Discover Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou, named “The Place of Elephants“, is Zimbabwe’s second-largest National Park and one of its most famed wilderness areas. Stretching over 5,053 square kilometers, some 1.25 million acres, from the Save River in the north to the Mwenezi River to the south, the Park is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in southern Africa – including the iconic Chilojo Cliffs.
Gonarezhou is a unique conservation success story, involving a true conservation partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Gonarezhou National Park is Zimbabwe’s second-largest park and lies in the southeastern corner of Zimbabwe, bordering
Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in
Zimbabwe. It forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area and covers 5,000 kilometers.
The park is home to all of the big 5: elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard in addition to these hosts over 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 50 fish species including Zambezi shark and small-tooth sawfish at the confluence of the Save and Runde; which also happens to be the lowest point in Zimbabwe at 162m above sea level.
The semi-arid climate is covered in wooded grasslands with alluvial, mopane, and miombo woodlands as well as towering baobab trees.
Gonarezhou National Park Entry Fees
Below is the Gonarezhou National Park Entrance fee.
| Category | Fee (per person per day) |
| Non-resident Adults | $20 USD |
| Non-resident Children (under 16) | $10 USD |
| SADC Nationals (Adults) | $10 USD |
| SADC Nationals (Children under 16) | $5 USD |
| Local Zimbabwean Citizens (Adults) | $5 USD |
| Local Zimbabwean Citizens (Children) | $2.50 USD |
These rates can change, so it’s always best to verify them before your trip.
Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou National Park
Each season in the Park has its own charm but overall, the best weather conditions for camping are between April and September.
- From November to March is the hot-wet season, day-time temperatures often reach above 35 degrees Celsius and thundershowers can be common making it more difficult to explore the Park.
- The cool-dry season from April to August are ideal, with comfortable day and night time temperatures.
- The hot-dry season from September to November is the peak of the dry season, although daytime temperatures are high, game viewing by waterholes can be spectacular!
November to March
While wildlife is still present, it can be more challenging to spot animals during the wet season. The landscape is green, and animals are spread out across the park, making sightings less concentrated. However, it’s a good time for birdwatching as migratory species are abundant.
May and November
Although it’s not the peak time for animal concentrations, wildlife is still relatively abundant, and birdwatching can be excellent during these months. Migratory bird species start arriving, and vegetation is still manageable for game drives and walks. May and November are transitional months. May marks the tail end of the rainy season, while November marks the beginning.
June to October
The dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing. Animals, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and a variety of other species, tend to concentrate around water sources, making sightings more frequent and easier. The dry landscape also makes it easier to spot animals from a distance.
How to Get to Gonarezhou National Park
Access by road
Follow the main tarred road from the Chiredzi turn-off to Mutare for 21 kilometers. Turn off to the south at the Chipinda Pools signpost. Follow the gravel road for approximately 34 kilometers to the entrance of the Park, about 55km from Chiredzi.
Access by air
Private charters are available from any airstrip in Zimbabwe to Chipinda Pools airstrip located within the park.
Private charter to Buffalo Range Airport, then 3-hour vehicle transfer to Gonarezhou National Park.
Best Places to Stay at Gonarezhou National Park
Gallery and Photos of Gonarezhou National Park
Safari Packages to Gonarezhou National Park
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