Where to stay in Gonarezhou National Park
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Overview
Gonarezhou National Park covers about 5,053 km² in the south-east of Zimbabwe, along the border with Mozambique. It was proclaimed a national park in 1975 and is the country’s second-largest park. Its name means “place of elephants” in Shona.
The park is known for the Chilojo Cliffs, red sandstone cliffs that rise above the Runde River. Three rivers, the Save, Runde and Mwenezi, cross the park, with sandy riverbeds, pools, baobabs and mopane woodland.
Gonarezhou is managed by the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, a partnership between ZimParks and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. It forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park with Kruger and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. It’s remote, with few visitors and basic camps.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Elephants
More than 11,000 elephants live in the park, and they’re often seen in large herds along the rivers.
Other wildlife
Lion, leopard, wild dogs, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, nyala, sable and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest are present.
Birds
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including the Pel’s fishing owl and many raptors.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: May to October, in the dry season, when animals gather at water and the bush thins out.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May – Aug | Cool, dry season | Pleasant days and cold nights. Good game viewing. |
| Sep – Oct | Hot, dry season | Very hot, with the best game viewing at water. |
| Nov – Apr | Rainy season | Green and lush, with newborn animals and migrant birds. Some roads close. |
Gonarezhou is in a malaria area. Travel in a 4x4 and carry fuel and supplies.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Range (BFO), Chiredzi | Domestic and charter flights | About 1.5 hours by road to the Chipinda Pools office. |
By road
From Chiredzi, gravel roads lead to the Chipinda Pools and Mabalauta sections. You need a 4×4, and some roads close in the rainy season.
Entrance & Fees
ZimParks charges a daily conservation fee per person. Day visitors pay more than guests staying in the park.
| Visitor | Day visitor | Staying in the park |
|---|---|---|
| International | US$30 | US$20 |
| SADC national | US$20 | US$15 |
| Zimbabwean | US$10 | US$5 |
Vehicle fees and camping are extra.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the ZimParks tariff (2026).
