Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou National Park is a national park located in southeastern Zimbabwe. It is situated in a relatively remote corner of Masvingo Province, south of Chimanimani along the Mozambique border. Owing to its vast size, rugged terrain and its location away from main tourist routes, large tracts of Gonarezhou remain pristine wilderness.
At 5,053 km2, Gonarezhou is the country’s second-largest national park, after Hwange National Park. The name Gonarezhou is translated from the Shona meaning “The Place of Elephants”.
Gonarezhou National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Trans frontier Park, a peace park that links Gonarezhou with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. Animals can move freely between the three sanctuaries.
Where does Gonarezhou fit into your Zimbabwe Adventure?
At 5,053 km2, Gonarezhou is the country’s second-largest national park, after Hwange National Park. The name Gonarezhou is translated from the Shona meaning “The Place of Elephants”.
Gonarezhou National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Trans frontier Park, a peace park that links Gonarezhou with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. Animals can move freely between the three sanctuaries.
Gonarezhou National Park View
Safari activities in Gonarezhou national park
Game Drive
Game Drives are the essence of a safari; sitting in your seat and letting your safari guide explore this wildlife theatre with you, letting it come to life with stories of knowledge and experiences. When driving through this spectacular landscape where you never know what is waiting for you around the next Baobab! With our trusted guides at the helm, we go out to explore to hopefully find a variety of big and small wildlife including lion, cheetah, wild dogs, hyena, buffalo, kudu, eland, and giraffe.
Not to forget a diverse array of birds. And of course – elephant in the 1000’s, where you will see evidence of their movement through the trees, earth, and cliffs everywhere you look. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are the most active and easiest to spot. We will stop for morning coffee and nibbles on the River Save, or sundowners on the banks of a lagoon, with only a chortling hippo and a circling fish eagle for company. Traverse the cascading landscape of Gonarzahou and enjoy breath-taking views at dawn or sunset and make memories that will last you a lifetime.
Birding
With over 400 bird species recorded in Gonarezhou National Park, it is one of Southern Africa’s most sought-after birding destinations to visit. Its three major rivers, the Chilojo Cliffs and the vast water pans in the park are home to a rich variety of birdlife, including kingfishers, hornbills, eagles, and raptors. Such biodiversity points to a healthy and flourishing ecosystem which is to be maintained and protected at all costs. A birder’s dream, don’t forget to bring your binoculars for ample watching, particularly along Gonarezhou’s waterways and pans.
Chivilila Falls
For those with a penchant for something a bit more active, the 3 km walking trail from the lodge to the beautiful Chivilila Falls is a great way to start or end your day. Trekking through a rugged landscape along elephant paths will lead you to a viewpoint overlooking the falls. As the water cascades over age-old rocks, your guide will explain the geology. Take in the sights and satisfy your thirst as you will arrive at a beautifully set-up sundowner experience or tea/coffee station.
Palm-Wine Tapping
Exploring Gonarezhou and Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is not just about safari – take some time to get to know our local communities and their ancient tradition. One unique afternoon activity is educational visit learning all about the tradition of the wine tapping from the Ilala palm and the distribution thereof. Laced in Mahenye tradition, this traditional form of wine tapping involves digging into the bulb of the palm and collecting the dripping sap in a clay pot, where it is left to ferment, and naturally develops into palm wine. Based on the Chief’s allocation, the plants that get used are alternated, which allows the plants to rest and regrow while it’s not in use.
Guests will drive through Mahenye Village on their way towards the Mozambique border where we will meet up with our local wine-tapping expert, part of the Mahenye village.
Mahenye Village Homestead Experience
Enock invites guests to his home; under the shade of the tree, he will share with you stories of his way of living, introduce you to different family members and teach you about his way of living. Learn how his family extracts salt from the earth around them and which plants they use to make beer or wine, or more importantly for medicinal use.
The most exciting part of the afternoon is getting involved – be it grinding seeds, pumping water or creating a meal. Enock and his family look forward to welcoming you and we are sure you will sit around the campfire talking about this enriching and impactful experience that evening and for a long time to come. Other experiences of the local Mahenye village include a drive through the village seeing the schools and clinic, or an evening with traditional dancers.
Safari Game Walk
Slow down and feel completely immersed in nature, with the sounds, smells and sensations of the wilderness with you every step of the way. Our guides will show you hidden gems that can only be truly appreciated when you walk the same path as those before you have, such as the tracks of a jackal, the spoor of a hyena and the underground caves of rock hyrax as you step over them. You’ll discover different bird calls, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that intertwine to create the rich biodiversity tapestry of this intricate land.
Where to stay? See lodges & Camps
The remote Gonarezhou National Park, in the southeast corner of Zimbabwe, is unlike other parks in Zimbabwe such as Hwange and Mana Pools, which have a great variety of fancy safari lodges. Gonarezhou is more about the self-drive wilderness experience and it only has a couple of lodge options.
Singita’s Pamushana Lodge
The facilities include, Singita’s Pamushana Lodge, Chilo Gorge Lodge, Mahove Tented Camp, Gonarezhou Bush Camps, Mananga Camp, Chipinda Pools tented camp, Swimuwini Lodges and Bosman’s community camp, Exclusive Bush campsites
When to go? Best time to Visit
The dry season 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 Season.
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° Celsius.
How to access Gonarezhou National Park?
Gonarezhou National Park is secluded and relatively inaccessible. There are two areas to visit: Chipinda HQ is located 550km/342mi south of Harare, and Mabalauta HQ is located 667km/414mi south of Harare. The roads in the park are often very bad, especially in the Wet season, and a good 4WD is essential.
Some lodges have airstrips, and your tour operator can organize charter flights. Federal Airlines in conjunction with Pamushana Lodge runs scheduled flights to Buffalo Range International Airport (BFO) twice weekly from Johannesburg. The road transfer to the lodge from the airport takes 45 minutes.
Victoria Falls Airport.
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) will be the point of arrival for most safaris. Alternatively, you can fly to Harare International Airport (HRE). Your safari package will probably include travel arrangements throughout the country booked by your tour operator. They will also arrange your pick up at the airport and/or hotel.
