ATC - Chitembe Tented Camp

After a delicious lunch and some time to relax back at camp, the afternoon game drive commences as the sun begins to soften its intensity. This drive often focuses on different areas of the park, exploring the diverse habitats that make Mana Pools so special – from the thick riverine forests to the more open Mopane woodlands and floodplains. As the day progresses towards evening, animal activity picks up again. The Zambezi River and its associated pools, such as Long Pool, become focal points as animals converge for their last drinks of the day. This is an excellent time to witness interactions between different species and to look for the park's famous African wild dog packs, known for their incredible hunting prowess. The guides will position the vehicle for optimal viewing and photography as the golden hour bathes the landscape in warm light. The highlight of the afternoon drive is typically a "sundowner" stop at a picturesque location, often overlooking the Zambezi, where you can enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking display of colors.

The afternoon walk is an excellent time to witness animals heading towards the various pools and the Zambezi River for their evening drink. While always prioritizing safety, your guide will expertly navigate the terrain, keeping a keen eye out for any wildlife activity. This is also an ideal time to search for Mana Pools' renowned wild dog packs, who often become active in the cooler parts of the day. The experience of being on foot allows for an unparalleled sense of vulnerability and connection to the wild, making every rustle in the bushes or distant call incredibly impactful. As the sun begins to set, the walk will typically conclude with a stunning "sundowner" experience, allowing you to reflect on the day's encounters while enjoying the breathtaking colors of an African sunset over the Zambezi. The game walks at Chitembe provide an unforgettable, truly authentic, and deeply personal safari adventure in one of Africa's last true wildernesses.

The afternoon boat cruise offers a different ambiance and often a chance for more dramatic wildlife sightings as the day winds down. After a leisurely lunch and some relaxation, you'll board the boat once more to explore the Zambezi's channels and islands. As the temperatures cool, many animals become more active, and the riverbanks become a hub of activity. You'll likely encounter more elephants, buffalo, and various antelope coming to quench their thirst. The guide might take you to spots known for large concentrations of hippos, or silently drift past areas where predators might be lurking. The grand finale of an afternoon boat cruise is, without a doubt, the "sundowner" experience. Your guide will find a perfect spot, often a pristine sandbank or a secluded channel, to moor the boat. Here, you'll disembark to enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks as the sun descends, casting a spectacular array of colours across the vast Zambezi River and the distant Zambian escarpment. The sounds of the African bush settling for the night, combined with the stunning visual display, create an unforgettable and truly magical safari moment. The gentle cruise back to camp under the starlit sky completes a perfect day on the water.

The river itself is teeming with life. Pods of hippos will be seen wallowing and snorting in the shallows, while large crocodiles bask on the sandbanks. One of the major highlights of a Mana Pools boat cruise is the opportunity to witness elephants coming down to the river to drink and even swim between the numerous islands. Their sheer size and grace in the water are truly awe-inspiring. Your guide will expertly maneuver the boat to get you close enough for incredible photographic opportunities while always respecting the animals' space. The morning light reflecting off the water creates a serene and picturesque setting.

Your morning game drive from Chitembe Tented Camp begins at the first hint of dawn, a magical time when the bush comes alive. With your experienced guide, you'll set out in an open-sided 4x4 vehicle, designed to offer unobstructed views and excellent photographic opportunities. The cooler morning air often means predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas are still active, either heading to their daytime resting spots or on the prowl. Mana Pools is famous for its large bull elephants, some of which exhibit the unique behavior of standing on their hind legs to reach the nutritious Albida pods higher in the trees. You'll likely encounter these magnificent creatures, along with vast herds of buffalo, zebra, impala, and various other antelope species, making their way to the Zambezi for a morning drink. The guides at Chitembe are highly knowledgeable about the park's ecology and animal behavior, providing insightful commentary and helping you spot even the most camouflaged creatures. The proximity to the Zambezi also allows for incredible birdwatching opportunities, with a plethora of avian species active along the riverbanks.

Mana Pools' famous "walking elephants" are a significant draw; you might have the incredible opportunity to observe these gentle giants from a respectful distance as they feed, perhaps even standing on their hind legs to browse from the Albida trees. The walk allows you to appreciate the intricate details often missed from a vehicle: the delicate beauty of wildflowers, the diverse insect life, the unique bird species that inhabit the riverine forests, and the fascinating geology of the area. Your guide will share their deep knowledge of the ecosystem, explaining animal behaviors, plant uses, and the delicate balance of nature. The morning light on the Zambezi and the surrounding floodplain creates stunning photographic opportunities.

Riverside picnics at Chitembe Tented Camp are one of the most delightful and iconic experiences offered, perfectly complementing the traditional game viewing activities. They embody the essence of a Mana Pools safari – intimate, scenic, and deeply connected to nature. After a thrilling morning activity, or as a leisurely interlude during a full-day game drive or walking safari, your guide will lead you to a specially chosen, picturesque spot along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. These locations are carefully selected for their beauty, tranquility, and safety, often offering stunning views across the river to the Zambian escarpment, or overlooking a busy channel frequented by wildlife.

Tiger fishing on the Zambezi is an absolute must! Our expert guides will take you to the best fishing spots. Tiger fishing at Chitembe Tented Camp offers an exhilarating and highly sought-after angling experience, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Zambezi River within Mana Pools National Park. It's a true test of skill and strength, pitting angler against one of Africa's most formidable freshwater fish.