"We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right" ...Nelson Mandela
Mana Pools Canoe Safaris
MANA CANOE TRAIL An Adventurer Exploration - 3 nights/4 days
This safari is perfect for adventurous travellers, allowing guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi’s shoreline, canoeing past more than a thousand hippo on the way! Each night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, finishing 65km downstream and many adventures away from the start. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff assist guests and set up camp each day.
FEATURES OF THIS SAFARI One of the most exciting ways to safari in Africa, for guests with a sense of adventure. Abundant up close wildlife viewing; spectacular birding. Strong and stable Canadian canoes enhance experience and comfort. A wonderful sense of being close to nature in the heart of Africa. One of the best walking areas in southern Africa, including awe-inspiring ‘on foot’ interactions with elephant.
Day 1 Guests are transferred from Kariba or their previous overnight stay, to Ruckomechi, by air transfer arriving at about midday. At approximately 2 pm, after meeting the guide and going through a thorough safety briefing, participants leave the Ruckomechi area in their Canadian canoes and paddle downstream to our mobile camp in the Mana Pools National Park. The camp will have already been set up in advance and the first afternoon of paddling covers about 10 to 11 kilometres. This is a relatively easy distance to cover in the time available and gives canoeists a chance to familiarise themselves with the various simple paddle strokes required.
Day 2 & 3 Typically, canoeists are awakened before dawn, at approximately 0545 hours, with tea/coffee and biscuits and we try to get onto the water just before sunrise. This is a magical time on the river as the water is usually dead calm and the peace and tranquility is amazing. After paddling for a short while, usually about 2 hours, we beach the canoes on the bank and set out for a game walk. The guide chooses a suitable area, based on his knowledge of the area and game movements and we take a few hours to explore on foot, and unravel some of the intricacies of the bush. After returning to the canoes, and a light snack, we continue canoeing to a suitable lunch spot, arriving around mid-day. Lunch is carried in the canoes and usually consists of a salad and cold meats meal with a quiche or home baked pies, as well as bread rolls (freshly baked on the fire in camp). We normally rest up in the shade for a while or take another short walk before moving on at about 3pm to arrive at the next camp at dusk.
The camp, and all luggage, will have been moved by the camp staff and all that is required to be done by participants is to enjoy a hot shower under the stars, and a cold drink, followed by a fresh cooked meal and to sleep the sleep of the pleasantly weary. The daily distances covered from one camp to the next are around 20 to 25 kilometres and the daily routine will vary according to participant's abilities, needs and interests, as well as wildlife movements.
Day 4 After breakfast by the river, guests will either be transferred by Land Rover to the Chikwenya airstrip for the flight out or can take a walk to Chikwenya camp for an additional night or nights stay if they wish to spend more time in the wonderful Zambezi Valley.
