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MANA CANOE AND WALKING TRAIL

The Mana Canoe and Walking Trail consists of three nights and four days of canoeing and walking down one of the most beautiful and game-rich stretches of river in the world. The area has 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.

[ ITINERARY ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2008 ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2009 ] - [ CONTACT US ]

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.

Day 1

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.

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Dates and Rates 2008

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Accommodation in large tents, with camp beds, linen, blankets, pillows and towels provided. The campsites have no permanent ablution blocks, so a bucket shower and "long drop" toilet are set up by staff. All meals, soft drinks, beer, Zimbabwean wine served with the evening meal, and bottled water are included in the rate.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Tips and gratuities, optional extras, Zimbabwe visa fees (if applicable), the Zimbabwe airport departure tax (US$30), charter flights to Ruckomechi and from Chikwenya, travel insurance, excursions not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenditure.

Notes : No children under the age of 16 years are accepted. Guests over 65 years of age will require a medical certificate of full health. A minimum of two guests and maximum of none guests can travel on this safari. Single guests can still book as long as we have other guests travelling already.

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Dates and Rates 2009

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Accommodation in large dome tents, with camp beds, linen, blankets, pillows and towels provided. The campsites have no permanent ablution blocks, so a bucket shower and "long drop" toilet are set up by staff. All meals. Dinks (except premium brands). National Park fees.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Gratuities, laundry, Zimbabwe visa fees (US$30 per person for US passport holders), Zimbabwe airport departure tax (US$30 per person for international flights, US$10 per person for domestic flights), charter flights to Ruckomechi and from Chikwenya, travel insurance.

Notes : No children under the age of 16 years are accepted. Guests over 65 years of age will require a medical certificate of full health. A minimum of two guests and maximum of none guests can travel on this safari. Single guests can still book as long as we have other guests travelling already.

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To find out more about the Mana Canoe and Walking Trail, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA

1-888-227-8311 or email us.

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