+27 79 507 9345
Mana Pools
US$10,500 / per person sharing
2026
1 - 11 September - 6 spaces available
1 - 11 September - 6 spaces available
Join us for an unforgettable photo tour in the breathtaking landscapes of Mana Pools National Park in September! This iconic wildlife destinations is celebrated for its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, making September a prime time for exceptional wildlife photography as animals congregate around water sources during the dry season.
Our tour is designed for both novice and experienced photographers, offering expert guidance on capturing the unique beauty of these diverse ecosystems. You'll explore Mana Pools' lush riverbanks and floodplains, as well as the amazing hides at Kavinga, encountering elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs and a variety of antelope species, along with abundant birdlife. With our intimate group sizes, you’ll benefit from personalized attention, ensuring you make the most of every photographic opportunity.
Each moment in Mana Pools offers countless chances to create stunning images that showcase Africa's wild beauty and diverse wildlife.
Join Panthera Photo Safaris for this incredible journey into the heart of Zimbabwe's wilderness. Let us help you capture the essence of Africa through your lens while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Book your spot today and get ready for an adventure like no other!
Why should you choose this tour?
Unique Destination Appeal
Mana Pools is one of the most beautiful areas in Africa. It is also one of the few reserves where you can photograph animals on foot. It is renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, particularly during the dry season when animals gather around waterholes.Optimal Travel Month
September is an ideal time to visit Mana Pools because the dry season causes animals to congregate around limited water sources, enhancing wildlife visibility and creating outstanding photographic opportunities. There is also very little vegetation at this time of year making for beautiful clean images..Abundance of Species
We can expect to photograph elephants, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, hippos, and various antelope species such as kudu and impala, as well as an impressive variety of birds, including raptors, bee-eaters, and storks.Intimate Group Departures
Small group photo tours create an enriching environment that emphasizes learning, creativity, and connection, making them a fantastic option for photographers of all skill levels.Expert-Led Experience
An experience-led safari not only allows you to witness the majesty of wildlife up close but also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and appreciate the natural world in a way that goes beyond mere observation.Quick Facts
Duration
11 Days
Country
Zimbabwe
Starting Point
Harare
Per Person Sharing
USD $10,500
Per Person Single
USD $12,600
SADC Rates Available
Please contact us for SADC Rates
Photographic Highlights
Wild dogs, elephants, lions and general game whist on foot! Boswell the elephant on his back legs. Elephants in the "blue forest". Elephants and cats drinking at Kavinga Camp Waterhole. Kavinga Camps photo hide.
Day 1: Harare
You will meet Lance, your photographic guide, at Harare Airport around mid day. Once the group is gathered you will take a one hour twenty minute flight through to Ruckomechi Airstrip,
From here you will be met by your guide, given a briefing and driven through to the Kavinga Camp (approximately 20 minutes), .
After arriving we will settle into our rooms, freshen up before exploring the reserve on the first afternoon drive. At night we will gather for dinner and to talk about the days activities, whilst planning the next 4 days at Kavinga Camp.
Day 2-4: Mana Pools and Kavinga Hides
A typical day at Kavinga Camp starts with an early morning game drive or hide session, making the most of the golden light and wildlife activity. After a few hours in the field, we return for a hearty breakfast and some downtime to review images, discuss techniques, or just relax.
The afternoon brings another photography session, either from the hides or exploring Mana Pools’ stunning landscapes. As the sun sets, we capture dramatic light before heading back to camp for dinner, sharing stories and images from the day around the fire.
The afternoon brings another photography session, either from the hides or exploring Mana Pools’ stunning landscapes. As the sun sets, we capture dramatic light before heading back to camp for dinner, sharing stories and images from the day around the fire.
Day 5 : Zambezi Expeditions
After our final early morning activity we will pack our belongings and drive through the Mopani Forests to Zambezi Expeditions.
Here we will spend the next six nights enjoying the amazing Zambezi River, huge Anna Tree Forests and beautiful floodplains. Our main targets will be elephants, wild dogs, lions as well as many other animals and birds framed so beautifully in the forest.
Day 6 - 10 : Floodplains
Whilst staying at Zambezi expeditions we will spend our time looking for photographic opportunities in the floodplains. We will also check the pools of water, where Mana Pools gets its name from. Any photographic opportunities we have to find elephants in the forests, Boswell the elephant, zebra or lions we will exit the vehicle and photograph on foot.
Day 11: Departure
After one last game drive and a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark back to the airstrip to fly out to Harare for you onward travel.
