Gonarezhou National Park
Which Month Is Best For Visiting Gonarezhou National Park?
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park
  • When To Visit Gonarezhou National park

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
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Gonarezhou Safari Lodges And Camps Map
Popular Zimbabwe Lodges
  • Ruckomechi Camp

    Ruckomechi Camp sits on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park, nestled in an ancient grove of Acacia and Mahogany trees. It offers exceptional views of the Zambezi River, perfectly framing the spectacular mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley Escarpment.

    Nestled in a grove of Acacia and Mahogany trees, Ruckomechi Camp offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Zambezi River. Located on the western edge of Mana Pools National Park, the camp looks out towards the dramatic mountains of Africa's Great Rift Valley Escarpment.

  • Little Makalolo Camp

    Little Makalolo Camp is a truly delightful 6-roomed tented camp, offering an unrivaled sense of remoteness and exclusivity. As one of the very few camps nestled within the magnificent Hwange National Park, it provides unparalleled solitude for discerning visitors who cherish intimate camps.

    With breathtaking views across Hwange's stunning Makalolo Plains, this camp delivers an unforgettable safari experience, truly making it stand out as one of the best. The elevated location provides unparalleled opportunities to take in the sweeping landscape, while the camp itself exudes thoughtful design and luxurious touches.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Khulu Bush Camp

    Khulu Bush Camp invites you to embark on a journey into the heart of the African wilderness. Located on the edge of the renowned Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, the camp offers an exquisite safari experience with its exclusive safari suites and personal service.

    Here, adventure meets serenity, offering an unforgettable stay amid captivating landscapes and diverse wildlife. Whether you're after thrilling encounters with the "Big Five" or peaceful moments by the campfire, Khulu Bush Camp captures the essence of Africa, creating lifelong memories.

  • Somalisa Expeditions Camp

    Nestled in the heart of Hwange National Park, Somalisa Expeditions Camp provides an enchanting escape into the wild. This safari camp, consisting of only six luxurious tented suites, invites guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying exceptional comfort and service.

    With stunning views of the floodplain and direct access to a lively waterhole full of wildlife, visitors are assured a memorable experience with the sights and sounds of the African bush. Ideal for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, Expeditions Camp offers an unmatched safari experience.