In Zimbabwe, elephant reign supreme and nowhere more so than Mana Pools, which occupies prime land beside the Zambezi River. Apart from the hazy blue forests of Ana trees, the area is rather sparsely vegetated, making it perfect for a walking safari with few hiding spots. Your guide is highly trained in understanding wildlife dynamics and how to find the myriad animals, while remaining mostly undetected. Using the clues left behind by wildlife, you may be walking quietly through the forest when an elephant stands on its back legs to reach the treetop bounty or follow a pack of African painted dog on their travels, sometimes getting within a few meters. Much of the wildlife is quite used to humans tramping through the park! Stop for chilled drinks while a herd of buffalo grazes downwind before returning to camp. The driest, safest and most rewarding time for a walking safari is between May and September.