The 300km (186 miles) stretch of the Zambezi River from below Kariba northeastwards to the Mozambique border rates as the wildest part of Zimbabwe. The great river, its islands and broad flood plains, and the woodlands, jesse bush and hills of the scenically dramatic escarpment that flanks the river's reaches, combine to form one of the last of Africa's true wilderness areas. The valley is a sanctuary for a profusion of wildlife and sustains elephant, buffalo, a myriad zebra and antelope, together with their attendant predators. Hippo wallow in the muddy waters and crocodile guard the river islands.

In addition, there's the small Vundu rest camp and four remote campsites, each restricted to 12 persons (two vehicles) and available on a block-booking basis.

On the park's western boundary is Ruckomechi, an exceptionally attractive 20-guest private riverside venue set among majestic mahogany and acacia trees and recently voted Zimbabwe's finest safari lodge. Elephant and buffalo wander past the thatched chalets and the bar lounge, a companionable deck structure where guests relax at the glorious sunset hour.

Downriver, near the confluence of the Zambezi and Sapi rivers at the other end of the park, is Chikwenya Island and the Chikwenya Safari Camp, popular among true bush-lovers for its isolation, for the beauty of the surrounding wilderness and the deep commitment of its owners to the conservation of the environment. Visitors are housed in thatched, Batonka-style semi-open chalets - sited along the river bank to allow unrestricted views of the wide waters - and dine beneath a canopy of huge handsome trees overlooking the Zambezi and the distant plains.

Mana Pools occupies a relatively small part of the Zambezi valley; much of the rest has been set aside as proclaimed safari areas - Urungwe, Sapi, Chewore and Dande - extensive, virtually untouched wilderness expanses that are used for controlled hunting but otherwise left along.

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