Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa
MANA CANOE TRAIL
The Mana Canoe Trail consists of three nights and four days of canoeing down one of the most beautiful and game-rich stretches of river in the world. The area has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its scenic attraction and diversity of wildlife. The canoe trail itself covers roughly 37 miles - from one end of Mana Pools National Park to the other (west to east) - and all canoeing is done downstream.
Wildlife is in abundance along this stretch of river, which is home to roughly 1,200 hippos! You can also expect to encounter elephant, buffalo, crocodiles, as well as a profusion of smaller game such as antelope, baboons, and a wide diversity of bird life. There are also large numbers of lion as well as leopard in the area, and the spine-tingling sound of lions roaring at night is a feature of Africa that one does not forget in a hurry.
Part of the attraction and fun of this safari is that guests have the opportunity to experience wildlife away from vehicles, at exceptionally close quarters, under the direction of experienced guides. The canoes used are sturdy Canadian canoes and are paddled by the guests. The group makes their way along the shores of Mana Pools National Park, floating past pods of Hippos and basking crocodiles, as well as herds of Elephant, Buffalo and all the plains game as they come to the Zambezi to Drink. When not canoeing, guests have the privilege of tracking game of foot in the Mana Pools National Park.
The maximum number of guests on the Mana Canoe Trail is nine, and guests row two to a sturdy Canadian canoe. This is a camping safari, but a vehicle with staff travels ahead of the canoes and sets up camp prior to guests' arrival at the camping site. They also do all camping chores to make your camping as comfortable as possible.
The camp cook and his two camp hands are responsible for all meals. Chairs and tables are provided for comfortable dining, and ice is available for drinks. Guests sleep in large tents, in which one can stand upright. Comfortable camp beds, linen, blankets, pillows and towels are provided. The campsites have no permanent ablution facilities, but a bucket shower and 'long drop' toilet are set up by the camp staff.
This is not a safari for the faint of heart. Reasonable levels of fitness are required (nothing extreme) and, more importantly, an adventurous disposition. This is one of the greatest safari experiences that Africa has to offer.
Guests arrive at Ruckomechi airstrip by 2.00 pm. After meeting the Mana Canoe guide and listening to a thorough safety briefing, we leave the Ruckomechi area in Canadian canoes and paddle downstream to a mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have been erected in advance of arrival. Dinner will be enjoyed under the stars.
Days 2 and 3
Guests are awakened at approximately 0545 hours, with tea/coffee and biscuits and set out on a game walk, returning for a full English breakfast at about 0830 hours. [Alternatively we may start the canoeing while the waters are their calmest and then have a brunch downstream - followed by a walk.] After breakfast, we set off in our canoes with a packed lunch and drinks in cooler boxes. A stop is made for a picnic lunch around 1300 hours and the group will rest until about 1500 hours. Then we carry on to the next campsite, which will be pre-erected.
Day 4
After breakfast by the river, we will be transferred by Land Rover either to the Chikwenya airstrip for a flight out of Mana Pools, or to Chikwenya camp for an additional night or nights, if guests would like to spend more time in the Zambezi Valley.
To find out more about the Mana Canoe Trail, or to make a reservation, call on
27-11-463-7889 or email us.
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Photo credits: Wilderness Safaris