A trip of a Lifetime! (14-12-06)

na”>Seeing an elephant close enough to count the wrinkles on his trunk is a breathtaking experience… literally! Canoeing down the Zambezi river leaves most who encounter its waters with a great number of stories to tell, some good, some very humorous and other’s that would rather be forgotten. One thing is for certain, it is a thrilling experience, a trip for the adventurous traveller!

Canoeing is a unique experience for guests to see wildlife up close which they would usually only see in a book, or at best a couple of hundred metres away from the car window. With some of the best guides in Zimbabwe, one will feel safe and at ease although keeping a watchful eye and always listening to instructions is always wise.

‘Mana Pools National Park is one of the few protected areas where visitors are invited to leave their vehicles and explore the wilderness on foot. As a result, the park’s wildlife is completely comfortable with pedestrians.’ quotes the Getaway magazine

November 2006 issue.

Not all safari trips guarantee guests of seeing ‘prized’ species, but on a canoe trip down the Zambezi you are certain of seeing at least 8 different mammals.

The long days are spent canoeing, walking, bird spotting and enjoying meal times on the river. During the heat of the day one of the more popular pastimes for guests, is enjoying a cold Zambezi beer whilst wallowing in the cool water on a nearby sandbank.

At the end of the day, the canoes pull over, sundowners are enjoyed and guests recall their stories from the day in front of an impressive sunset. Dinner is prepared and after all the stories and excitement of the day has died down, satisfied guests retire for the evening.

The Mana Canoe Trail

Three nights/Four days

This safari is perfect for adventurous travellers, allowing guests the closest possible encounters with wildlife on one of the greatest rivers in Africa. This thrilling experience traverses the Mana Pools National Park, through the heart of Mana Pools and along the Zambezi’s shoreline, canoeing past more than a thousand hippo on the way! Each night is spent camping on the banks of the Zambezi River, finishing 65km downstream and many adventures away from the start. Encounters with animals, whether on canoe or on foot, are up close and awe-inspiring. The Trail is for reasonably fit guests and is led by an experienced guide. Support vehicles and staff assist guests and set up camp each day.

Day 1: Arrival at Ruckomechi airfield, and begin canoeing in Mana Pools National Park.

Day 2: Full day canoeing and walking, Mana Pools.

Day 3: Full day canoeing and walking through Wilderness zone, Mana Pools.

Day 4: End canoeing, arrive Chikwenya airfield for flight out.

Options: Spend one night at Ruckomechi Camp prior to Day 1 and at Chikwenya Camp at Safari’s end on Day 4.

For more information please contact sam@venues4africa.com