Article and images | Hannah Rothwell
If you’re not already aware, Mana Pools is named after the four permanent pools nestled into the beautiful, untamed landscape of the national park. These four pools are called Long Pool, Green Pool, Chine Pool, and Chisasiko Pool, and together they form the beating heart of Mana Pools. I had the pleasure of traveling to the Hideaways Mana Pools Safari Lodge in June, leaving behind the frosty Harare mornings and evenings spent wrapped in an obscene number of blankets, in favour of the warmth and sunshine that permanently engulfs the national park. During my travels, I concluded that this Hideaways lodge has four outstanding reasons to go and visit; the stunning and private accommodation, the delicious food and drinks, the welcoming people, and the exciting activities. Accommodation- This eco-friendly solar-powered lodge is located on the edge of the tranquil Zambezi River, almost at the end of the road by Vundu Point, making it a peaceful (if you don’t count the lions roaring) and private getaway. It has 12 stunning guest chalets, spaced apart for complete privacy, built up on stilts with soaring thatch ceilings and tented sides. The chalets are undoubtedly luxurious, yet they are designed to blend in perfectly with their natural surroundings to ensure an authentically African and wild experience. Each chalet features two ultra-comfortable double beds and a large luxurious bathroom with a tub built for extravagance. There is also a private balcony with comfortable seating that’s perfect for a morning coffee watching the sun colour the sky or an evening sundowner whilst watching the game pass by your very doorstep. If that’s not enough, the communal building in the centre of the camp has designated spaces that inspire you to unwind and a sparkling blue pool with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Zambezi River. The pool is child friendly and a dream after a long, sticky game drive. As I sat on the deck, sunning myself in the comfortable sun loungers with a G&T in my hand, watching a family of elephant’s meander past, I knew I was experiencing a memory that would stay with me forever. The restaurant and bar are also easily accessible here and there’s even a large bonfire pit on the flood plains, surrounded by comfortable chairs under the Acacia trees.
Food & Drink- A large wooden bar is placed perfectly at the entrance of the Mana Pools Safari Lodge. On arrival, I was greeted with refreshingly cold juices and delicious snacks, just what I needed to reenergize from the drive and get into the holiday spirit. Acclimatising to the heat of Mana Pools required plenty of refills throughout the afternoon and more than my fair share of ice. The bar is stocked with anything you may need but the lodge also allows guests to bring their own drinks if you are craving something in particular or if you’d just like to keep your costs low when travelling in large parties. The restaurant in the main building is filled with solid wood furniture and boasts an elegant African theme, in case you’ve forgotten that you’re in the middle of the wild. Main meals at Mana Pools Safari Lodge are served buffet style with so many different choices to keep everyone happy, perfect for families or those fussy foodies! The chef knows exactly what he’s doing and I strongly recommend putting your diet on hold for when you visit (the milk tart is irresistible).
On our last night at Mana Pools Safari Lodge, a delicious dinner had been set up around the bonfire, with private tables lit up by lanterns and the stars to show us the way. The night was made even more magical by the herd of elephants, quietly walking past us like grey ghosts in the night, and the family of impala that lay under the tree next to us and went to sleep. It was an evening that truly showcased the balance between luxury and exhilarating natural encounters, as is the Mana Pools Safari Lodge vision. The Team- It is truly the team that makes Mana Pools Safari Lodge so special. I can’t imagine a more fun, welcoming, and accommodating group of people. The staff can take a joke and dish out some hilarious one-liners -“It’s Saturday, party today then work hard on Monday”, making you feel comfortable and energised. Drinks are always poured with a wink and a “maybe just a little more” and nothing is truly too difficult. Going above and beyond for their clients is the mindset at Mana Pools Safari Lodge, I had accidentally left my favourite coffee mug at the lodge when I departed and the amazing staff worked their magic and it was waiting for me back in Harare before I had unpacked. Activities- The lodge manager and tour guide for our stay was the amazing John. We chose to experience a sundowner’s and an early morning game drive to see everything that Mana Pools had to offer. On our sundowner drive, there were, of course, drinks and snacks by one of the four historic pools and for our morning drive, we gorged ourselves on fresh sausage rolls, chocolate muffins, tea, and coffee at the beautiful Mana Mouth, surrounded by hippos. The game in Mana Pools cannot be beaten, having 4 out of the Big 5 and abundant with other wildlife, it’s a wilderness enthusiast’s dream. Our guide, John, was magnificent in teaching us new things we’d never heard about the animals, and I was convinced I’d heard it all before! He was also great at tailoring a tour to someone’s specific interests, after John learnt that we had a birder in the vehicle he made sure to identify them all! And he didn’t even complain when I asked him to reverse the vehicle for the 10th time as I hadn’t been able to get the perfect angle for my millionth elephant picture. In the afternoon we chose to go fishing right off the water’s edge where we managed to catch enough fish to hold our heads high. The sun was scorching but we had been provided with a cooler box filled with so many refreshments we could have stayed a week. Walking tours are also available at the lodge for a more wild and natural experience. The sun was shining for us this winter and I wish that I could go back for a little bit more Mana Pools magic. Hideaways Mana Pools Safari Lodge makes for the perfect local getaway for both romantic weekends away or for high-spirited family fun.