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
- Camp Hwange
Camp Hwange is set within a magnificent private concession in the Sinamatella area of Hwange National Park, a region renowned worldwide for its extraordinary wildlife and prolific birdlife. One of the best safari destinations and truly ranks among the very finest Southern Africa has to offer.
The wildlife sightings from Camp Hwange are truly unparalleled. Perched majestically overlooking an incredibly productive waterhole, the daily spectacle of animal activity is simply phenomenal, captivating guests with its raw beauty and abundance throughout every single season.
- Batonka Guest Lodge
Welcome to Batonka Guest Lodge, where luxury meets the enchanting beauty of Victoria Falls! The luxury guesthouse offers an unparalleled blend of comfort and adventure, set amidst stunning gardens that create a peaceful retreat.
With various accommodations types, exquisite dining options, and exciting activities, Batonka Guest Lodge is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of Zimbabwe while enjoying a serene escape.
- Deteema Springs Camp
Perfectly situated beside the magnificent Deteema Dam within the sprawling Hwange National Park, this camp offers some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of elephants and a plethora of other incredible wildlife you could ever imagine.
Guests will undoubtedly adore the extraordinary opportunity to embark on an immersive walking safari in Hwange, allowing them to witness every breathtaking detail of the wilderness up close – an experience that is, without a doubt, one of the best in the industry!
- 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.
- 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.
- Somalisa Camp
Nestled in the breathtaking Hwange National Park, Somalisa Camp offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. This award-winning camp combines luxury with a genuine bush experience, providing guests with an intimate connection to the wildlife surrounding them.
With its stunning tented suites, each offering a unique vantage point of the park's diverse ecosystem, Somalisa Camp is perfect for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deeper appreciation of Africa’s natural beauty.