Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou National Park is in southeastern Zimbabwe. The Gonarezhou National Park is one of the iconic wilderness areas of Africa, with relatively few tourists but boasting an amazing diversity of landscapes, features, and growing wildlife populations. Owing to its vast size, rugged terrain and its location away from main tourist routes, large tracts of Gonarezhou remain pristine wilderness.

It is situated in a relatively remote corner of Masvingo Province, south of Chimanimani, along the Mozambique border.

At 5,053 square kilometres (1,951 sq mi), Gonarezhou is the Zimbabwe's second-largest national park, after Hwange National Park. The name Gonarezhou is translated from the Shona meaning "The Place of Elephants".

The Gonarezhou National Park was established as a protected area in 1936 as a Game Reserve, eventually being proclaimed a National Park in 1975. The park has had a turbulent history and was closed to the public during the Rhodesian War and again during much of the Mozambique civil war but was re-opened in 1994. Between 1994 and 2007, the Gonarezhou National Park was wholly managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, however the economic challenges in Zimbabwe up to 2007 meant that there was little reinvestment in infrastructure and protection of the Park. In 2007, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority entered into a financial and technical assistance model for the Gonarezhou National Park with the Frankfurt Zoological Society. This model lasted up until 2017 and focused on investing in infrastructure and the protection of the Park's resources. In March 2017, management of the Gonarezhou was handed over to the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, a co-management partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. This co-management model, overseen by a board of trustees represented equally by both partners, was created to establish a platform to enhance investment into the long-term sustainability of the Park - a key feature of which being the retention of tourism funds at a Park level for direct reinvestment into the Gonarezhou.

Historically the park has been a habitat for the endangered Cape wild dog (Lycaon pictus); and in 2010 there were several sightings of wild dogs in the park. Other mammals that inhabit the park are elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, zebra, nyala, wildebeest, black and white rhinoceros, lion, leopard, cheetah, and hyena.

Gonarezhou National Park is in remote southeastern Zimbabwe. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle, organized safari or charter aircraft. Chiredzi is the main supply town and the most convenient gateway to the northern part of the park.

The most commonly used entrance is Chipinda Pools Gate, reached from Chiredzi via the Ngundu–Tanganda road. Other access points include Save–Runde Basecamp, reached near Mahenye by crossing the sandy Save River; Boli Gate and Sango Gate in the south; and Malipati Gate, approached from the Limpopo Valley or from Beitbridge through Chikwarakwara and Sengwe. Visitors entering through Boli or Sango must report to the park office at Mabalauta before continuing to their accommodation. The Save River crossing requires a 4×4.

There is no direct tourist crossing from Kruger National Park into Gonarezhou. Travelers coming from South Africa may cross at Pafuri into Mozambique, travel north through Limpopo National Park and enter Zimbabwe near Sango, but this journey includes sandy river crossings and should be attempted only after checking border, road and weather conditions.

With prior authorization, charter aircraft can use the registered airstrips at Chipinda Pools, Mabalauta and Malipati. International charter passengers can complete customs and immigration procedures at Buffalo Range Airport near Chiredzi. Contact the park reservations office at least seven days before flying in.

The park closes to ordinary tourist access annually from 10 January until 1 March. Many remote camps and tracks also close from late November until March or April because of flooding and poor road conditions.

Visitors pay separate conservation or entrance fees and vehicle fees. Overnight visitors must also pay for their campsite or self-catering accommodation, and certain community-operated facilities add a community levy. Rates differ for Zimbabwean residents, SADC residents and international visitors. Because tariffs and payment arrangements change, obtain the latest quotation directly from Gonarezhou reservations before travelling. Accommodation prices displayed by the park generally exclude conservation, vehicle, community and optional activity charges.

Day visitors may normally enter without an advance accommodation booking, but campsites, tented camps and self-catering lodges should be reserved beforehand. Self-drive bookings are handled through reservations@gonarezhou.org or ☏ +263 779 788 811.

A separate permit is required for fishing. Fishing is available only to overnight visitors at designated locations, and day visitors cannot obtain fishing permits. Catch-and-release is encouraged, and fish may not be removed from the park. Confirm that fishing is permitted at your chosen campsite before booking.

Motorcycles are not normally permitted without special authorization. Vehicles weighing more than three tonnes may be restricted to primary roads, while vehicles above five tonnes require advance notice, incur special charges and may be limited to the nearest suitable campsite. Chartered flights also require prior approval.

Gonarezhou is vast, remote and best explored in a high-clearance 4×4. During the dry season, some principal roads can be driven in a high-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicle, but four-wheel drive is strongly recommended for sandy tracks, river crossings and remote areas. Travelers attempting difficult crossings should carry recovery equipment and preferably travel with a second vehicle.

Self-drive game viewing is permitted on designated roads. Distances can be deceptive: the Chilojo Cliffs are about 2½ hours from Chipinda Pools Gate under reasonable conditions, without allowing for wildlife stops or road difficulties. Do not attempt a flooded river, deep sand or damaged track unless certain that the vehicle and driver can manage it.

There is no public transport inside the park. Visitors without a suitable vehicle should arrange a guided game drive through the park or one of its registered safari operators. Guided itineraries may include game drives, walking safaris and mobile camps in areas that are difficult for independent visitors to reach.

Independent walking is unsafe outside camps, picnic sites and other designated areas. Walking safaris must be conducted with a licensed professional guide. Motorcycles require special permission and are generally not admitted.

• Chilojo Cliffs – sandstone cliffs towering 180 metres (590 ft) high and running for some 20 kilometres (12 mi) along the south bank of the Runde River
• Tembwahata pan and Machanu pan – formed at the junction of the Save River and Runde River
• Naymtongwe Plateau – a remnant of the Chilojo Cliffs
• Ntambambomvu Red Hills – densely wooded hill slopes standing above the Malvernia sand beds and the Mwenezi River valley
• Samalema Gorge – where the Mwenezi River carves through solid igneous rock-forming a braided river gorge

Take a self-drive or guided game drive through the Runde and Mwenezi river valleys. Gonarezhou is especially known for elephants, but visitors may also encounter buffaloes, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, antelopes, crocodiles and hippos. Wildlife is spread across a huge area, so patience and several days in the park are rewarding.

Visit the Chilojo Cliffs, the park’s best-known scenic landmark. The red sandstone cliffs rise above the Runde River and are particularly striking in the early morning and late afternoon. Several nearby viewpoints and picnic areas provide opportunities for photography, although no fires are permitted at picnic sites.

Go birdwatching in riverine woodland, mopane country, pans and seasonal wetlands. More than 450 bird species have been recorded, including Lowveld and river specialists. Early mornings are generally the most productive time for birding.

Join a guided walking safari or privately guided mobile expedition. Registered operators offer short walks, multi-day trails and customized safaris into remote sections of the park. Cultural excursions to nearby Shangaan communities may also be arranged through participating guides and lodges.

Fishing is possible from certain designated overnight sites with a permit. The Runde, Save and Mwenezi systems contain more than 50 fish species, but fishing areas are restricted for visitor safety and to protect aquatic life.

Other popular activities include photography, stargazing, picnicking and watching sunrise or sunset from the riverbanks. Gonarezhou’s limited artificial lighting and isolated camps make clear nights especially impressive.

There are no convenience stores, fuel stations or general shops inside Gonarezhou. Buy food, drinking water, ice, fuel, medicines, insect repellent and other supplies before entering. Chiredzi, approximately an hour from Chipinda Pools, has supermarkets, filling stations, pharmacies and other essential services.

Self-catering accommodation has kitchens or kitchenettes and refrigeration, but guests must bring their own food, drinks and personal supplies. Campers should also bring firewood or confirm where authorized bundles can be purchased; collecting wood inside the park is not appropriate.

Limited locally made crafts may be available through community camps or cultural visits. Carry some US-dollar cash in small denominations, but confirm accepted payment methods with the park before arrival.

There are no ordinary public restaurants inside the park. Most accommodation is self-catering, so visitors must bring all food and cooking supplies. Equipped facilities generally provide cooking utensils, crockery, refrigeration and braai areas, but details differ between camps.

Registered guides and safari operators can arrange fully catered trips, packed lunches, bush meals and private camp dining. These services must be booked in advance and should not be assumed to be available to independent visitors.

Day visitors should carry a packed meal and emergency food. Designated picnic sites may be used during game drives, but fires are prohibited and all food scraps and rubbish must be removed. Store food securely because baboons, monkeys, hyenas and other wildlife may investigate unattended supplies.

Bring enough safe drinking water for the entire visit, plus an emergency reserve. There are no shops inside the park, and daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C during the hot season.

Self-catering camps and developed campsites have running water drawn from boreholes or river sand, but the water is untreated and should not automatically be considered safe to drink. Wilderness, exclusive and transit campsites may have no water at all. Bring bottled or properly treated water for drinking and cooking.

Do not approach a river alone to collect water. Crocodiles, hippos, elephants and other wildlife use the riverbanks. Water taken from a natural source must be boiled, filtered or disinfected before consumption.

There are no public bars in the park. Visitors should bring their own soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, or arrange drinks through a catered safari operator. Avoid alcohol before driving, fishing or walking activities.

• Swimuwini Rest Camp – managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Authority, this is self-catering accommodation on the Mwenezi River

Gonarezhou is an isolated wilderness with limited services and long distances between camps. Carry sufficient food and water, a first-aid kit, spare tyres, a compressor, basic tools, recovery equipment and enough fuel to complete the planned route. Stay on designated roads and do not attempt an uncertain crossing or obstacle merely because it appears on a map.

Elephants are numerous and can behave defensively. Give them plenty of room, never drive between members of a herd and do not block their route. Keep an escape path open, remain calm and avoid hooting, shouting, revving the engine or rushing past an elephant. Back away slowly when necessary.

Most campsites and self-catering facilities are unfenced, allowing elephants, lions, hyenas, buffaloes and other wildlife to pass through. Keep children close, do not walk away from camp after dark, store food securely and use a bright torch. Never sleep outside an enclosed tent except at an authorized raised platform or as part of an organized activity.

Exercise extreme caution beside rivers and pools. Crocodiles and hippos are present, and elephants frequently visit the water. Do not swim, wade or stand at the water’s edge, and fish only at approved locations.

The park lies in a malaria-risk country. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and trousers after sunset, sleep under a mosquito net and discuss preventive medication with a medical professional before travelling.

The hot-wet season brings thunderstorms, flooded rivers and temperatures above 35°C. The late dry season can be even hotter near exposed river valleys. Plan outdoor activity around the coolest hours, drink regularly and obey seasonal closures and instructions from park staff.

Gonarezhou follows a strict carry-in, carry-out policy. Remove all rubbish, never feed animals and leave campsites and picnic areas as you found them.

• Chiredzi — The principal gateway and resupply centre, with supermarkets, fuel, accommodation and Buffalo Range Airport. It is the logical stop before entering or after leaving through Chipinda Pools.
• Mahenye and Chilo Gorge — Immediately north of the park near the Save River. Chilo Gorge Lodge and the surrounding community-conservation area provide guided park visits, cultural activities and views into Gonarezhou.
• Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve — A private conservation area bordering Gonarezhou, known for luxury accommodation, guided wildlife viewing and access to the wider Lowveld ecosystem.
• Great Zimbabwe and Masvingo — Continue northwest to Zimbabwe’s best-known archaeological site, Lake Mutirikwi and the regional city of Masvingo.
• Limpopo National Park — Cross into Mozambique through an official border post to continue through the Great Limpopo Transfrontier landscape. Border formalities, road conditions and river crossings should be checked before departure.
• Kruger National Park — Gonarezhou, Limpopo and Kruger form the core of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, but there is not yet a direct visitor crossing from Gonarezhou into Kruger. Travel normally requires entering Mozambique and crossing onward into South Africa.