Mana Sands is a secluded safari sanctuary on the wild western edge of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe. Far from the crowds, it offers an intimate, authentic experience in one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas.

Here, the raw beauty of nature takes centre stage—untamed, immersive, and unforgettable. Mana Sands invites you to step into a world where the spirit of the wild still roams free.

TRANQUILITY | SPACE | NATURE

A river with a boat and people gathered near a tent and umbrella on a sandbank, with land and mountains visible in the background.

Two people sit by a pan in camping chairs, enjoying drinks with a table of beverages and snacks beside them. A rugged off-road vehicle is parked nearby, with a lush forest in the background.

Aerial view of the mighty Zambezi river flowing through a gorgeous landscape with mountains in the background.

A herd of waterbuck and several egrets gathered near a water source in a grassy plain.

A leopard lying on the ground at night, staring directly at the camera with a dark background.

A group of people enjoying a bush brunch in a safari setting with a safari vehicle in the background, surrounded by trees and outdoor cushions on a rug.

A lion standing on a grassy landscape with trees in the background.

A carmine bee-eater bird in flight against a blurry sky background, showcasing red, green, and brown feathers.

Five people standing at the edge of a body of water during sunset, with mountains in the background and shadows cast on the sandy ground.

Multiple carmine bee-eaters birds perched on the branches of a leafless tree near water with a blurred background.

A large flock of quelea flying close to the ground in a sandy area, with some greenery in the background.

Person wearing a hat fishing at sunset by the water.

A close-up of a tortoise on sandy ground, showing its head and patterned shell with blurred background.

Aerial view of Little Mana Sands surrounded by dense green trees and an open, arid landscape in Mana Pools.

A small bird perched on a thin branch in a natural setting with blurred background.

A kingfisher bird perched on a branch over dark water in Mana Pools, with branches in the foreground and a faint spider web.

A mighty bull elephant 'Boswell' standing in the Zambezi river with birds and tall grass, mountain range in the background often seen on a Mana Pools safari.

TENTED | TIMELESS | CONNECTION

Two distinct camps, one shared soul—crafted to immerse you in comfort, nature, and a deeper connection to Mana Pools.

The dining table being set for an alfresco evening at at Little Mana Sands on the deck at sunset.

A delicious morning coffee being poured by a Mana Sands waiter.

A Mana Sands chef sharing a special moment on the deck at Little Mana Sands

MANA SANDS MAIN CAMP

Effortless luxury meets untamed wilderness at Mana Sands Main Camp. Perched on the edge of the Zambezi floodplain, our beautifully appointed tented suites are designed to immerse you in nature without compromising on comfort.
Each suite features an expansive private deck with a plunge pool and sweeping views across the plains—ideal for quiet moments, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in the stillness. Inside, thoughtful details enhance your stay: mosquito-netted beds, elegant furnishings, and an integrated air-cooling system in the headboard ensure a restful sleep, even on the hottest days.
Here, the wild feels close, but never overwhelming. It’s a place to pause, reconnect, and experience Mana Pools in all its raw, breath-taking beauty without compromising on comfort.
🌿 Six private ensuite tents each with an expansive private deck and plunge pool.
🌿An all inclusive meal plan featuring carefully curated gourmet local and international cuisine and a variety of beverages.
🌿 The main area at Mana Sands is a spacious and inviting space designed for comfort and relaxation. It features comfortable lounges, a boutique shop for curated keepsakes and a large open air deck that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning surrounding landscape while enjoying unobstructed views of the wildlife.
🌿Complementing this inviting atmosphere is a refreshing pool, ideal for cooling off after a day of adventure or simply unwinding with a good book.
🌿A welcoming bar area creates a perfect social hub for guests to gather, share stories and reminisce about their safari experiences. Whether enjoying a refreshing cocktail at sunset or discussing the day's adventures with fellow travellers, this space fosters a sense of comraderie and connection.
🌿Private Professional Guiding including all game drives and excursions, walking safaris, fishing safaris, canoe safaris, sunset boat cruises and bird watching opportunities.
🌿Wi-Fi access available in your private tent at your request
🌿Daily housekeeping services
🌿 Complimentary laundry services

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LITTLE MANA SANDS

Discover the quiet soul of the bush at Little Mana Sands—a small, intimate camp that captures the essence of classic safari living. Unfenced and understated, it’s a return to simplicity, where nature takes the lead and comfort comes without complication.
Here, life slows to the rhythm of the wild. Wake to fresh elephant tracks outside your tent, fall asleep to the haunting call of lions, and spend your days walking ancient animal trails, cruising the river, or tracking game on open vehicle safaris.
With spacious ensuite tents set closer together, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Little Mana Sands is immersive, personal, and deeply connected to the land. A place to feel truly present—and truly alive.
🌿 Six traditional zipper entry tents with ensuite bathrooms including two extended family suites. One wheelchair friendly suite. Fans are provided (no air-conditioning).
🌿An all inclusive meal plan featuring carefully curated local and international cuisine and a variety of beverages.
🌿Professional Guiding including all game drives and excursions, walking safaris, fishing safaris, canoe safaris, sunset boat cruises and bird watching opportunities.
🌿Open air fire pit for gatherings, relaxation and socialising.
🌿Wi-Fi access available in your private tent at your request
🌿Daily housekeeping services
🌿 Complimentary laundry services
🌿 Little Mana is completely 'off grid' with energy coming from renewable resources ensuring that we minimize our environmental footprint. Power is available for lighting, fans and to charge small electronics

Learn more

The interior of a luxury tent at Little Mana Sands showing the panoramic view of the bush through the large windows.

A luxury tent shown from the outside featuring a private deck and panoramic views of the bush.

Luxury internals of a tent at Little Mana Sands

RIVERBEDS | OPEN SKIES | ECHOING CALLS

Beneath the vast African sky, Mana Sands transforms as night falls. The Milky Way stretches overhead, untouched by city lights, while the distant calls of lions and hyenas echo across the floodplain.

Here, under a canopy of stars, the wild feels closer, the silence deeper—and the magic of Mana truly comes alive.

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EXPLORE | ENCOUNTER | FEEL

At Mana Sands, the experience goes far beyond the game drive.
Walk ancient animal paths alongside expert guides, drift silently along the Zambezi at sunrise, or sit beneath the stars as the wild hums around you. Every encounter is intimate, every moment deeply felt. This is safari as it was meant to be—raw, real, and unforgettable.

Safari activities at Mana Sands in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe, including walking safaris, guided game drives, catch-and-release fishing, birding, elephant encounters, and bush breakfasts—led by professional Zimbabwean guides in a luxury tented setting.

WALKING SAFARIS

Step into the wild on foot, guided by those who know its rhythms best. Track wildlife, read the signs of the bush, and feel the pulse of Mana beneath your feet. Here, every rustle and footprint tells a story.

RIVER ADVENTURES

Drift silently along the Zambezi as elephants drink, hippos wallow, and fish eagles call overhead. Whether at sunrise or sunset, river time is slow, soulful, and unforgettable.

GAME DRIVES

Explore the heart of Mana Pools on expertly guided game drives through some of Africa’s most wildlife-rich terrain. Each drive offers the chance to witness iconic species—elephants, lions, wild dogs, and more—moving freely through the open floodplains and riverine forests. With the flexibility to include short walks along the way, these safaris offer both comfort and connection, allowing you to step out, track on foot, and truly feel part of the landscape. No two drives are ever the same—and that’s exactly the magic of it.

BIRDING AND SMALL WONDERS

With over 400 recorded bird species, Mana Pools is a dream for bird lovers—from seasoned twitchers to quiet observers. Spot vibrant migratory visitors, elusive “Mana specials” like the African skimmer and racket-tailed roller, or simply enjoy the constant chorus of life in the trees. From the flash of a carmine bee-eater to the trail of a dung beetle, there’s beauty here for everyone—if you take the time to look.

NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS

When the fires die down and the stars take over, Mana reveals another kind of magic. Sleep out under the open sky or gather stories around the fire as the sounds of the night echo in the distance.

SLOW AFTERNOONS

Between game drives and river journeys, take time to simply be—watching elephants wander past, journaling under a tree, or dozing in the shade with the hum of the bush around you.