Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools National Park

  • Country: 
    Zimbabwe
  • Site number: 
    2106
  • Area: 
    220,034 ha
  • Designation date: 
    03-05-2013
  • Coordinates: 
    15°58'S 29°27'E
Materials presented on this website, particularly maps and territorial information, are as-is and as-available based on available data and do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Overview

Mana Pools National Park is characterized by four large permanent pools formed by the meanderings of the middle Zambezi River, and shaped by a unique vegetation of large mahogany, wild fig, acacia and baobab trees which provide undisturbed nesting habitats for many birds of prey in the area. The concentration of large mammals such as hippopotamus, elephants, buffalo, zebra and giraffe with associated predators such as nile crocodile, leopards, hyena, cheetah and lions reveals the robust ecological health of the Mana ecosystem. The cliffs and banks support hundreds of migrant breeding southern carmine bee-eaters (Merops nubicoides) which feed on insects found near the water pools. Over 450 residents and migratory bird species breeds in the Mana wetlands. With its rich and varied biodiversity, extensive wetlands and splendid landscape, the Site attracts over 7,000 visitors each year for recreational activities including camping, fishing, canoeing and game-viewing safaris. The potential threats include poaching and mining.

Administrative region: 
Mashonaland West Province

  • Global international designation: 
    • World Heritage site
    • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • National legal designation: 
    • Game Reserve - Mana Pools Game Reserve (1963 )
  • Last publication date: 
    24-03-2016

Downloads

Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)

Additional reports and documents