Mana Pools photo safari itinerary 2027
This Mana Pools itinerary 2027 outlines the day-by-day plan for my Mana Pools photo safari in Zimbabwe. It starts and ends in Victoria Falls. It includes Kavinga, Camp Mana, and Kanga Expeditions.
Dates: 3 October to 14 October 2027
Duration: 11 nights / 12 days
Start and end: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Small group: 4 – 6 guests
Camps: 1 night Victoria Falls, 3 nights Kavinga, 5 nights Camp Mana, 2 nights Kanga expeditions
Return to the main Mana Pools photo safari page to see what’s included, pricing, and how to book.
Mana Pools photo safari itinerary for October 2027
Day 1 – Arrival in Victoria Falls
Arrive in Victoria Falls and transfer to your lodge or 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. In the evening we share a welcome dinner and a relaxed briefing about the days ahead.
Day 2-4 – Fly into Mana Pools, Kavinga Camp (3 nights)
After breakfast we take a scenic flight into Mana Pools and transfer to Kavinga Camp. Set 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 riverfront. The pumped waterhole below camp attracts elephants, buffalo, antelope and predators, often visible right from camp or from the famous sunken hide. In the afternoons we head out on a game drive or spend time in the hide.
We spend three nights exploring Kavinga’s private concession. In the cool mornings we head out on a walk or drive with your professional guide. We will be looking for elephants, predators and birdlife. Later we often spend time in the water-level hide for low-angle elephant and bird photography. In the late afternoon we enjoy another drive or hide session before returning to camp for dinner.
Day 5-9 – Camp Mana (5 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 five nights we settle into the rhythm of the valley. Morning and afternoon game drives, walks with your guide and long photographic sessions with elephants, wild dogs, hippos, lions and a remarkable variety of birds.
Because we stay for several days, we are never in a rush. We can return to promising subjects and locations, wait for the best light, and work carefully on specific images or species.
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 during the dry season. Here 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, or the dedicated hide beneath the deck. We will also head out on drives and walks in the surrounding woodland. 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 Victoria Falls, where you connect with your onward travel. Many guests choose to add an extra night in Victoria Falls to let the experience sink in before flying home.
Booking and logistics for Mana Pools itinerary 2027
For availability and booking, use my safari booking form. If you have questions about travel days or extensions, contact me before you book flights.
Want to combine trips?
If you are considering my Hwange – Chobe photo safari as well, ask me about back-to-back scheduling and logistics so you can comfortably combine both experiences.
Victoria Falls extension
This safari starts and ends in Victoria Falls. If you would like to recover from international travel, photograph the Falls, or simply enjoy a softer landing before flying home. I can help you add extra nights in Victoria Falls before and/or after the safari.
