Mana Pools Safari Lodge is one of the lodges located within the Mana Pools National Park that stays open all year round. The lodge is located in a private concession on the bank of the Zambezi River, upstream from most of the other private camps, on the Eastern boundary of the Park. Access to MPSL can be made by charter flight to the Rukomechi air strip, Mana Main air strip, or self-drive to camp. The lodge is roughly 420kms from the capital city of Harare. A 4×4 vehicle is required for the drive on the dirt road.
The central entertainment area is situated facing the Zambezi River, in amongst the trees, ensuring you get the full benefit of their cool shade. There are a variety of spaces with which you can view the game from the comfort of the entertainment area, including a bar, dining area, 3 lounge areas, as well as a pool. Off to the side of the dining deck is a lovely fire pit area, which guests are welcome to use and enjoy during daylight hours and for sundowners, but due to the wild nature of this area, no one is permitted there after dark. The Vine Bar offers cold refreshments throughout the day, and for those wanting a warm drink, a coffee station is located in the dining area.
There are 12 en-suite thatched rooms, six located to the right of the Main Area and the other six to the left. The rooms are built on wooden decking offering impressive views of the Zambezi River. Each room has its own private verandah with seating areas so you are able to watch the passing game from the comfort of your own room. There are two very comfortable double beds in each room. Walk around mosquito nets surround the beds and will be lowered at turn-down. There are “double” en-suite bathrooms, with “His & Hers” showers, as well as basins, and the most beautiful deep bath for those wanting a nice soak. The water is heated by solar and is impressively hot.
Each room has a flask of cold water, a horn for emergencies with a large hand-held spot light with which to spot game during the night. There are complimentary toiletries and the water is safe to drink straight from the taps. For valuables, there are lock boxes provided in each room. The rooms all have overhead as well as standing fans. Dressing gowns and slippers complete the feeling of luxury in your room.
There is no cell phone signal but there is a hot spot in the main lounge area for guests needing to check urgent messages. There are no fences around the lodge, allowing the wildlife to come and go as they please. For this reason guests are escorted to and from their rooms at night time by an armed guide.
Meals are served in the dining area overlooking the fire pit, with a continental breakfast served at about 6 o’clock in the morning, before guests head out on game drives or walks, followed by a packed breakfastwhich is sent out for if you get hungry on your activity. Lunch is served back at the lodge, followed by an afternoon siesta. Tea is then offered in the afternoon before guests head back out for their afternoon activity. Sundowner drinks are usually served out in the bush, before a 3-course dinner back at the lodge.
As mentioned before, one of the things that makes Mana Pools Safari Lodge unique is that it is open all year round, so for those who want to see something a bit different, why not travel to Mana Pools in the “Off Green Season” and see the park as you have never seen it before. There will always be something interesting to see – no matter the season!
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