Gonarezhou National Park

Zimbabwe's second-largest national park (over 5 000 km²), Gonarezhou, offers spectacular scenery, including the famous Chilojo Cliffs, wide meandering rivers and extensive woodlands.

Home to over 11 000 elephants, 89 species of mammal and over 500 species of bird, Gonarezhou and surrounding private game reserves should be high on the list of attractions to visit when in Zimbabwe.

Gonarezhou National Park Facts

Size: +5 000km²
Location: South-eastern Zimbabwe
Altitude: 165m to 575m above sea level
Accommodation: Gonarezhou Lodges

Where is Gonarezhou National Park located?

Located in the remote and wild south-eastern corner of Zimbabwe on the border with Mozambique. The closest recognisable town would be Masvingo (home of the Great Zimbabwean ruins), and that is in the region of 300 kilometres away depending on what road is taken.

Click here to see the exact location of the Gonarezhou National Park on Google maps; Google Maps - Gonarezhou National Park

Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou National Park?

The dry season (winter) in Zimbabwe is the best time to visit the park for wildlife and mild to warm temperatures, May to October are the months one should be looking at when planning a safari here.

Summer is the wet season, and when the rain falls, access to parts of the park are restricted or cut off due to rising water and bad tracks. November to April are the summer months; temperatures can and do exceed 40° Celcius.

Information On Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou, 'abode of the elephant' in the local language of Shona, offers visitors the chance to spot 4 of Africa's 'Big 5" (unfortunately, all rhino have been poached out of the park) hippo, crocodile and a whole host of other mammals.

The flat, undulating country is broken by the valleys of three rivers (Mwenezi, Rundi and Save) and by isolated hills here and there. The Chilojo Cliffs border the Runde River, and the Park includes the Grieve Pans, which fill with water in the rainy season.

A remote and wild corner of Zimbabwe that sees very few international or local tourists resulting in a safari here where one basically has the entire park to one's self.

A little interesting aspect of Gonarezhou is that the National Park officially forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (the Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Limpopo National Park (Mozambique) in which wildlife can move freely between the three sanctuaries.

Main Attractions Of Gonarezhou National Park

Wildlife
Birdlife
Remote and wild
Chilojo Cliffs
11 000 plus elephants
Incredible wildlife
Save River

Singita Pamushana Lodge

Set in the private Malilangwe Reserve, Singita Pamushana offers its guests, without a doubt, some of the most unparalleled game viewing in Southern Africa. While the famed ‘Big 5’ are all present, the sheer diversity of the birdlife is exceptional.

Beyond the magnificent wildlife, the lodge itself is captivating, with breathtaking 180° views over the surrounding bushveld. Singita Pamushana is, without question, one of the absolute finest lodges that Africa has to offer.
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Khayelitshe House

Khayelitshe House is a private, exclusive-use property perfect for a small group of friends or family on safari. Located just outside Matobo National Park, it offers both privacy and easy access to the area's stunning natural beauty.

Khayelitshe Guest House offers easy access to Matobo Hills National Park, where visitors can explore diverse wildlife, ancient rock art, and breathtaking landscapes. This charming retreat caters to your needs, whether you seek adventure or relaxation, ensuring unforgettable memories in a serene, picturesque setting.
Khayelitshe House
Ingwe Pan Camp

Ingwe Pan Camp enjoys an absolutely unparalleled location, offering a unique blend of convenience and seclusion. A mere 30-minute exhilarating game drive away from both the iconic Zambezi River, with its incredible hippo and crocodile populations, and the legendary Mana floodplain, renowned for its large elephant herds.

This gem of a camp is situated on the edge of the Ingwe Pan, surrounded by untouched bushveld. It is teeming with wildlife, including frequent sightings of painted dogs and lions, all within the magnificent Mana Pools National Park.
Ingwe Pan Camp
Pioneers Victoria Falls

Nestled just minutes away from the majestic Victoria Falls, Pioneers Victoria Falls captures the perfect blend of elegance and adventure. This charming upmarket hotel offers a serene retreat for those seeking luxurious comfort amidst one of the world's most striking natural wonders.

With stylish rooms and diverse dining options, guests can enjoy a unique experience that combines sophistication with exceptional service. Whether you want to relax or explore the surroundings, Pioneers Victoria Falls promises a stay full of unforgettable moments.
Pioneers Victoria Falls
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Perched high on dramatic cliffs overlooking the meandering Save River, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers an unparalleled gateway to the breathtaking Gonarezhou National Park. This is, without a doubt, one of Zimbabwe’s finest wilderness retreats, combining luxurious comfort with the raw beauty of the wild.

Gonarezhou, or "big game country," is Africa at its most untamed. Here, you'll find iconic wildlife: elephants, buffalo, elusive cats, and rhinos roaming free. If you're lucky, you might even spot rare African wild dogs—a safari highlight.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Verney's Camp

Verney's Camp is an exclusive private concession in a truly remote and untouched corner of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. This hidden gem offers a safari experience like no other, perfectly blending rugged wilderness with exceptional comfort and charm.

Verney's Camp is renowned for its tranquility and immersive wildlife encounters. Whether you’re gazing across the expansive plains from your luxury tent or sipping a drink as the sun sets over the horizon, every moment here feels like a scene from a dream.
Verney's Camp