Welcome to John’s Camp in Mana Pools National Park

AboutJohn’s Camp

John's Camp is an intimate safari camp perfectly situated in the heart of Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering an authentic safari experience.

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Key facts of John’s Camp

Open 1 May - 15 November
Accommodation 6 Meru style canvas tents
Policy Only children over 12 years are welcome (unless prior arrangement made)
Airstrip Mana Pools Airstrip
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John’s Camp

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Discover John’s Camp

Description
Facilities
Experiences
Wildlife
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Description

Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, is perfectly situated in the heart of a natural valley on a unique flood plane, rich and diverse in flora, fauna and wildlife. It is home to 4 of the Big 5 (excluding only Rhino). It’s the only National Park in the world where you are allowed to freely walk with the wild animals and get to experience Africa as it should be – on foot!

Situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River where you will find John’s Camp nestled amongst canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees, it is a truly natural wilderness. It’s the only National Park in the world where you are allowed to freely walk with the wild animals and get to experience Africa as it should be – on foot! The camp comprises of 12 beds, made up of 6 twin or double en-suite Meru style tents, a common dining area and a star gazing sleep-out platform for the more adventurous safari traveller.

 

Read more about Mana Pools National Park

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Facilities
En suite
Star bed
Limited WiFi
No phone reception
Laundry Service

 

John’s Camp comprises of 6 Meru style canvas tents under a double fly sheet make up the compliment of 12 beds. Each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities with flush loo and overhanging safari-style bucket showers. Inside the tent is a lit changing area complete with a running water basin. With privacy in mind, the tents are generously spaced out along the floodplain adjacent to the Zambezi River.

The camp has limited internet access in the main area.

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Experiences
Wildlife

Mana Pools is known as one of Africa’s best game viewing areas, as many large animals come here in search of water.

The park has an incredibly healthy population of plains game including large herds of elephant, buffalo, impala, kudu, zebra, eland, and lots more antelope species. The park is renowned for its large bull elephants feeding on their hind legs.

Predators commonly seen are several lion prides and the endangered wild dogs. Less seen but present are leopard, cheetah, and spotted hyena.
Of the Big 5, only the rhino is missing from Mana Pools.

With over 380 bird species, Mana certainly is a great park for birding. Species like herons, storks, cormorants, darters, African fish eagles and kingfisher are often seen around the water. In the drier months (August/September to November), the riverbanks are littered with colonies of the carmine bee-eaters – delightful site of activity and colour! African skimmers and Pels’ fishing owl have also been sighted.

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Rates and Seasonal Highlights

Our rates are inclusive of accommodation, activities, meals and bar and are charged per person per night by season. Park entry costs are extra. For guests staying more than 7 nights at RPS properties, there are long stay discounts available. There is no supplement charged for single travelers unless there are more than 3 singles. For families – minimum age is 12 years (unless camp is booked exclusively). A complimentary stay (park fees payable) for a second child under 16 years is available. Note: Rates may vary for residents or regional travellers. All rates are subject to change without notice.

 

The different seasons offer us incredible diversity in terms of landscapes, wildlife sightings and experiences. We have put together some of these highlights for you to consider as you plan your African adventure with us. Be inspired!

may
jun
jul
aug
sep
oct
nov
May
Lower rates | Beautiful scenery | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
  • Opens May 1. Shoulder season: 735 USD pppn.
  • Seasonally thick vegetation makes wildlife harder to view. The camp overlooks an open flood plain, so lots of activity on our doorstep! A good month for birding.
  • Temperatures are relatively cool, between 10°C /12°C and 28°C/30°C.
    Seasonal rains are coming to an end and the landscape is lush and green.
June
Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures
  • Shoulder season: 735 USD pppn.
  • As the landscape begins to dry out further, the flood plain vista starts to open up and game viewing becomes easier all round. A good month for birding.
  • Temperatures are dropping; nights are much cooler. Morning temperatures are around 6°C. Afternoons are more pleasant, around 25°C. Warm layers are essential.
July
Great game viewing | Favourable weather
  • Peak season: 840 USD pppn.
  • As in-land pans start to dry, animals make their way onto the flood plain to drink from the Zambezi. This is the start of the peak game viewing period.
  • Nights and early mornings are cold. Average morning temperatures are around 6°C. Afternoons are more pleasant, around 25°C . Warm layers are essential.
August
Great game viewing | Favourable weather
  • Peak season: 840 USD pppn.
  • This is prime game viewing time and will last until November when the rains begin, and animals leave the flood plain.
  • The weather is beginning to warm up and temperatures are comfortable. Winds are common at this time of year. Early mornings and nights can still be cold.
September
Phenomenal Game Viewing
  • Peak season: 840 USD pppn.
  • This is prime game viewing time and will last until November when the rains begin, and animals leave the flood plain. Carmine Bee-eaters arrive to breed.
  • Temperatures continue to rise. Early mornings and evenings are around 14°C and midday around 35°C.
October
Phenomenal Game Viewing
  • Shoulder season: 735 USD pppn.
  • Usually, game viewing is excellent at this time of year, just before the rainy season and when the landscape is dry with more wide open vistas.
  • The start of the hottest months; temperatures can reach 40°C and above. Heading out early morning and late afternoon while temperatures are cool is advisable.
November
Lower Rates | Exceptional Game Viewing
  • Closes November 15. Emerald season: 735 USD pppn.
  • Animals congregate around perennial water sources. You may be lucky to see the first of the baby impalas being born along with the arrival of the first rains.
  • This month is unpredictable; it can be hot and dry with a build-up but low chance of rain. Temperatures are between 18°C in the morning and 40°C in the afternoon.

Safarisfeaturing John’s Camp

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John’s Camp deserves its reputation as a place to go at Mana Pools. It is simple and authentic, and you are really amongst the wildlife, with attentive staff and guides. Many great sightings, especially of the painted dogs. This is a lovely seasonal camp, with a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks to all the staff for a memorable trip.
Debbie M about John’s Camp
This camp is absolute perfection for anyone interested in luxury and wilderness. At camp, every detail is thought of. The tents are fantastic, the food is swoon worthy, the staff is wonderful...it’s all just magnificent. The location overlooking the floodplain could not be more perfect for maximum wildlife interaction and viewing.
Kinga P about John’s Camp
We’ve enjoyed countless safaris; Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana, all of which have set a very high standard, but Mana Pools and John’s Camp exceeded our expectations on so many levels. I can’t thank Milo and team enough for providing such a memorable stay.
Carole B about John’s Camp
I had 3 nights at this camp and enjoyed every moment. Whilst in the middle of nowhere all your needs are catered to, even flushing toilets and warm bucket showers. The staff were great, doing all they can to ensure my stay was a memorable one. You didn’t need to go far for wildlife viewing, elephants pass through the camp, buffalo and hippo graze on the flood plan and you can hear all manner of animals outside the tent at night.
Jan P about John’s Camp
So many thank you’s yet again to John Stevens, Milo, Tawanda, Dereson and the staff of Johns Camp for another outstanding week in the bush. Johns guiding and knowledge of the bush are without compare. If you really want to get a feel for Africa this is the place to come. Excellent food, comfortable tents, superb management and staff.
S Keith about John’s Camp

We are thrilled to help you plan your perfect safari holiday