Gonarezhou National Park – Overview

Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe’s second largest, is an underrated Big Five destination set within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, an area that also incorporates South Africa’s Kruger National Park and parts of Mozambique. Historically wildlife densities have suffered as a result of poaching. Under the joint management of the Frankfurt Zoological Society since 2017, however, Gonarezhou has been transformed into one of Africa’s best-kept wildlife-viewing secrets.

Best Time To Go

June to October (Middle to end of the Dry season)

High Season

June to August (The park is rarely busy)

Size More info

5,000km² / 1,930mi²

Altitude More info

165-530m / 541-1,739ft

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Pros & Cons

• Huge, untamed wilderness area
• Magnificent scenery includes the Runde and Save Rivers and Chilojo Cliffs
• Great wildlife diversity with the Big Five and abundant elephants
• Excellent birding destination
• Few visitors and it never gets busy
• Walking safaris are available
• Wildlife densities are low (but swiftly improving)
• Limited upmarket accommodation options
• Internal roads require 4x4 vehicle and some may close in the Wet season

Wildlife

All of the Big Five are present following the reintroduction of black rhino (for the second time) in 2021. Gonarezhou’s elephant population is one of the densest in the world, but maternal herds are sometimes quite skittish. The park also supports large numbers of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest, while other antelopes include nyala, greater kudu, eland, roan and sable. Wild dogs are occasionally spotted as well.

Scenery

The scenic highlight of Gonarezhou is Chilojo, a long red sandstone cliff that towers above the Runde River and is devastatingly spectacular whether viewed from above or below. More understated is the Save-Runde Confluence, which comprises a grassy floodplain interspersed with palm-lined pans, stately old baobabs and beautiful spreads of mahogany, ironwood and winterthorn. The rest of the park supports an endless cover of combretum and mopane woodland.

Activities

For those on a self-drive safari, the only activity within the park is game drives, which are most rewarding around Chipinda Pools, Chilojo Cliffs and the Save-Runde Confluence. For those on a professionally guided safari or based at Chilo Gorge (the only lodge servicing the park), guided walking safaris are highly recommended and offer a better chance of tracking big cats. A highlight for those staying at Chilo Gorge is sundowners overlooking Chivilila Falls.

Weather & Climate

The weather at Gonarezhou is sunny and bright throughout the Dry season (April to October), though you need warm clothing to deal with the chill of early morning game drives. The Wet season (November to March) sees the temperature rise and storm clouds spread across the sky on most afternoons.

Best Time To Visit

Wildlife viewing is most rewarding from June to October, during the middle and end of the Dry season, when the rains have ended and the vegetation has thinned out. Gonarezhou is generally closed for most of January and February, as roads often become impassable. You can visit at other times during the humid Wet season (which runs from November to March), but roads might still be in poor condition and animals are harder to find.

Want To Visit Gonarezhou NP?

• Gonarezhou Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Gonarezhou