Mana Pools National Park

Zimbabwe

Best for: Wildlife, Wilderness, Adventure, Rivers, Photography, Off The Beaten Path

Mana Pools, Zimbabwe — a UNESCO World Heritage floodplain on the Zambezi River, one of the few African parks where walking safaris on foot, unguided by vehicle, bring you eye-level with elephants and lions.

The dry season (August–October) concentrates huge herds of elephant and buffalo along the river's ancient oxbow pools, drawing predators close behind. Canoe safaris down the Zambezi are the park's signature activity, drifting silently past pods of hippo and basking crocodiles.