22/07/2024
'I would like to track lion' . . . it’s the first time I ever said this to a safari guide and genuinely meant it.
Typically, I don't seek out lions on game walks with just any guide.
But this was no ordinary safari guide – it was walking & canoeing legend Steve Bolnick and his excellent team of safari guides, Africa’s finest and most experienced walking guides and recognised as such by Camp Mana recently winning the 2024 The Safari Awards for Best Walking Operator in Africa. Having guided for over 30 years, Steve's expertise in all safari aspects from game drives to tracking lion, elephant and wild dog to birding, canoeing and photography is exceptional. As Steve and his guides have a deep understanding of Mana Pools' wildlife, I realised that I was in for a remarkable adventure and knew I could safely enjoy Mana’s renowned up-close wildlife encounters of elephant, wild dog and lion.
The beauty of Camp Mana’s walking safaris is the freedom and flexibility of walking with one of their specialist and armed walking guides - without being accompanied by a park ranger. This allows you to visit hidden spots far from the road network, or to customise walks based on wildlife movements and your interests.
The blend of low-level photography opportunities and Mana Pools' distinctive blue light, the Zambezi River with the Zambezi escarpment's scenic backdrop, and the abundant wildlife diversity have elevated this destination to a must-visit for wildlife photographers. Situated on a channel of the Zambezi River overlooking the river and its vast floodplain Camp Mana therefore enjoys regular visits from passing wildlife offering excellent opportunities for in-camp photography.
Known for being a highly animal-active camp, my timing could not have been better as the area was bustling with lions and Mana Pool’s famed wild dogs had recently denned.
During the night, from the safety of our tents, we - myself and a honeymoon couple - experienced the spine-tingling sights and sounds of a lion kill in camp accompanied by the eerie calls of hyenas and jackals. Steve, whose tent was closest, had a front row seat and captured the scene sharing some videos with us the next morning, adding to the excitement .
With four pairs of mating lions staying near the camp over the past six weeks, Steve jokingly remarked that Camp Mana should also win the 'Most Romantic Safari Camp in Africa' award.
Meanwhile, with the Painted Dogs (9 adults) having successfully denned it meant they would thankfully be in this area for the next few months. With daily hunting trips to feed the young pups starting and finishing from the den, finding the Painted Dogs would be easier. And once the pups become nomadic, the pack is expected to remain broadly within in the area.
During a morning game drive, having spotted fresh wild dog tracks we stopped the vehicle and followed the tracks through relatively open woodland, which gradually became denser. Finally, we found the dogs. From a respectful distance, we circled around to observe the napping adults through a treed thicket.
Close Encounters with Lions and Elephants ... Whether tracking Mana's Painted Dogs, lion or the iconic big-tusked Elephant bulls eating from Albida trees, a walking safari gets you much closer to the action and is a gripping adventure that heightens your senses. It was a new experience for me to be on an ‘equal footing’ at eye level, and I could feel my heart skip a few beats.
For my wish to track lion and elephant we didn’t have to go far. Camp Mana is a very wildlife-centric camp with elephant, lion, wild dog and herds of plains game such as zebra, eland, waterbuck and impala often nearby or strolling through camp. Frank, one of Camp Mana’s top notch guides, spotted two lion snoozing in the open floodplains near camp. So off we went after some freshly brewed coffee. The exhilaration of observing these magnificent beasts, from a comfortable and respectful distance, through my binoculars at ground level was indescribable.
Another highlight was a half-day canoe trip enjoying the sights and sounds of the Zambezi River where we gently drifted up to a flock of African Skimmers resting on a sandbank. Iconic sights to behold while canoeing, include elephants and buffalo moving onto islands for feeding or bathing and provide a fantastic experience for close encounters and low-level photography. The river's panorama, magnified from the low angle, was enthralling.
Canoe trips can range from half-day excursions, full day to 2 - 3 night canoe and walking trails with fly camping along the Zambezi, complemented by pre- and post-nights at Camp Mana.
Back at the camp over a chilled glass of white wine, I enjoyed observing a breeding herd with several playful baby elephants. Being able to walk towards them for some photographic low shots, was a serene and captivating experience.
At Camp Mana a walking safari isn't just an adventure; it's a sensory journey through one of Zimbabwe's most pristine and captivating landscapes. Tracking lions, encountering wild dogs at eye level, and drifting along the Zambezi River in a canoe — all these experiences brought me closer to the untamed wilderness and the very pulse of nature itself.
This was not just seeing the 'Real Africa' but truly feeling it....
Like myself I am sure you will love Camp Mana - a true gem for safari enthusiasts seeking an incomparable African safari as it embodies the essence and charm of an old-school style safari camp boasting unpretentious luxury in the wild. It stays true to its roots, offering creature comforts that complement rather than overshadow the wilderness experience. Owner-managed, guided, and hosted by the affable Steve Bolnick supported by his wife Debbie, every moment at Camp Mana is infused with personalized care and expertise, making it a standout experience for safari purists. But don't take my word for it have a look what Tripadvisor says https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g477979-d16679642-Reviews-Camp_Mana-Mana_Pools_National_Park_Mashonaland_Central_Province.html
www.campmana.com
NB: I recommend a minimum stay of 4 nights
