GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK
As wild and private as it gets >

Imagine yourself standing on the edge of the ancient Chilojo Cliffs, watching the mighty Runde River wind its way through a vast and rugged wilderness. This is Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe's second-largest reserve and a paradise for adventurous souls seeking an authentic African safari experience.

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Gonarezhou's story stretches back millennia, its rugged sandstone formations and diverse ecosystems bearing witness to a vibrant natural history. Established in 1975, the park has become a vital stronghold for conservation, protecting over 5,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness.

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Gonarezhou lies in the remote southeast corner of Zimbabwe, neighboring Mozambique and South Africa. While this off-the-beaten-path location adds to the allure, getting there offers its own adventure. Fly into Masvingo and continue overland, soaking in the changing landscapes, or opt for a scenic charter flight for breathtaking aerial views. From the air or on the ground, you will witness a mosaic of wild landscapes: from rugged hills and towering cliffs to sweeping savannas and dense woodlands, Gonarezhou encompasses a stunning diversity of habitats. Each ecosystem teems with life, creating a mosaic of wonder waiting to be explored.

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Like much of Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou is synonymous with elephants, and rightly so. It boasts the highest density of these gentle giants in any protected area in Africa, crossing borders between South Africa's Kruger National Park and Botswana's Tuli Wilderness Area. They are shy here,  but large herds are frequently seen walking steadily across the sandy riverbeds, dust rising in their wake. But Gonarezhou's wildlife repertoire extends far beyond elephants. Look out for prides of lions basking in the shade, leopards stalking through the bush, and the occasional cheetah - a black rhino is also a possibility. Other highlights include zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and a kaleidoscope of birdlife.

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Our Gonarezhou choices are limited - essentially one luxury lodge and then a down-to-earth tented lodge and then wild, fly-camps - offering the thrill of sleeping in riverbeds, under the starlit sky, or if you are in the lodge, a charming chalet perched on the riverbank, where hippos serenade you at night.

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The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit Gonarezhou, one might call it a photographer's paradise but it. is harder work finding animals here but it will be on your own - a vast undiscovered paradise for the adventurous and active traveler, with dramatic landscapes and animals concentrating along the rivers.

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While game drives are the heart of any Gonarezhou safari, the park offers a plethora of activities to deepen your connection with the wilderness. Embark on exhilarating bush walks and multi-day hiking with experienced guides, feeling the thrill of being on foot in the wild.

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Gonarezhou is more than just a safari destination; it's a journey into the raw beauty and untamed spirit of Africa. It's a place where elephants reign supreme, and the wilderness whispers secrets to those who listen closely. So, pack your spirit of adventure, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to be captivated by the magic of Gonarezhou National Park.