John’s Camp (Mana Pools)

John’s Camp is a semi-permanent tented camp within Mana Pools on Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia. The Zambezi River forms a natural boundary between the 2 countries with Mana on the southern banks.

Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, is perfectly situated in the heart of a natural valley on a unique flood plain. Rich and diverse in flora, fauna, and wildlife. It is home to 4 of the Big 5 (excluding only Rhino). It offers some of the most outstanding walking in Zimbabwe, and it is one of the most beautiful game reserves in Africa.

John’s Camp is nestled amongst canopies of Trichelia and Mahogany trees, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. There is a common dining area and a star gazing sleep-out platform for the more adventurous safari traveller.

Skip to John’s Camp Rates or Specials and Packages

John’s Camp Accommodation

There are 6 twin or double Meru-style canvas tents under a double fly sheet, with large gauze windows. Each tent has en-suite bathroom facilities with a flush loo and overhanging safari-style bucket shower. 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.

Tents can be converted into a triple to accommodate a child.

John’s Camp Activities

Activities are between 6/6.30 am & 6/6.30 pm, depending on the time of year (sunrise & sunset determine this).

Game Drives

All game drives are in a 9-seater bench Toyota Land Cruiser with an overhead shade for comfort. A ‘window’ seat (two people per row) for everyone. Note: Strictly no off-road driving. However, guides are armed so have the privilege to walk guests out of the vehicle to get closer to a sighting if it is a distance off the road.

Walking

The walks are led by our very knowledgeable guides. Feel at one with nature and get closer to the action, see the details and signs that the animals leave behind.

Canoeing

Canoe safaris offer a tranquil and unique way to experience the Zambezi River. Paddling through the water, guests have the opportunity to observe wildlife up close, such as elephants and hippos, while enjoying the stunning surroundings. The experience provides a different perspective of the river’s ecosystem, guided by expert instructors for safety and an unforgettable adventure.

Land fishing

Catch a variety of species from the great African Tiger Fish to the tasty Tilapia (bream). All Tiger Fish are strictly a catch-and-release basis.

Star Bed

Opt to spend a magical night under the starry night… A unique and unforgettable experience, the star-deck can host a maximum of two people. The cozy set-up, perfect for sharing with someone special in the midst of a truly wild and stunning natural paradise. To be arranged in camp on a first-come basis.

Parks Office and Village Tour

Guests can interact with rangers at the National Park Headquarters. They work tirelessly to protect and maintain not only wildlife but also the park itself. Here, guests will witness firsthand a remote Parks station working in harmony with nature.

The best time to visit John’s Camp

John’s Camp is open from 1st May to 15th November each year.

The different seasons offer 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: Lower rates | Beautiful scenery | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures

Seasonal rains are coming to an end, and the landscape is lush and green. The thick vegetation makes wildlife harder to view. The camp overlooks an open flood plain, so lots of activity on the camp’s doorstep! May is a good month for birding.
Temperatures are relatively cool, between 10°C /12°C and 28°C/30°C.

June: Lower rates | Good game viewing | Pleasant temperatures

As the landscape begins to dry out further, the flood plain vista starts to open up and game viewing becomes easier all round. Also, 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

As inland pans start to dry, animals make their way onto the floodplain 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

This is prime game viewing time and will last until November, when the rains begin, and animals leave the floodplain.

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

This is prime game viewing time, and the Carmine Bee-eaters arrive to breed.

Temperatures continue to rise. Early mornings and evenings are around 14°C, and midday is around 35°C.

October: Phenomenal Game Viewing

Usually, game viewing is excellent at this time of year, just before the rainy season, and the landscape is dry with more wide open vistas.

The start of the hottest months. Temperatures can reach 40°C and above. Activities head out early morning and late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler.

November: Lower Rates | Exceptional Game Viewing

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 a low chance of rain. Temperatures are between 18°C in the morning and 40°C in the afternoon.

December – April:

Camp is closed over the wet season.

How to get to John’s Camp

Self drive is not recommended as the road into Mana Pools is in very bad condition.

Flying:
Scheduled charter from either Victoria Falls (2 hours 15 minutes) or Harare (1 hour 10 minutes). A leisurely game drive of approximately 45 minutes from either Mana Main or Mana West airstrips. You will be met by one of the camp guides. Private charters are available, but times are variable depending on the aircraft.

By road:
Harare to Chirundu drive/road transfer (4 hours), then boat transfer to Nyamepi, Mana Pools (1 hour 15 minutes).
Lusaka, Zambia to Chirundu Border (2.5 hours), then 5 minutes to the boat transfer into Nyamepi, Mana Pools (1 hour 15 minutes).

From Nyamepi, the drive to camp is 20 minutes.

John’s Camp Accommodation Rates

Rates include:
Accommodation,
All meals and local drinks,
Laundry,
Game viewing activities (2 per day – game drives, canoeing, and walking safaris),
Transfers to/from Mana Main airstrip.

Rates exclude: Visas, flights, premium drinks, Conservation & Community Funds & Tourism Levy & park entry costs.

Child Policy

No children under 12 years.
Younger children may be permitted by prior arrangement and based on exclusive use of the camp.

John’s Camp Accommodation Specials

Last Minute Rates

If you book John’s Camp within 30 days of travel, you will only pay US$600 (Peak) & US$525 (Emerald & Shoulder) pppn.

Please note the Conservation & Community Funds, Tourism Levy & park entry fees are not included.

Safari discount

Stay a little longer with Robin Pope Safaris and enjoy:

10% discount on accommodation rates when staying 7 or more nights.
20% discount on accommodation rates when staying 10 or more nights.

Robin Pope Safaris also has camps in Zambia and Malawi.

In South Luangwa, Zambia:
Nkwali Camp  (and Robin’s House), Luangwa River Camp, Tena Tena Camp, Nsefu Camp, Luangwa Safari House (unit), and Luangwa Bush Camp*. Please note we are still adding some of the camps.

*Many guests staying at Nsefu or Nkwali will walk to Luangwa Bush Camp. It lies between the two camps and only sleeps 4 people. The 2 Meru tents have bucket showers & long drop loos. It is about a 3 hour walk. Unlike set departure trips, this experience is arranged to fit within your safari itinerary. Offering a seamless extension into South Luangwa’s remote wilderness. Entirely on foot and guided by experts, you’ll explore untouched terrain by day and sleep under the stars by night. With no vehicles, just the sounds of nature around you. This is a walking safari at its most raw and exhilarating. Luangwa Bush Camp is open from around the 22nd May – 20th October every year.

In Malawi:
Mkulumadzi Lodge in the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park
Pumulani Lodge in Lake Malawi National Park

Classic Zimbabwe – 3 Destinations, 3 Free Flights!

Explore all the very best that Zimbabwe has to offer with this amazing deal. An 8 or 9 night package in 3 exclusive safari camps with 3 free flights!
3 nights at The Hide Safari Camp in Hwange National Park, 2 (or 3) nights at Changa Safari Camp on Lake Kariba in Matusadona National Park, and 3 nights at John’s Camp in Mana Pools National Park.

Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay at Changa for 3 nights to make it a 9 night package:

Included:
3 free flights (Victoria Falls to Hwange, Hwange to Kariba, Kariba to Mana).
Accommodation on the above inclusions,
15% VAT and 2% Tourism Levy.

Additional costs:
15% departure tax (payable in cash at the main airports),
Visas,
International flights,
Gratuities.

We can arrange the final flight transfer at an additional cost. Either Mana Pools to Vic Falls or Mana Pools to Harare.

No single supplement

Are you travelling to our part of the world alone? Many other places charge a supplement for single travelers, but at John’s Camp, there is no single supplement*! And you will feel right at home at the small and intimate camp.

* Up to 3 singles

Second child free

For children under 16 years, the youngest child goes free. Park costs and levies are still payable.