Gonarezhou National Park
As the second largest park in Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou is an absolute wilderness filled with an abundance of animals, birds and breathtaking scenery. It forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park which is devoted to conservation and sustaining the biodiversity of the land. This results in the massive expanses of pure, unspoiled land where rivers flow strong and wildlife can thrive. Gonarezhou has some of the most spectacular landscape views you will ever see. From the beautiful red sandstone ridges of the Chilojo Cliffs to the many pools formed by the rivers running through the land, it is one of the most scenic parks in Zimbabwe!
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Best Time To Go
June - October
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Average Safari Cost
$200 - $700 pp/day
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Highlights
Beautiful scenery and sunset views, excellent birding spots, walking safaris, full moon walks, great wildlife viewing at many water sources, the beautiful red Chilojo Cliffs and much more!
Why Visit Gonarezhou National Park?
Gonarezhou is part of an area determined to preserve the natural land and its biodiversity, and support the growth of nearby local communities. This results in the park being a vast, untouched stretch of land where you can see a multitude of different wildlife species as well as experience the beauty and tranquillity of the scenic views. "Gonarezhou" translates to "place of many elephants" and the park definitely lives up to its name. Elephants roam proud and free throughout the land leaving trails of trampled shrub and broken braches in their wake.
There are three main rivers that flow through the park and provide multiple pools and water points at which animals gather to drink. This results in some excellent game viewing opportunities as you can spot many animals including lions and leopards!
The Chilojo Cliffs are a truly magnificent sight to see as they tower over the Runde River and provide a beautiful backdrop for photography.
Travel through the park in a 4x4 and experience a true African safari as this beautiful stretch of land has much to offer!
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Surreally massive expanse of untouched land
- So many different wildlife species to see
- Great destination for birdwatching
- Experiencing true wilderness - it never gets too busy or crowded
- Beautiful scenery
Cons
- Elephants can be skittish due to poaching in the past
- Low concentrations of wildlife
Best Time To Go
The best time to visit Gonarezhou for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October. During the dry months, vegetation is more sparse and animals tend to congregate at the pools and water sources which makes them easier to spot. Days are generally warm and pleasant with an average temperature of 81˚F (27˚C), while the nights are quite cold with temperatures lowering to about 52˚F (11˚C). It starts to get much hotter in October as the wet season approaches. There is also a lower risk of malaria during these months.
The wet season is from November to March. The most rain occurs from December to February, which can disrupt activities and certain roads may be inaccessible. The days are very hot and humid with temperatures of about 91˚F (33˚C) and nights are pleasant with temperatures around 68˚F (20˚C). The vegetation is much thicker and greener and there is a chance to see newborn animals during these months. This is also the best time for bird watching as migratory birds are present.
For more details about when to visit broken down by months/seasons see our Zimbabwe Safari - Complete Travel Guide.
Start your African Adventure
Popular Tours
Guided Tour of Zimbabwe Featuring Chobe
This tour will take you to most of Zimbabwe's tourist attraction which will give you the opportunity to explore the diverse landscape and culture of the country. A must do tour as it takes you to two countries in one trip.
9 Days Brilliant Zimbabwe Safari Honeymoon
Amorous Safari in Zimbabwe! A honeymoon is the celebration of one of the most special milestones in your life, and planning that perfect honeymoon can be a daunting task. Intricate Africa Safaris will organize your dream honeymoon with the carefully selected lodges in locations that will do justice to your special occasion. Come and celebrate your endless romance in Zimbabwe with Intricate Africa Safaris Accommodation. This safari honeymoon includes 8 nights' accommodation in Somalisa, Ruckomechi Camp, and Victoria Falls Hotel.
Ruckomechi Camp
Shaded by a large grove of acacia and mahogany trees, the camp accommodates guests in ten spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including two family rooms, all of which overlook the river. The central dining, bar and lounge areas face the escarpment, and there is a separate pool deck swimming and sunbathing, and an inviting fire deck for convivial evenings under the African skies. A romantic star-bed situated nearby overlooking a productive waterhole completes the Ruckomechi experience.
Victoria Falls Hotel
Victoria Falls Hotel is a grand 111 year old 5 Star hotel that boasts epic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the magnificent Victoria Falls themselves. On arrival at the Victoria Falls Hotel you are greeted by the friendly staff. As you enter the building your senses are splashed with grand splendor as rich teak furnishings and century old picture frames take you back in time to the early 19th Century. The Hotel is steeped in history as it was originally built in 1904. Enjoy a Gin and Tonic or the famous Victoria Falls Hotel High Tea on the wide veranda as you take in the epic views of the bridge and the magnificent Victoria Falls themselves. Standing on the terrace you look straight down the Batoka Gorge at the bridge with the spray of the falls in the background. The Victoria Falls Hotel has a private pathway that leads to the Victoria Falls which is an easy 10-minute walk away
Wildlife And Birds
Rare Animals
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Wild dog
Frequently Seen Animals
- Elephant
- Hippo
- Buffalo
- Zebra
Gonarezhou National Park has over 400 recorded species of bird and makes a fantastic destination for bird watching. From elusive Narina trogons and Pel's fishing owls to African fish eagles and peregrine falcons, the park supports an incredible variety of different bird species. Many birds can find food and nourishment along and in the rivers while others search the lands for their prey.
Endangered Birds
- Saddle-billed stork
- African skimmer
- Lappet-faced vulture
Getting There And Safety
Charter flights to airstrips in Gonarezhou can be booked from Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. Tour packages usually arrange for pick-ups or charter flights for travellers so check with your operator if this is a part of your safari package. You can also self-drive a 4x4 to the park, however it is not recommended in the wet season as the roads are wet and difficult to navigate.
If you are based in the UK and Europe, check out these flights to Zimbabwe
If you are based in the USA and Canada, check out these flights to Zimbabwe
For more details about flights see our Zimbabwe Safari - Complete Travel Guide.
All foreign visitors must have a passport, with a minimum of 3 blank pages, that is valid for at least 6 months after their visit. Foreign visitors of most nationalities may obtain a visa upon arriving in the country. You can check whether you can obtain a visa upon arrival or if you need to apply for one in advance here.
The vaccinations recommended for Zimbabwe are cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A and hepatitis B. There is also a risk for malaria, especially from October - May, so anti-malarial drugs are advised as well as bringing insect repellent.
It is better to check with your local medical authority which vaccinations are required.
Bilharzia can also be contracted from contaminated food or water and is present in the rivers so take the necessary precautions and be sure to only drink and use bottled water.
For more details about visas see our Zimbabwe Safari - Complete Travel Guide.
Going on a safari in Africa comes with obvious risks. We recommend you get travel insurance for all safaris in Zimbabwe. Make sure your insurance has full medical coverage, emergency air evacuation, repatriation and the standard travel insurance for cancellations, delays and luggage cover.
Check World Nomads’ travel insurance calculator to see the cost of the safari trip cover.
Pack clothes for both warm and cool weather as it can get very hot during the day and quite cold at night depending on what time of the year you go. Try to pack neutral, earthy toned clothes and avoid bright colours and white. Other essential items are a hat, sunglasses, sun screen, toiletries, closed shoes, torch, batteries, insect repellent, first aid kit, binoculars and camera.
For more details on what to pack see our safari packing list.