Gonarezhou National Park, in the south-eastern corner of the country, is a truly, mainly unspoiled wilderness area and one of the best places to immerse yourself with the bush, combining remoteness with spectacular sceneries. The flaming-orange sandstone Chilojo Cliffs glowing gold at sunset, mopane woodland, mahogany and giant baobabs, ironwood forest, lagoons and riverine forest paint the photographic landscape here in Gonrezhou and are home to varied habitats who are responsible for the richest biodiversity of any Zimbabwean national park. Keen birders will want to spend several days in this beautiful park which boasts an impressive list of specials, including our African fish eagle. Birding at Gonarezhou National Park is best from November to April, however it is usually good all year. Gonarezhou is the only park in southern Africa that is home to all 6 of the smallest antilope.
This isolated national park hasn’t yet made it onto the travellers’ radar. Only few visitors make the journey to Gonarezhou National Park. On the border with Mozambique and an eight-hour drive from Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare.
The presence of elephants is everywhere. The name Gonarezhou translates from Shona as ‘the place of elephants’, a reserve which is home to over 11,000 elephants.
After Hwange NP, Gonarezhou NP is Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park established in 1975 but with a difficult time in the past. Elephants suffered from hunting and poaching and during the civil wars wildlife was caught in the crossfire. Luckily an incredible conservation operation and regeneration made a change. The improvements also benefit the entire local community, the Shangaan people.
Wildlife populations are booming, zebra’s, buffalo’s, lions and leopards make regular appearances. Hippos repose in pools and enormous crocodiles bask on the sandbanks. The dry season (June to October) is the greatest time to see animals in the park.
