Imagine teleporting back into prehistoric times, when dinosaurs roamed Earth, and there was no artificial light source in sight or a rumbling engine in earshot. Enter a Gonarezhou National Park safari, an experience so utterly wild and remote that you'll feel like you're one of the last people on the planet. So, join me as we take a closer look at why a Gonarezhou National Park safari in Zimbabwe is one of our favourite African secrets...
How's this for WOW, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Gonarezhou, The Place of Elephants
Yes, I know, the word "Gonarezhou" is quite a mouthful, seeming like just a bunch of letters scrambled together. So, to help you pronounce it, repeat after me: "Gonna-Re-Zhoo".
It means "place of elephants", and although we unfortunately can't promise dinosaur sightings, you can enjoy prehistoric-looking elephants, rhinos, and crocodiles instead!
Place of elephants and rich ecological diversity, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Southern Africa's Stripped Back Safari Star
Gonarezhou National Park is located in the southeast corner of Zimbabwe, bordering Mozambique, and is the country's second-largest national park.
It's massive and absolutely wild. In fact, it's one of the most authentic safari experiences you get on our continent. If you want to really lose yourself in Mother Nature's untamed beauty with no restraints, then this is a dream come true for you.
As it's so remote and rugged, we recommend a fly-in safari with a charter flight from Harare International Airport to a private airstrip near the national park. We don't recommend self-drives here, as you're really heading into the belly of the wild.
Enjoy aerial views upon arrival, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
A Glimpse of Gonarezhou's Jurassic-Like Landscapes
When I said this national park is reminiscent of prehistoric times, I meant it. There are very few places in the world with such a variety of untouched ecological spaces.
Mother Nature has the best paintbrush, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Picture impresive reddish and white sandstone cliffs, overlooking sweeping Serengeti-like grasslands dotted with giraffes, nyalas, impalas and other wildlife roaming free. Next moment, you're surrounded by woodlands, nyala berry trees, and winding rivers in between.
There are more than 493 plant species, of which 333 are woody species, and 160 are herbaceous species. However, I can't help feeling there might be some species out there we are yet to discover... So, put on your best explorer hat for a Gonarezhou National Park safari!
From woodlands to water, grasslands, and towering cliffs, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
What Wildlife Can I See on a Gonarezhou National Park Safari?
When on a Gonarezhou National Park safari, you'll likely never encounter anyone else. It's just so vast and such an off-the-beaten-track destination that you'll feel like you have it all to yourself.
As the name suggests, you can see lots of elephants as it has a large population. And, yes, you can also see the rest of the Big 5, namely the lion, leopard, rhino, and African buffalo.
On land, there are 89 large mammal and 61 small mammal species roaming free here. There are also 116 reptiles, 34 amphibians, and more than 50 fish species.
Did someone say "spa day?", Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
It also makes sense that you can see some endangered species since this is such a unique setting. For example, the black rhino, African wild dog, lappet-faced vulture, and the near-endemic turquoise killifish are all found here.
The Save River is a popular gathering place for wildlife, and we love that the water can look quite clear, so you can easily spot those species lurking beneath the surface!
Hippos wallowing in the Save River, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Where to Stay in Gonarezhou National Park
We recommend you stay at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge when visiting Gonarezhou National Park. We love that it's perched high on the cliff, overlooking prime views of the ever-busy Save River. The private balconies are the perfect spot to just sit and watch the wildlife go about their business undisturbed.
Best seat in Gonarezhou, overlooking the Save River, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
The pool also overlooks this view, and let's just say that sunset will be a highlight of your every day in Gonarezhou National Park. Get ready to take lots and lots of photos!
Sit and stare at the sunset, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Explore the Gonarezhou National Park
There are many different safari activities to enjoy on a Gonarezhou National Park safari. When going on game drives, you might have to take a slight detour... on a boat!
Yes, often the terrain is so wild that you have to jump off your game drive vehicle, onto a boat to cross a river, and then on a diffrent vehicle. We love how this just adds another layer of adventure to the experience.
You can also go on walking safaris for a more immersive, up-close exploration of the vegetation and smaller details.
The best kind of drive is a game drive, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Take the Adventure up a Notch
Let's get even wilder by heading out on a fly-camping adventure! Yes, it's camping in its most basic form (without you having to pitch any tents, of course. You just pitch up!). Think unfiltered nature all around, sitting around the crackling fire, and feeling that deep feeling of inner peace settle over you.
This activity is for the true adventurer who will enjoy bucket showers, hearty yet basic meals, and just meeting Mother Nature face-to-face.
Camp out in the wilderness, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Add a Dash of Culture to Your Gonarezhou Safari
As a lodge that focuses on community-led conservation, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge works with and supports a wide range of initiatives that aim to bring community and conservation closer while also showing guests visiting Gonarezhou National Park how their travels have a positive effect on both.
When staying at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, you can learn more about the local Shangaan culture, including their farming methods, cooking methods, natural medicine, and crafts.
Step into the Shangaan locals' world, Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Let's Take You on a Gonarezhou National Park Safari
If you're an explorer at heart who wants more from their travels than the standard, expected tourist sights, then Gonarezhou National Park is for you. Our Travel Experts know this hidden gem inside out and can plan a safari to make your heart sing songs you never knew it could.
Plus, we'll also recommend other destinations you can explore that pair beautifully with Gonarezhou National Park. For example, we highly recommend you visit Victoria Falls while in Zimbabwe, and adding a stop in beach destination Mozambique is a breeze.
Reach out today, and let's start planning! See you in Africa.
Ready, set, Africa! Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Featured Image Credit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
