Overview–zimbabwe

Gonarezhou National Park

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 Visit

From June to October, during the middle and end of the Dry season, is the best time for viewing wildlife in Gonarezhou National Park. Spotting animals is easier in these months because wildlife gathers around waterholes and rivers and the vegetation has thinned out. During the Wet season (November to March), access to certain parts of the park is restricted. Gonarezhou usually closes over most of January and February.

April to October –Dry Season – Winter

Animals are easier to spot because they gather around water sources and vegetation is thinner
Clear skies and little rain
The malaria risk is reduced as there are fewer mosquitoes
It is not as hot (except in October)
It is arid and dusty
Game drives in the early morning are cold; bring warm, windproof clothing

November to March –Wet Season – Summer

The landscape is green and fresh
There are many newborn animals
Arrival of the migratory birds makes for great bird-watching
The park is closed over most of January and February
Some roads become difficult to navigate
Wildlife viewing is not as good as during the Dry season
It is hot and humid

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 winter thorn. 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.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Jan

Feb

Mar

Dec

April

May

Nov

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

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

High Season

From: June to August (The park is rarely busy)

Size

From: 5,000km² / 1,930mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Most of Africa’s iconic large mammals are present in Gonarezhou National Park. This includes all the Big Five, following the reintroduction of black rhino in 2021 after 27 years’ absence. The elephant population is estimated at 11,500, and buffalo herds of up to 500 are sometimes encountered. Other wildlife includes giraffe, zebra, hippo, warthog, baboon and a variety of carnivores and antelope.

Wildlife Highlights

Gonarezhou is a Shangaan name meaning ‘Place of Elephants’, and the high profile of these magnificent creatures is the park’s defining wildlife experience. Lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and African wild dog all occur at low densities, but sightings are relatively uncommon. Gonarezhou is a good place to see some unusual antelope species, such as the handsome nyala, the magnificently horned greater kudu and the tiny suni.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for viewing wildlife in Gonarezhou is from June to October, during the middle and end of the Dry season. Wildlife is easier to spot then because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around predictable water sources. Roads might become difficult to navigate in the Wet Season (November to March). The park usually closes over most of January and February.

General Wheather

Gonarezhou National Park’s climate is warm. Winter (the Dry season) and summer (the Wet season) happen at opposite times to those seasons in Europe, Asia, and North America. October to April are the hottest months, while May through to September are cooler. The Dry season (April to October) is characterized by cloudless skies and plenty of sunshine. The Wet season (November to March) brings afternoon storms.

Dry Season –April to October – Winter

April – This is the beginning of the Dry season. Rains are still possible but become fewer and further between. Temperatures begin to cool, particularly at night.
May, June, July & August – This is the coldest time, with August warming a bit. During the day, temperatures are around 27°C/81°F. Nighttime temperatures are around 12°C/54°F. Bring warm clothing for game drives early in the morning.
September & October – It remains dry most of the time, although the end of October brings the first rains, which are a relief. Days are hot with temperatures reaching over 31°C/88°F. Morning game drives tend to be warmer.

Wet Season –November to March – Summer

November – Although rains don't fall every day, the Wet season has begun.
December, January & February – These are the wettest months. Rain typically falls two or three days per week, usually in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures average 34°C/93°F while nighttime and early mornings average 19°C/66°F. The park usually closes over most of January and February.
March – The end of the Wet season comes and the rains diminish. Temperatures average between 33°C/91°F and 17°C/63°F during the day and night, respectively.

Prons

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

Cons

Wildlife densities are low (but swiftly improving)
Limited upmarket accommodation options
Internal roads require 4x4 vehicles and some may close in the Wet season

How To Get There

There are two main entrances to the remote Gonarezhou National Park. In the north, Chipinda Pools, 500km/310mi south of Harare, provides access to the Chilojo Cliffs and Save-Runde Confluence in the northeast. In the southwest, the relatively little-used Boli Gate, near the Mabalauta Office, lies 670km/415mi south of Harare. Internal roads require 4WD vehicles. A Dry season border crossing from Kruger National Park (South Africa), involving a pontoon across the Limpopo River, operates twice weekly by prior arrangement with the park.

Federal Airlines runs twice-weekly scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Buffalo Range International Airport (BFO) near Chiredzi, the closest town to Chipinda Pools. The road transfer from the airport to Chipinda Pools takes around 1 hour*. Tour operators can organize charter flights from Harare or elsewhere in Zimbabwe to the airstrip at Chipinda Pools. Most charter flights will be organized as part of your tour package.

Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) will be the point of arrival for most safaris. Alternatively, you can fly to Harare’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE). Your safari package will probably include travel arrangements throughout the country booked by your tour operator. They will also arrange your pick-up at the airport and/or hotel.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA), and what tickets would cost.