Today is devoted to game viewing by shared vehicle and on foot in Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage site.
Mana (meaning 'four' in the local Shona language) refers to the four large lakes formed by the meandering Zambezi River at this point, where the flood plains turn into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As these lakes gradually dry up, many large animals visit in search of water, making it one of Africa's most renowned game-viewing regions.
Comprising 1,000 sq.miles (2,500 sq.km) of river frontage, islands, sandbanks and pools fringed by forests of mahogany, wild figs, ebonies and baobabs, Mana Pools is one of the least developed national parks in Southern Africa. It is particularly famous for elephant, buffalo and wild dogs and has the largest concentration of hippo and crocodile in the region. You can also hope to see lion, leopard, zebra, waterbuck, impala, kudu, baboon and a variety of other game. Birding is also outstanding, with species such as the African fish eagle, bee eaters, sunbirds, rollers, thrush and many more.
Note: In June and July the trees in Mana Pools bear fruit. During this period, the elephants stand on their hind feet to feet off the fruit.