Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe? If you're planning to go to Mana Pools National Park, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Mana Pools National Park
  2. Important essentials for Mana Pools National Park
  3. Activities for Mana Pools National Park
  4. Mana Pools National Park in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Mana Pools National Park in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Mana Pools National Park in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Mana Pools National Park in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Mana Pools National Park in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Mana Pools National Park in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Mana Pools National Park in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Mana Pools National Park in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Mana Pools National Park in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Mana Pools National Park in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Mana Pools National Park in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Mana Pools National Park in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Based on the climate and weather in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, the best time to go is June. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mana Pools National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe by month

January

If you go to Mana Pools National Park in January, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

February

If you are traveling to Mana Pools National Park in February, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

March

If you are traveling to Mana Pools National Park in March, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Check that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

Traveling to Mana Pools National Park in April, you will notice that it dry with little rain. Expect it to rain occasionally. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the correct kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

Traveling to Mana Pools National Park in May, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to pick the correct kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

June

If you are traveling to Mana Pools National Park in June, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to pick the correct type. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

July for Mana Pools National Park very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you get the right type. The majority of adapters for sale now are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you go to Mana Pools National Park in August, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to find the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

September

If you are traveling to Mana Pools National Park in September, you will notice that it very dry with almost no rain. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to pick the correct type. Most adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

November

November here is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you choose the correct kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in this region can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Zimbabwe has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Mana Pools National Park may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

What to do in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Mana Pools National Park is an enchanting wildlife park located in the north of Zimbabwe. With its magnificent landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and diverse flora, Mana Pools National Park has become a popular travel destination for nature enthusiasts and animal lovers. The park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and since then, it has been attracting tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Mana Pools National Park.

1. Game Drives

A game drive is an excellent way to explore the park and witness wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors are allowed to take guided or self-drive safaris, and these drives are an ideal option for photography enthusiasts. Game drives can be done in the early morning or late afternoon, as these are the best times to see animals. The park is known for its abundance of elephant, buffalo, and hippopotamus, but other animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, can also be spotted on occasion.

2. Walking Safaris

Mana Pools offers unique guided walking safaris for visitors. These guided walking tours go deep into the bushveld, and visitors will get to witness the beauty of the park up close. During walking safaris, visitors will get to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat as they learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Walking safaris usually last around two and a half hours, and visitors are advised to wear good walking shoes and to carry adequate sunscreen.

3. Canoeing

Canoeing on the Zambezi River is the ultimate outdoor adventure that Mana Pools offers to visitors. The park is known for its nine-mile stretch of the Zambezi river which is teeming with wildlife. Visitors can take guided tours or explore on their own. Canoeing is a unique way to witness the animals, and visitors will have the chance to see elephants drinking from the river, hippos sunbathing on the banks, and numerous birds that the park is known for.

4. Mana Pools Wilderness Area

The Mana Pools Wilderness area is one of the most peaceful and picturesque places in the park. Visitors can go hiking in the area, and the scenery is breathtaking. The area is covered in diverse flora, and visitors can spot wildlife such as impala, kudu, and warthog. The location provides a serene and tranquil environment that visitors can use to unwind and connect with nature.

5. Chitake Springs

The Chitake Springs provide a unique location for visitors to watch wildlife in a more relaxed environment. The springs act as a watering hole for the animals, and visitors can observe the animals from a hide that overlooks the springs. The location is perfect for wildlife photography as the animals get close to the waterhole.

In conclusion, Mana Pools National Park is an excellent travel destination for tourists. The park offers visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can engage in numerous activities from walking safaris to canoeing, which allow them to experience wildlife up close. Mana Pools is a unique park which offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse flora, which is why it is a must-visit destination when visiting Zimbabwe.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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