The 2,879,300 hectares (11,117 sq mi) reserve consists of riverine and terrestrial ecosystems unique to the subcontinent.

Among threatened species found in the valley are the black rhino (Diceros bicornis), the painted wild dog (Lycaon pictus), and the nyala (Tragelaphus angasii).

The flora consist of Colophospermum/Combretum/Terminalia woodland and the Zambezi riparian forest.

At Mana Pools, it comprises the only flood plain ecosystem left in the Middle Zambezi.

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