days.
Days 10–11 – Kanga Expeditions (2 nights)
To end the trip we move inland again to Kanga Expeditions, set on Kanga Pan – the only permanent water source within many kilometres. In the dry season, wildlife comes to you: elephants, antelope, predators and rich birdlife all converge on the pan. You can photograph from the deck, the plunge pool area, the dedicated hide beneath the deck, or head out on drives and walks in the surrounding woodland source: African Bush Camps. This is true “armchair safari” at its best.
Day 12 – Departure
After a final morning at Kanga we transfer to the airstrip for our flight back to Harare or Victoria Falls to connect with your onward travel.
Camps
Kavinga Safari Camp – Above the Ruckomechi
Perched on a cliff on the southern boundary of Mana Pools, Kavinga overlooks a busy waterhole and the dry Ruckomechi riverbed with the Zambezi escarpment as a backdrop. Seven raised tents have wide views straight from your verandah, and the star attraction is the water‑level hide at the pan – a dream for photographers who want eye‑level encounters with elephants, buffalo and predators
Highlights:
– Private concession with flexible activities
– Famous sunken hide at the waterhole
– Excellent walking and birding
Camp Mana – Classic Zambezi riverfront
Camp Mana is set right on the banks of the Zambezi, with views across to the Zambian escarpment and easy access to Mana’s iconic floodplains and albida forests. This is the Mana Pools you see in the classic images: elephants standing on their hind legs, wild dogs hunting across the plains, sunsets over the river and endless layers of light and dust. The camp itself is simple, authentic and perfectly placed for long days out in the field and relaxed evenings by the fire.
Highlights:
– Direct riverfront location
– Access to famous Mana walking and game‑viewing areas
– Long stay: time to work each scene and improve your images
Kanga Expeditions – The Armchair Safari
Inland from the floodplain, Kanga Expeditions overlooks Kanga Pan, the only permanent water source in a wide radius during the dry season. Wildlife comes to drink right in front of camp: elephants, lions, wild dogs, antelope and abundant birdlife. Raised canvas tents with floor‑to‑ceiling mesh bring the outside in, and the main deck, plunge pool and hide give you multiple elevated and low‑angle photographic perspectives.
Highlights:
– Incredible in‑camp game viewing and photography
– Dedicated hide under the deck
– Famous “armchair safari” atmosphere
Book Now
Mana Pools Photo Safari
October 2026
11 nights · Victoria Falls – Mana Pools – Victoria Falls
Small Group, Max 6 guests
Status: Open for bookings
Mana Pools Photo Safari
October 2027
11 nights · Victoria Falls – Mana Pools – Victoria Falls
Small Group, Max 6 guests
Status: Open for bookings
What’s included
Included
- All accommodation as described
- All meals in Mana Pools
- Drinks in camp (specify if only local / excluding premium)
- All scheduled game drives, walks and hide sessions
- Park fees and conservation levies (if included)
- Internal flights Vic Falls – Mana Pools – Harare/Vic Falls (if you build them in)
- Dedicated photographic guidance from Carole throughout the safari
Not Included
- International flights to/from Zimbabwe
- Visas, travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- Premium drinks and champagne
- Tips for camp staff and guides
- Items of a personal nature