CHECKLIST OF SOME OF THE FLORA AND FAUNA IN MANA POOLS These are some of the animals and plants you can see in Mana Pools. How many can you spot? MAMMALS BIRDS MANA African elephant Southern Carmine Bee-eater Burchell’s Zebra White-fronted Bee-eater Warthog African Hoopoe POOLS Hippopotamus Southern Yellow-billed Buffalo Hornbill NATIONAL The Mana Pools National Park and World Heritage Site Kudu Southern Ground Hornbill is one of many important areas of special interest and Nyala Cardinal Woodpecker PARK attraction in the Zambezi River basin. Others include the Bushbuck Pied Kingfi sher Barotseland Floodplains, the Victoria Falls and Batoka Eland Giant Kingfi sher Gorge, Lake Kariba, the Matusadona National Park, Common Duiker Meyer’s Parrot A UNESCO World Heritage Site the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve, the Zambezi Waterbuck Emerald Spotted Wood & Core Area of the Middle Zambezi Escarpment, Lake Cahora Bassa and the Zambezi Delta. Impala Dove Biosphere Reserve Sharpe’s Grysbok African Skimmer Suni Goliath Heron Lion Grey Heron Leopard Hamerkop Cheetah African Openbill Serval Marabou Stork Honey Badger Saddle-billed Stork African Civet Egyptian Goose Water Mongoose Spur-winged Goose Selous’ Mongoose African Jacana Slender Mongoose White-backed Vulture GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR STAY Dwarf Mongoose Lappet-faced Vulture Banded Mongoose African Fish Eagle This leafl et and the Zambezi Society’s RESPECT THE Aardwolf Bateleur Eagle WILD Code of Conduct for Visitors in Wild Areas (posted The Zambezi Society’s mission is to promote the Spotted Hyena Yellow-billed Kite outside Parks offi ces) are intended to help you to get the conservation and environmentally sound management of Antbear Pel’s Fishing Owl most out of your stay in the Mana Pools National Park the Zambezi River and its catchment area for the benefi t Pangolin Crowned Guineafowl while ensuring that your tourism footprint is minimal. of wilderness, wildlife and people. Porcupine Crested Guineafowl As soon as you reach Mana Pools, please report to the WE SUPPORT PARKS: We provide fi nancial, Wild Dog OTHERS National Parks Offi ce at Nyamepi (follow the signposts). logistical and material support for Protected Areas and Side-striped Jackal (See Mana Pools You are also asked to read the Park Regulations listed in National Parks along the Zambezi River, focusing on Clawless Otter Checklist of Birds) this leafl et so that your stay will not be spoilt by unwitting research, monitoring and anti-poaching programmes. Chacma Baboon breaches of the law. WE HELP CONSERVE WILDLIFE: We manage Vervet Monkey If you have any complaints or suggestions, please see a number of wildlife conservation projects focused on Night Ape PLANTS the Area Manager or Tourism Offi cer so that the matter important Zambezi species, with a long-standing “fl agship” Bushbaby Apple-ring Acacia (Faidherbia can be dealt with immediately. project monitoring the black rhinoceros population in the Scrub Hare Albida) Matusadona National Park Mopane Squirrel Natal Mahogany WE EDUCATE ABOUT WILDERNESS: We develop OTHERS Sausage Tree information and materials designed to make schoolchildren Leadwood and adults more aware of the value of wildlife and wild Mopane areas and the need to conserve them. We established Zambezi Fig the fi rst training courses in wilderness awareness and Flame Combretum management for custodians of Zambezi wild areas. Shaving-brush Combretum WE PROVIDE INFORMATION: We increase public REPTILES Tamarind awareness about issues affecting the Zambezi river, by Nile Crocodile Baobab disseminating news and information through research, Terrapin Rain Tree This reprint is generously funded by publications, the media and the internet. Leopard Tortoise White Syringa WE LOBBY FOR SENSIBLE PLANNING: We Freshwater Turtle African Mangosteen lobby or advocate against development initiatives that are Python Ilala Palm unsuitable or damaging to the biodiversity or wilderness Spitting Cobra Water Hyacinth values of the Zambezi environment; and we promote Black Mamba Kariba Weed (Salvinia) This leafl et is produced by THE ZAMBEZI SOCIETY. good river basin planning based on sound scientifi c Spotted Bush Snake Vetiveria (Adrenalin) Grass All proceeds from its sale go towards the conservation information. OTHERS OTHERS of wildlife and wilderness in the Zambezi Valley WILD MANA BOATING AND CANOEING WILDERNESS PARADISE MANA POOLS IS A Mana is wild and so are the animals, but it is safe so long Motor boats are not permitted on the river at Mana Pools. The Zambezi Valley is a western extension of the Great as you use your common sense. As in all of Zimbabwe’s If you have brought a canoe with you, remember that the WORLD HERITAGE SITE Rift Valley, the huge geological fault that extends right National Parks, it is the interests of the animals that take Zambezi current is strong, especially in the main channels, And a Core Area of the Middle down the continent of Africa. The southern edge is formed precedence here. and that the Zambian border runs down the centre of the by the Zimbabwean escarpment, which you descend just Enjoy the animals for what they are and for the pleasure main channel. Your canoe will probably be impounded if Zambezi Biosphere Reserve after leaving the National Parks offi ce at Marongora; of watching their natural behaviour. Do not try to “make you enter Zambian waters, and you could well be detained. It has wilderness values that are unique, across the river you can see the Zambian escarpment, them do something”, and always remember that wild Stay in Zimbabwe! priceless and irreplaceable. which marks the northern edge of the Valley. In this animals can be dangerous – treat them with respect. When on the river, stay well clear of hippo and crocodile valley lies a wilderness paradise with almost all species Swimming and paddling are extremely hazardous as and observe the rules. HELP US KEEP IT THAT WAY! of spectacular Central African wildlife occurring in large large numbers of crocodiles and hippos are present in the Remember: all wild animals are potentially dangerous. numbers. Zambezi and other rivers. They are there, even if you Please familiarise yourself with the following Park The Mana Pools National Park covers a representative can’t see them! FISHING regulations, which are for your benefi t. We hope they will section of the Middle Zambezi Valley, extending from the help you to enjoy your stay and avoid the unpleasantness Zambezi River in the north to the escarpment in the south. A Parks Authority permit is required for fi shing in the of a fi ne. Together with the Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas which GAME DRIVES Zambezi, where you will fi nd tigerfi sh, bream and several lie to its east, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage other local species. The tigerfi sh is, weight for weight, 1. All visitors enter the National Park and use its facilities Site in 1984, and forms a Core Area of the Middle Zambezi The best game-viewing times are in the early mornings the best fi ghting fi sh in Africa. Though weights tend to be entirely at their own risk. The Zimbabwe Parks Biosphere Reserve designated by UNESCO in 2011. and mid to late afternoons when the heat is less intense. lower than on Lake Kariba, the Zambezi tigerfi sh are often & Wildlife Management Authority cannot be held As you drove into the Park, you probably noticed how Avoid senseless driving around. Best results usually leaner and fi tter and give fi ne sport, especially on light responsible for any loss of or damage to personal the changing mopane and dry “jesse” forests give way come from selecting a good spot and then waiting quietly tackle. A bag limit for fi sh is in force and anglers should property, or personal injury. suddenly to woodlands of acacia, mahogany and other for developments. familiarise themselves with the current limit. 2. Please drive on offi cial roads only. Driving off-road large trees nearer the river. This change in vegetation Please respect other game-viewers. Do not spoil is strictly prohibited, especially up to lion kills. Any marks the southern edge of the old river terraces – the other people’s enjoyment of the peace and solitude of CAMPING vehicle caught driving off-road will be impounded and area over which the Zambezi has meandered and shifted the wilderness. The fi rst vehicle at a wildlife sighting has only released on payment of US$1000 fi ne. its course over thousands of years. The terraces are precedence. Keep your distance and do not move up Please make sure that your campsite is kept clean. 3. Leaving your vehicle and walking is permitted. covered with fertile alluvial soils deposited by the river behind or overtake unless signaled to do so or until they Baboons and monkeys can be a problem during the day, 4. Riding on the exterior of vehicles is prohibited under during its wanderings. are happy to share the moment with you. and hyena and honey-badgers visit the camps at night. The Pools of Mana are lakes which mark former courses section 7.1(b)(iii) General Regulations It is recommended that visitors take a puncture repair Secure all your belongings, keep your car windows closed of the Zambezi. They are refi lled during the rains and are 5. Please be in your camp or lodge during prescribed kit (including rubber solution) with them in case they need and do not leave food, scraps or rubbish bags out at any the homes of large numbers of crocodile and hippo as well hours. From May to July these are 6.00pm to 6.00am punctures repaired. time. as a magnifi cent bird population. Please remember that all types of fresh fruit are and from August to April from 6.30pm to 6.00am. prohibited in Mana Pools. 6. Vehicles caught driving at night will be impounded WILDLIFE AT MANA TAKE A WALK Elephant and buffalo often visit the campsites. If this and only released on payment of a US$1000 fi ne. happens, do not create a disturbance or try to scare them 7. Camping, picnicing or residing at anywhere other than The number and variety of animals that can be seen at Mana Pools is unique, being the only Zimbabwean National off. Stay quietly at your campsite and wait for them to a designated site is prohibited. Mana change throughout the year. During the rains, most Park with species such as elephant, lion and buffalo, in pass. If necessary retreat calmly to a safe distance, 8. Fires are permitted only at designated braai-stands. large mammals such as elephant, buffalo, and eland which you may walk unaccompanied. You may do this on avoiding sudden movement. 9. Please refrain from littering in the Park. Please leave the river area to seek grazing and browsing closer the fl at “fl oodplain” area, where visibility is good, but not in Please respect the privacy of campers at the Exclusive carry out your non-combustible litter (cans, bottles & to the Zimbabwe escarpment. As the year progresses, the thick “jesse” forests inland. It is emphasised that you Campsites (Nkupi, Gwaya, BBC, Mucheni, Ndungu and plastics) and declare it at Nyakasikana Gate. Failure shortages of food and water inland force them back walk at your own risk, but a few suggestions may help you Chitake). to do so will attract a US$100 fi ne. towards the Zambezi, where the river terraces, with their to enjoy your walks without being scared or hurt. Remove all non-combustible rubbish e.g. cans, bottles 10. The lodges, Vundu Camp, Goliath Camp, Kanga Pan, extensive grasslands and the nutritious acacia pods, Firstly, remember that almost any animal can be & plastic from the Park and dispose of them safely at the Mucheni Camps, Ndungu Camps, Gwaya Camp, support them through the worst of the dry season. As dangerous if it is irritated, scared or surprised, so keep a nearest town with a waste management system. BBC Camp, Vine Camp, Nkupe Camp and Chitake soon as the fi rst rains fall, the animals disperse from the good look out and avoid dense grass or thick bush. are all closed except to residents of those camps. river once again. Your viewing of most animals will be improved if you Each of the acacias (Faidherbia albida) – winter thorn, DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS Please respect their privacy. approach from downwind. However, DO NOT APPROACH or apple-ring acacia – bears thousands of seed pods each 11. All plants, animals, animal remains and soils are TOO CLOSE, especially to large animals such as elephant Do not feed any animal, however small, under any year. These pods are particular favourites of elephants protected and cannot be collected. This includes or buffalo. circumstances – this is a fi neable offence. Human food and you may see them shaking the trees to get the pods Please remember that the campsites and offi ce area is foreign to a wild animal’s diet and may cause health fi rewood and insects (including butterfl ies). down. They also provide a substantial part of the diet of at Mana are unprotected and animals do frequent these problems. You may also cause trouble for other visitors if 12. Please avoid behaviour likely to disturb wildlife or buffalo and several other animal species. areas. Always be alert, even in apparently “safe” areas. wild animals start to consider the campsites as a source of fellow campers. Note the even browse lines on the Natal Mahoganies Stay well clear of ELEPHANT COW HERDS WITH food, and the animals will have to be destroyed. 13. Feeding of animals is strictly prohibited. (Trichelia emetica). This is because species such as kudu CALVES. Detour round them on the downwind side, or Some animals, especially elephant, have acquired 14. Powerboats may not be used in the Park. Canoes are eat the leaves and twigs from these trees as high as they get well clear downwind and let them pass. a taste for fresh fruit. NO FRESH FRUIT IS ALLOWED permitted. can reach. Do not approach species such as LION or HYENA on TO BE TAKEN INTO MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK. 15. Generators/lighting plants are not permitted. You may be lucky enough to see the shy nyala antelope. kills as they may defend their kill. Please obey this rule, for safety’s sake – yours and the 16. No fi rearm, airgun or any other weapon is permitted in The Mana Pools and Gonarezhou National Parks are the An animal’s usual instinct is to escape, but if it feels animals’. the Park unless declared and sealed at Marongora. only areas in Zimbabwe where this antelope is found. threatened or if you have approached too closely, it may 17. A maximum of 6 fi sh per person per day may be Other large animals that you are likely to encounter as decide to defend itself. killed and 6 fi sh per person may be removed from the a visitor to Mana Pools are wild dog, lion, leopard and Do not cut off an animal’s line of retreat. Hippo on land Park. cheetah, as well as a host of smaller mammals and over will usually make for the river; land mammals for dense 18. No vehicle with a carrying capacity of more than 20 350 bird species. bush or woodland. If you are in the way, you may be persons or more than 3 tonnes in weight is permitted To fi nd out about current wildlife research projects, attacked. into the Park without the prior authority and a levy contact the Area Manager or Ecologist. Finally, remember that when you are downwind of one This leafl et is produced by being paid. Your payment for this leafl et will go towards the conservation animal, you may be upwind of another. Keep a good all- THE ZAMBEZI SOCIETY 19. Persons disobeying the Parks and Wildlife Regulations of wildlife and wilderness in the Zambezi Valley. Please contact round lookout when walking or photographing. And if in in the interests of will be prosecuted and banned from the Park. us if you would like to make a donation towards our work. doubt – stay clear! conserving the Zambezi’s E-mail: [email protected] valuable wildlife and 20. This is only a section of the rules. All other Parks & Website: www.zamsoc.org wilderness resources. Wildlife rules and regulations apply.