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Gonarezhou National Park
About Gonarezhou National Park
Shona meaning “The Place of Elephants”, Gonarezhou National Park is Zimbabwe’s second-largest National Park and one of its most celebrated wilderness areas.
Zimbabwe has long celebrated its natural heritage through the creation and preservation of its National Parks. Gonarezhou National Park, in the South-East of the country, is one such refuge for Africa’s wild animals and a place of freedom unlike any other. When you will enter the Park, there are no tarred roads, barriers, or fences. Elephants are spotted right of way and the roars of lions claim the night for themselves.
Apart from the wilderness, Gonarezhou has also a unique conservation success story. It has a true conservation partnership between the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Gonarezhou National Park offers a unique and authentic Zimbabwe Safari experience. It is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Gonarezhou National Park TOURS AND SAFARIS
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Best time to visit
The Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou National Park is from June to October. This period, falling within the Dry season offers the prime wildlife viewing experience. Animals are more visible as they congregate around waterholes and rivers, and the sparse vegetation enhances visibility. While the Wet season from November to March sees some park areas less accessible, with the park usually closing in January and February, the Dry season months ensure the most rewarding and accessible safari adventures.
Wildlife
Gonarezhou National Park, known as the 'Place of Elephants,' is a Zimbabwe Wildlife haven home to Africa's iconic Big Five, including the recently reintroduced black rhino. With over 11,500 elephants, massive buffalo herds, and rare antelopes like Nyala and kudu, it offers a unique Zimbabwe Safari experience. Despite the elusive nature of predators like lions and cheetahs, the park's diverse animal population makes every visit memorable.
What To Experience
Game Viewing
Chilojo Cliffs
Walking Safaris
Bush Camps
Chipinda Pools
Travel Guide For Gonarezhou National Park
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Location and Map of Gonarezhou
Gonarezhou National Park is located in the southeastern region of Zimbabwe. It is situated in a remote corner of Masvingo Province, south of Chimanimani along the border of Mozambique.
Covering an area of 5,053 square kilometres, Gonarezhou is the country's second-largest national park, after Hwange National Park. The name Gonarzhou has the Shona meaning “The place of Elephants”.
This park comes under the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. It links Gonarezhou with Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique.
The northeast of the park lies within the Zambezian and Mopane woodlands and the southwestern part lies within the Southern Africa bushveld ecoregion.
Best Time to visit Gonarezhou
Each season has its own charm in Gonarezhou National Park. But overall, the cool-dry season from April to August is the Best Time To Visit Gonarezhou National Prak with a comfortable day and night temperature. It offers the best of game viewing around the waterholes can be spectacular!
November to March is the warm wet season in Zimbabwe. The daytime temperatures often reach above 35°C, and thundershowers can be common. So it becomes difficult to explore the Park.
How to get to Gonarezhou National park
Gonarezhou National Park is a relatively isolated place in Zimbabwe.
By Air:
Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is the point of arrival for most safaris to Zimbabwe. Or you can fly to Harare International Airport (HRE). Your safari package will probably include travel arrangements by the tour operator. They will transfer you from the airport to the hotel or lodge.
Chartered flights:
Chartered flights are generally organized by your tour operators, as part of the Zimbabwe Safari Package. Federal Airlines runs flights flies into Buffalo Range International Airport in Chiredzi.
By Road:
The park is also accessed by self-drive adventurers through two entry points: the North of the Park near the town of Chiredzi and the South near the Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor. These are joining Gonarezhou National Park to the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Gonarezhou National Park Entrance Fees
There are 4 major entrances to get into Gonarezhou National Park:
- The main Chipinda Pools Entrance in the North is accessible from Chiredzi Town via Ngundu-Tanganda Road.
- Save-Runde Basecamp Entrance is accessible via a sand crossing over the Save River near Mahenye. A 4WD vehicle is required!
- Boli Gate is accessible from Mwenezi via Boli on the Boli-Sango main road. Tourists through this gate must report to Mabalauta Office before proceeding to their camp.
- Sango Gate is accessible from Sango Border Post from Mozambique along the Sango-Boli Road (tourists through this gate MUST report to Mabalauta Office before proceeding to their camp)
- Malati Gate is accessible from the Sengwe-Tshipise Corridor up from the Limpopo River or Beitbridge along the Beithbridge-Chikwararkwara-Sengwe road (gravel from Beitbridge).
Note: Entrance Fees is included in your Zimbabwe Safari Cost.
CONSERVATION FEES OF GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK-
|
Age limit |
Local |
SADC |
International |
|
Adults |
USD3 |
USD8 |
USD10 |
|
Children (6-12 yrs) |
USD1.5 |
USD4 |
USD5 |
|
Children (Bellow 6 yrs) |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Things to do in Gonarezhou National Park
The Gonarezhou National park is renowned for its rocky outcrops, and Chilojo Cliffs which are among its major attractions. While you visit this Park on Your Zimbabwe Safari Tours, you will find many exciting activities to get engaged with. Those are-
Game viewing:
Gonarezhou National Park is an ideal place for wildlife enthusiasts. Thanks to its diverse habitat and exciting safari activities. The Gonarezhou has several main attractions including game viewing in safari vehicles.
You can see many wildlife activities while driving through the park. The wildlife you can spot like lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebra, and wild dogs are one of the park’s best features. You can see buffalos roam the plains, and elephants are spotted daily along the Runde River. You will also enjoy the Zimbabwe wildlife through a canoe safari.
Walking Safaris:
Gonarezhou is widely known for its finest wilderness character and offers some of the most scenic views in the region. Visiting the Park and exploring this on foot is an adventure to discover its spectacular landscapes.
The park is home to hundreds of baobab trees and you can experience these while on a walking safari. There is also a good guide who will provide you with plenty of information on the animals and plants that inhabit it.
Explore the Chilojo Cliffs:
Apart from the wildlife, another major drawcard is its magnificent Chilojo Cliffs. So, go on a game drive to witness these authentic red cliffs, which have been formed through aeons of erosion.
The cliffs are located east-west for approximately 20 km immediately south of the Runde River and 180 meters above the river course. The form of the cliffs is two-fold, with the near-vertical lower and upper sections separated from each other by a terrace up to 500 meters wide. So, explore the scenic Runde River valley, where you can see lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and other species.
Explore the Bush Camp in Gonarezhou:
Gonarezhou Bush Camp is a comfortable and beautiful tented camp located in the heart of Gonarezhou National Park. So, we suggest you explore this campsite while on your Safari To Zimbabwe.
Camp life is relaxed and gives comfort. The camp is operated on an exclusive booking basis. The welcoming staff and guides will treat you like very friendly and will make you enjoy the African camp life.
Wildlife Sightings
Gonarezhou is known as a Big Five destination with enormous wilderness. Game viewing may be a question of luck, but we can assure you will spot the elephant at some stage. After all, this is Gonarzhou, which means “the place of elephants”.
- With an estimated 11,000 elephants, it is one of the highest densities of pachyderms in any protected area in Africa.
- Apart from this, visitors can also spot a variety of wild animals including black rhinos, African wild dogs, lions, leopards, buffalos, hyenas, impalas, and so on.
- The rare cheetah is believed to be in the park although it is not clear when they have last spotted.
- Gonarezhou is an ideal park to witness some of the more unusual antelopes including the shy nyala antelope and the tiny suni.
- Apart from impressive wildlife, the park is also home to around 450 bird species including some rare ones.
Safari Game Drive in Gonarezhou National Park
In Gonarezhou, self-drive safaris are mostly introduced to be self-led. But from July 2022, Gonarzhou has offered a guided game drive with open 4WD safari vehicles. It takes a maximum of six people per drive.
It also offers morning and afternoon game drive like other parks in Africa. Visiting Gonarezhou with a registered operator would enable you to enjoy game drives, nature walks, fishing, and other activities.
Explore the gem of Zimbabwe- Gonarezhou National Park!
Gonarezhou National Park is a unique and special place of scenic beauty that contains hidden secrets for those who know its vastness. Despite its small size, the park is a world-class wildlife sanctuary which you should ensure to visit in a Zimbabwe Safari. It is an incredible place for travellers who come to explore the natural wonders.
best month to Visit gonarezhou national park
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Peak
Low
Mixed
Gonarezhou National Park in January
January in Gonarezhou National Park marks the wet season, with refreshing rains that can lead to occasional park closures. Despite this, the season offers a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the park's landscapes at their most lush and vibrant, providing a different but equally captivating Zimbabwe Safari adventure.
Gonarezhou National Park in February
Rainfall continues in February, keeping Gonarezhou National Park vibrant and lush. While some areas may be less accessible, the park's beauty is enhanced, offering serene and picturesque safari moments.
Gonarezhou National Park in March
The wet season eases in March, with diminishing rains and a mix of warm days and cool nights at Gonarezhou National Park. This transitional period offers a glimpse into the changing landscapes and wildlife patterns.
Gonarezhou National Park in April
Gonarezhou National Park Safari experiences a shift in April with the onset of the dry season, bringing cooler nights and diminishing rains. This period starts to offer clearer skies and better wildlife viewing opportunities as animals start congregating around water sources.
Gonarezhou National Park in May
May in Gonarezhou National Park sees the landscape drying out, with daytime warmth and significantly cooler nights. It's a time when wildlife begins to be more visible, gathering at dwindling waterholes, making early morning safaris particularly rewarding.
Gonarezhou National Park in June
June's cool and dry climate makes Gonarezhou National Park Safari Tours appealing for those looking to explore the great outdoors comfortably. With animals more visible and the landscape beginning to thin, it’s an excellent time for wildlife spotting.
Gonarezhou National Park in July
July offers some of the coolest weather for Gonarezhou Safari Tours, with clear, dry days and chilly nights. It’s the perfect time for visitors to enjoy extended game drives without the heat, spotting wildlife around scarce water sources.
Gonarezhou National Park in August
In August, Gonarezhou National Park begins to warm up, maintaining dry conditions ideal for game viewing. The thinning vegetation and gathering wildlife around waterholes make this month perfect for safari enthusiasts.
Gonarezhou National Park in September
Recognized as the Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou National Park, September offers warm, dry days for exceptional game viewing, with animals gathering at limited water sources.
Gonarezhou National Park in October
October is the hottest month in Gonarezhou National Park, right before the rainy season begins. The dry, hot conditions maximize wildlife spotting opportunities, with animals frequently visiting waterholes, offering spectacular safari experiences.
Gonarezhou National Park in November
The arrival of the rains in November brings a welcome relief from the heat in Gonarezhou National Park. While wildlife starts to disperse with the availability of water, the park’s beauty transforms, offering a different kind of safari experience.
Gonarezhou National Park in December
December sees Gonarezhou National Park in the full swing of the wet season, with regular afternoon showers and warm temperatures. The lush, green landscape and abundant water make wildlife sightings more challenging but reward visitors with stunning views and vibrant birdlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Gonarezhou National Park is situated in Zimbabwe's Masvingo province, southeast of the country. It's part of a larger conservation area that stretches into Mozambique's Limpopo National Park and South Africa's Kruger National Park, forming a vast trans frontier park.
Gonarezhou plays a crucial role in conservation, hosting a variety of species, including some at risk of extinction. Efforts to revive its wildlife populations showcase successful conservation that benefits from sustainable tourism, emphasizing the park's significance beyond its natural beauty.
The Best Time for a Gonarezhou National Park Safari is from July to October, during the dry season. This time offers milder temperatures and higher chances of wildlife sightings, as animals gather at water sources. The park closes annually from January 10th to March 1st due to the rainy season, affecting accessibility.
Yes, Gonarezhou falls within a malaria zone. Visitors should take precautions year-round, including taking prophylactic medications, using insect repellent frequently, and wearing protective clothing to minimize the risk, especially during the evenings.
During the dry season from April to October, Gonarezhou experiences little rainfall and moderate temperatures, especially from May to August. Morning and evening safaris can be cool. The wet season runs from November to March, featuring warmer days and potential storms.
Getting to Gonarezhou can vary. Some lodges offer airstrips for private charters, with common flight points being Buffalo Range International Airport or Harare International Airport, followed by a road transfer. For self-drivers, a 4x4 is recommended due to possible river crossings, especially when coming from Harare, Bulawayo, or crossing borders from Mozambique or South Africa's Kruger Park.
Bookings for Gonarezhou can be made directly with the park's reservation office or through partnering with us. They offer various options to accommodate visitors' needs and ensure a memorable experience.
For a Safari in Gonarezhou, wear purpose-made safari clothing tested for African conditions. Packing according to Gonarezhou's safari advice ensures you're prepared with all the essentials for an adventure in Zimbabwe, blending comfort with practicality for the outdoor experience.
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We travelled with Falcon Safaris in Zimbabwe and Botswana for 16 days. Falcon designed a wonderful trip with private guide to the most interesting sites in both countries. The organization of the whole trip was excellent, flights within the country, accommodation and activites. The guides were very knowledgable and told us a lot about the countries, their history, people, economy and much more. We visited the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Victoria Falls Tour and a number of national parks in both countries.
Rhino tracking was a real adventure! We had tremendous further game drives and saw very many animals - we did the Big Five. We had much more Victoria Falls Activities than planned and enjoyed very much.We strongly recommend Falcon Safaris to everyone planning a trip to Southern Africa and East Africa.
Wonderful trip to Zimbabwe and Botswana with excellent organization and very competent guides
Our Consultant Vimbai was very helpful and accommodating. We stayed at the Elephant hills hotel which was nothing short of amazing.Our activities included a helicopter flight, dinner cruise as well as a morning game drive. All the activities were absolutely amazing.
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We worked with Gertrude to schedule and organize everything and she did an excellent job. I asked a lot of questions via e-mail and she answered everyone in a timely helpful manner. Our guide at Victoria Falls was also great. He met us at the airport, provided a thoughtful tour of the Falls and got us to our next guide in Botswana. Our lodgings at River View Lodge were just as described- very comfortable and excellent food. All the staff were so pleasant and helpful. If I had to do it again I would arrange a morning boat ride as well. We only did the sunset boat rides and they were the high point of our entire trip- we saw so many animals and our guide was very knowledgeable. Just a great experience. Our lodgings at Oddball's Enclave was rustic and we loved it. So great to disconnect from the world for a bit. Leo, our guide, was the best - got us out and about, saw fantastic wildlife and got back to camp safely each time. Doc manages the camp so well. This whole trip was planned and organized by Falcon Safaris and we could not have been happier.
Fabulous, well planned trip
Falcon safaris have given my the correct advice with excellent service. The only suggestion will be to work closer with the lodges to confirm bookings as soon as possible. We have booked and pay our deposit a year in advance. We have only receive our final convermation from Chobe Safari lodge a week before departure. I do realize its not within your controle but with limit alternatives and a group of 14 people it becomes an issue to find alternative accomodation if the booking was cancelled.
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