In our Jan-Feb 2026 news, Wild Zambezi reported that the eastern section of the bridge over the Ruckomechi River on the main access road into Mana Pools National Park had been washed away by heavy rains this season (see below left).
A temporary footbridge arrangement across the gap (pictured at centre) constructed by a team from Mhara River Camp (which is located in the southern section of Mana Pools) currently allows people to cross, but this is not a solution for vehicle access. The heavy rains are ongoing and any repairs and/or alternative routes across the Ruckomechi riverbed cannot be sorted until the river stops flowing and dries up. At current rates of flow, it is unlikely that a solution to vehicle access will be possible until the end of April/early May.
Meanwhile, bank erosion from high water levels along the Runese River (pictured above right) this season also caused washaways along a section of the main access road into Mana Pools between the Chirundu-Harare highway entrance gate and the damaged Ruckomechi bridge (see image). Teams from Kavinga Safari Camp report that they have created a bypass around the affected section of road to allow continued access.
The only alternative route for 4x4 vehicle access into Mana Pools itself is currently from the eastern end of the park, via Angwa and Mkanga Bridge. However, this involves a very long and slow journey. The team from Mhara River Camp has worked hard in recent days to sort out the river banks on either side of two washed out bridges along this route, and have made it passable for sturdy 4x4 vehicles. However, self-drivers from Harare are advised to allow at least 11 hours for access to the Park this way, and to ensure that they are self-sufficient and properly equipped.
The other alternative way for visitors to access Mana Pools under current circumstances is via The Mana Transfer Company which operates transfer boats along the Zambezi River bringing guests into safari camps in Mana Pools during the safari season. The company is helping to provide a temporary solution to the current access problem by transporting ZimParks & safari camp staff, equipment & provisions as well as passengers to and fro, when required.
As the rains end and the 2026 safari season approaches, air charter access into Mana Pools airstrips will open up for visitors, boat transfers will continue and solutions for 4x4 vehicle access (permanent or temporary) will be developed. We will continue to provide updates on the situation.