We ran our first Mana Pools trip in 2024. It was one of the strongest African wildlife photography experiences we’ve put together — the standing elephants alone justified the trip, but the combination of walking safaris, hide photography, & the sheer density of wildlife along the Zambezi floodplain made it something we knew we had to repeat.
For 2026, we’re going back to Mana Pools with an improved itinerary. We’ve extended the time in the field, refined the camp arrangements, & built the schedule more tightly around the photographic opportunities that made the 2024 trip so productive.
What Makes Mana Pools Different?
Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Zimbabwe, set along the Zambezi River floodplain. What makes it exceptional for photographers is the access. Unlike most African parks, Mana Pools permits walking safaris — you can leave the vehicle, approach subjects on foot, & choose your angle relative to the light.
The park’s famous albida woodland is where the standing elephants are found. Bull elephants here have learned to rear up on their hind legs to reach seed pods in the tree canopy — behaviour that is almost unique to this population. The resulting images — a full-sized elephant standing vertically against a backdrop of golden woodland — are unlike anything you’ll photograph elsewhere.
What the Trip Covers?
The itinerary splits across two camps, each targeting different areas & species. Morning & afternoon sessions alternate between vehicle-based game drives, walking safaris, & dedicated hide photography. The hides at our first camp offer close-range, eye-level perspectives on elephants & waterbirds at the river, while the walking sessions put you at ground level with subjects in a way that transforms the feeling & quality of the images.
The second camp opens up predator photography — wild dogs, lion, & leopard all move through this section of the park. Wild dogs in particular produce fast, dynamic sequences that are a welcome contrast to the slower pace of elephant photography.
What’s Improved for 2026
Based on what we learned in 2024, we’ve made several changes. More time has been allocated to the first camp, where the standing elephant behaviour & hide photography were the strongest elements. The walking safari component has been expanded — it was the standout photography format from the previous trip, & photographers consistently came back from those sessions with their best work. Camp logistics have been tightened to reduce downtime & maximise the usable hours in the field.
Booking
The 2026 trip is now open. Group size is limited & the 2024 departure filled quickly. Full details are on the Mana Pools photography holiday page.
- NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access.
- Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance.
- Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips.
