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
- Zambezi Expeditions Camp
Zambezi Expeditions Camp is a fantastic option for exploring the magnificent Mana Pools. This semi-mobile camp is designed for those who want to escape the modern world and fully immerse themselves in the wild heart of the famed national park.
Its unique, adaptable setup fosters an intimate wilderness connection. Guests can disconnect from digital distractions, embracing nature's rhythm. Every moment offers raw, unfiltered engagement with an iconic African national park.
- 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.
- Bumbusi Wilderness Camp
Nestled in the heart of Hwange National Park, Bumbusi Wilderness Camp offers an enchanting retreat, inviting guests to reconnect with nature in an idyllic setting. This spectacular safari lodge seamlessly blends into the stunning landscape, offering an authentic experience amidst nature's beauty.
With its meticulously crafted stone and thatch chalets, Bumbusi serves as an inviting sanctuary where comfort meets adventure. Guests are treated to a wealth of activities, from guided walking safaris to immersive wildlife experiences, ensuring that each moment at the camp is nothing short of unforgettable.
- The Wallow Lodge
Embark on an unforgettable journey at The Wallow Lodge, where luxury meets the wild beauty of Victoria Falls. This exquisite safari lodge is designed for those who seek both adventure and relaxation, offering an intimate connection with nature in a breathtaking setting.
With its elegantly appointed tented suites and stunning views of the Masuwe River, The Wallow Lodge provides a unique blend of comfort and wilderness, ensuring that every moment spent here is unforgettable.
- 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.
- Nehimba Lodge
Nehimba Lodge, spectacularly nestled within its own private safari concession inside Hwange National Park, is, without a doubt, one of the best places to witness truly exceptional wildlife and birdlife sightings throughout the entire year. The sheer abundance and diversity found here are unparalleled, making every moment an incredible experience.
Evenings at the Nehimba are, without a doubt, spectacularly entertaining. You can experience incredibly close encounters with Hwange's famed elephants right at the waterhole—a truly unforgettable sight if one is fortunate enough to witness it.