John's Camp
A seasonal tented camp in a natural valley in Mana Pools National Park where the focus is on experiencing the natural environment as much as possible without losing out on the comforts of a permanent camp.
John's Camp Highlights
The majesty of Mana Pools speaks for itself, boasting landscape and surroundings that couldn’t be mistaken for anywhere else. The beauty of John’s Camp is that it blends in under the groves of mahogany trees and adopts a lightweight, sustainable approach to its existence in this naturally pristine area. There are only 6 Meru-style tents, each made up to sleep two people with all the necessary amenities for comfortable, private living. The tents occupy in their own space along the banks of the Zambezi River and guests come together over mealtimes or to relax in the tented lounge area. Simple, yet entirely more than you need to unwind in style, in Africa.
- A small and intimate setting, the camp is available for exclusive bookings, in which case children younger than 12 can be accommodated.
- Open from May to mid-November with a peak season between July and October when temperatures are cool and game viewing is best.
- There is a sleep-out platform slightly isolated from the rest which has a pop-up tent that allows for star-gazing all night while protecting occupants from bugs and mosquitos.
- The shady trees around camp are perfect for lunches, alfresco style, which are prepared and served with care. Dinners are laid out under the stars.
- While the camp is eco-friendly and semi-permanent, each tent does have an en suite, open-air bathroom with bucket-shower and flushing loo for comfort and convenience.
John's Camp Game Viewing and Activities
Mana Pools is well known for its walking safari value. It is one of the only national parks in Africa where guests are permitted to walk without a guide, but for safari novices, the experience is enhanced tenfold when setting out under the leadership of a trained guide. The mature ana trees, mahoganies, and sausage trees tower above you and their canopies create dappled shade across the ground. Elephants, kudu, waterbuck, impala, lion, leopard, hippo, hyena, and many others find their homes here, where the Zambezi River and the famous “four pools” Mana is known for nourish the landscape. John’s Camp offers game drives, walks, fishing off the banks of the river, and the opportunity to visit the park headquarters and meet the people who work to protect it.
