Mana Pools Main Camp (Nyamepi)
Our thoughts
Mana Pools main camp is an amazing place. You camp right on the river with animals roaming all around you, and that's what makes Mana so special. There's no electricity and the water taps are dotted around fairly randomly, so keep that in mind when you choose your spot. The ablutions were okay, nothing special, but there was hot and cold water. It's busy, with lots of overlanders, so don't expect peace and quiet, but the setting more than makes up for it.
What's Hot
An amazing place
Camping right on the river
Animals roaming around camp
Hot and cold water
Views of the Zambian escarpment
UNESCO World Heritage Site
What's not
Busy, with lots of overlanders
No electricity
Water taps randomly placed
Ablutions okay, nothing special
Mana Pools Main Camp Gallery
Overview
Nyamepi is the main campsite in Mana Pools National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, right next to the park reception. It stretches along the Zambezi with the mountains of Zambia in the background, and huge trees shade the sites. The camp is unfenced, so elephant, buffalo, lion and hyena regularly wander through. There are about 30 sites, each with a braai area, and ablution blocks with hot and cold water, flush toilets and laundry basins. Bring all your own camping gear.
FAQ's
Next to the Mana Pools Parks headquarters on the Zambezi River, reached via Marongora and the Chimutsi gate off the A1
No electricity at the campsites, bring solar power
About 30 riverside campsites, braai area at each site, ablution blocks with hot and cold water and flush toilets, laundry basins, firewood for sale at reception
ZimParks camping fees per person per night plus conservation and vehicle entry fees, rates differ for citizens, residents, SADC and international visitors
Only with great care, the camp is unfenced and not advised for very young children
No, pets are not allowed in the national park
No, completely unfenced, wildlife walks through camp day and night
Pre-book your campsite with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife (ZimParks) before you travel. Collect your entry permit at the Marongora office on the escarpment, then check in and pay conservation and vehicle fees at the Nyamepi Parks headquarters.
ZimParks reservations: bookings@zimparks.org.zw, tel +263 24 270 6077/8, or book online at book.zimparks.org.zw
June to October (dry season) for the best game viewing, the park is largely closed in the rains
A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, 4x4 for sandy and corrugated park roads
Mucheni and other Mana Pools campsites, Long Pool, Chitake Springs, Marongora, Makuti, Chirundu
Pre-book with ZimParks, check in at Marongora and leave there by 15:30, then pay your fees at the Nyamepi Parks office. You may not collect firewood in the park, so buy it at reception. Keep food locked away and a torch at hand, the hyenas are bold.
