Great Adventure Trips

Zimbabwe

Walking Trails

Mid April to end November .......... 3 nights and 4 days ..........
professional armed guides .......... staff-supported camps

Far away from the sounds of vehicles and modern life, walking trails are done in the wilderness area of Mana Pools National Park. A huge area of pristine wilderness, with only one road for vehicle support, you will certainly feel as if you are in the Africa of old.

Your professional guide will safely lead you through the diverse beauty of the wooded savannahs, interpreting tracks, sights and sounds. You will discover the multitude aspects and facets of life, large and small, which make up the fascinating environment surrounding you. As an active participant in this adventure, you will be armed with the knowledge and understanding to follow your guide past elephant, buffalo, lion, and a kaleidoscope of other wildlife.

Well-walked in shoes and a reasonable fitness level to be able to cover up to 10 miles a day will enhance your experience. The camps are as the canoe trails - fully serviced, comfy beds, with ice-cold drinks and fine dining to prepare you for your next day.

Our walking safaris are in the Nyamatusi wilderness area of Mana Pools. The choice of campsites is dependant on game movements and thus allows us more flexibility to explore this area. Principally we base at one site with all activities originating and ending there. This will give a relaxed but fulfilling experience by getting to know a particular area very well.
Most of the walks will be in the Acacia woodland alluvial terrace area with good game populations and many species of mammals.

Mammals that may be seen include Elephant, Buffalo, Hippo, Lion. Leopard, Kudu, Eland, Waterbuck, Impala, Nyala, Zebra, Baboon, vervet monkey, warthog and many other smaller species.

When including the Mopani, Jesse bush and riverine habitats, the opportunity for birding and botany are enormous, with over 400 species of birds having been recorded in Mana Pools National Park. The trees are of course what makes Mana such an exquisite Park with some of the most stunning scenery in Africa. Tracking some of the mammals is a great challenge to do and to learn about them is an integral part of any walking safari. These walks are not just a walk in the Park, but an informative educating and unforgettable African experience. Night time is not the end of your days' safari as from camp your ears now tune into the hidden world of activity before the sun comes back to clear the sleep from your eyes. Southern Africa is one of the clearest areas in the world for viewing the stars which seem to float at the tree tops. So look up and imagine ....

Professional guides conduct these walks in a very safe and professional manner. Guides also carry medics kits and VHF radios for added safety precautions. The whole experience is enhanced by their intimate understanding and knowledge of the surrounding bush combined with a very careful approach to the wildlife that is being viewed. Water hole sits can be very productive for viewing and photography -a chance to sit quietly and breathe in the scents of the bush, hear the sounds of nature and get the feel of your amazing environment. You are out of the cities so forget the phone and newspapers and open your mind to the clarity and complexities of your new world. These trails cover a 3 night 4 day period - and activities and length of walks are dictated by the fitness level of the participants. Flexibility in the schedule is important to be able to adjust and move to the pace of Africa.

WALKING TRAIL M.O.

* Departures on Mondays and Thursdays.
* Length of walks or activities depend on time of season and daily temperatures.
* Game movements and weather conditions also affect campsite selection and activities.
* A pair of binoculars per person is essential to gain maximum benefit from the safari.
* Sun and insect protection is a must. Clothing should be neutral colours to blend with the bush. Well worn in shoes or sandals are also essential.
* Cameras with a large lens are ideal for game photography, film speeds of over 400 ASA not needed.
* Dry bags are ideal for dusty conditions, bring lots of film.

DAY ONE - Meet and greet with cold drinks at Mana or Chikwenya airstrip. (Dependant on air charters and arrival times). Drive to vicinity of camp and proceed on foot into camp for lunch, or start afternoon walk on arrival if arriving after lunchtime. Afternoon walk then back to camp for sundowners or early evening drinks. Hot showers, cold drinks, full 3 course dinner, walk-in mosquito-proofed tents with ensuite toilets, very comfortable beds with linen, blankets and duvets, and full staff support is available every night. Sleep with the stars above and sounds all around.

DAY TWO - Early morning rise approx. 0530 for tea/coffee muffins/biscuits cereals to start the day. Depending on the clients interests and fitness levels there are several options available. Two half day walks morning and afternoon with brunch and afternoon tea in camp. A full day walk with breakfast first, lunch on the trail, back to camp in time to enjoy sunset in camp.
Waterhole viewing for the big cameras or those who simply want to relax. Evenings under the stars.

DAY THREE - Early morning wake up tea/coffee muffins/biscuits. Again different options avavaible i.e. walk out of camp for a full day or 2 half day walks, drive to different areas to walk other habitats. Once again back to camp for sundowners.

DAY FOUR - Early morning wake up tea/coffee biscuits/muffins. Short walk before breakfast then return to camp for breakfast. Game drive to respective airstrip for departure.

Departures: any day April-October

Price: Nov.-June - US$750 each, July -Oct. = US$960 each

NOTES - This is an indicative itinerary of how the walks normally operate. These walks are flexible, and determined by guests' fitness level and their wildlife interests. Timings are dependent upon arrival and departure of charter aircraft as well as river, weather and game viewing conditions. Menus will vary during the season and campsites may change due to river levels and accessibility.

Operator reserves the right to amend any schedule without prior notice.

The walking trail can easily be combined with a canoe trail to make a six or seven night safari.

This safari operates from 1st April to mid-November.

Drinks supplied are local Zimbabwe wine, beer, cordials, coca cola, diet coca cola, tonics, soda water, lemonade, gin, brandy, vodka, whisky and filtered water.

All dietary preferences and health details must be sent well in advance.

One set of binoculars per client will considerably enhance your appreciation of all wildlife. Cameras with up to 300 mm lens are also recommended. Video batteries can be recharged if clients bring a charger that plugs into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket. A monopod is another useful piece of equipment and a good supply of 100 - 400 ASA film is recommended.

A reasonable level of fitness is required to enjoy these walks. As mentioned, distances covered per day vary between 10 - 16 kilometers ( 6 - 10 miles).

Clients should bring a good pair of well worn walking shoes or sneakers. Sandals are good for wearing around camp. Neutral coloured clothing should be worn, along with hats, sunglasses and personal insect sprays. Long sleeved shirts with collars are advisable for extra sun protection as well as high factor sun screen. It is also advisable to bring a torch/flashlight and a supply of batteries. There are no shopping facilities within the Park.

Malaria prophylactics must be taken, as prescribed by personal doctors.

Our rate includes all meals, drinks, accommodation, guiding, equipment, laundry and a tourist levy. National Parks fees are EXCLUSIVE of our rate.

It does not include air and/or road transfers into or out of Mana Pools National Park.

Please ensure that you have adequate health and accident insurance. All clients are covered by Medical Air Rescue Service.