Zinave National Park – Overview

A protected area since 1972, Zinave National Park is the most northerly component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA). It suffered years of intensive poaching prior to the intervention of the Peace Parks Foundation, which translocated thousands of animals into a core sanctuary along the Save River. Now home to all of the Big Five, Zinave is an underrated choice for an off-the-beaten-track safari.

Best Time To Go

July to October (Animals are easier to spot)

High Season

Never (Little-visited park)

Size More info

4,080km² / 1,575mi²

Altitude More info

50-194m / 164-636ft

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Pros & Cons

• Off-the-beaten-track destination
• Accessible from the popular Vilanculos–Bazaruto Archipelago area
• Chance to support a very worthwhile conservation effort
• Entrance and accommodations fees are very budget-friendly
• Wildlife concentrations are high in the 186km²/72mi² core sanctuary
• All of the Big Five are present, with elephant, rhino and buffalo often seen
• Wildlife densities are still low outside of the core sanctuary
• Predators are scarce
• Only one basic tented camp and campsites

Wildlife

Thanks to massive rewilding efforts, Zinave has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years. Since the reintroduction of black and white rhinos in 2022, all of the Big Five can be seen alongside a wide variety of antelope and other grazers. Predator numbers are still low, but nomadic lions have found their own way to the park, and several spotted hyenas and leopards have been translocated to help boost the park’s small resident populations and restore the ecosystem.

Scenery

The Save River, Zinave’s northern border, is the focal point of the park. The park’s only camp features several tents overlooking a scenic spot of the river with a resident hippo pod. The landscape features areas of acacia woodland and miombo forest. But it’s the ancient baobab trees, some of them thousands of years old, that are most impressive.

Activities

Zinave functions entirely as a self-drive destination and a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to explore its rough roads. A good goal for a game drive is the tree platform perched on a giant baobab above Leadwood Pan. You can also talk to the rangers to find out about the most productive game-drive tracks. There are currently no organized activities, but if you spend a couple of days here, you could try to arrange a walking safari.

Weather & Climate

Zinave has a tropical climate. It is warm to hot in the Dry season, from May to October. It gets extremely hot and humid in the Wet season, from November to April, but afternoon showers usually break the heat.

Best Time To Visit

Zinave is best visited in the middle and end of the Dry season, from July to October. This is when wildlife viewing is at its best. October might be extremely hot, though. During the rainy season, the months from November to March tend to be very hot and humid with regular downpours disrupting activities.

Want To Visit Zinave NP?

• Tour Operators for Zinave