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

Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel

Nestled in a private game reserve, the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel offers an exquisite retreat near the breathtaking Victoria Falls. With elegant design and exceptional service, this boutique hotel combines luxury and comfort, making it ideal for a tranquil escape.

Guests can indulge in world-class dining at our elegant restaurants, savoring exquisite dishes crafted by renowned chefs. They can unwind in the lavish spa, where a range of rejuvenating treatments awaits to soothe body and mind.
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Mpala Jena

Step into the enchanting world of Mpala Jena, where the splendour of Africa comes alive! This luxurious safari lodge offers an extraordinary blend of adventure and relaxation, perfectly situated along the scenic Zambezi River.

With its elegant design and commitment to sustainability, Mpala Jena serves as a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and travellers alike. From soaking in the breathtaking views to indulging in gourmet meals, each moment is crafted to ensure a memorable experience.
Mpala Jena
Insika Lodge

Nestled on the edge of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Insika Lodge offers a luxury safari experience with stunning natural beauty. Capturing African charm, Insika provides a serene escape with exhilarating adventures.

With a choice of rooms overlooking lush gardens and waterholes, guests can immerse themselves in captivating wildlife and landscapes. At Insika Lodge, each day is a new journey as you explore the Zambezi River, enjoy gourmet meals, and experience the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Insika Lodge
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.
Nehimba Lodge
Little Ruckomechi Camp

Nestled on the majestic banks of the iconic Zambezi River, deep within the world-renowned Mana Pools, lies Little Ruckomechi Camp. This unparalleled location is a vibrant sanctuary, teeming with an astonishing abundance of wildlife and an incredible diversity of birdlife.

Little Ruckomechi Camp stands as the supreme choice for discerning travelers seeking the absolute pinnacle of luxury and an exceptional sense of privacy during their unforgettable Mana Pools National Park experience.
Little Ruckomechi Camp
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