South Gonarezhou NP Zimbabwe flag

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Starting from

$1100PP

Overview

Gonarezhou National Park is situated in the southeastern part of Zimbabwe and is the second-largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. It covers the absolute most marvellous landscape in the region consolidating the notable Chilojo Cliffs, wide wandering waterways and extensive forests. Broadly known for its novel wilderness, the Park's reputation as a chief objective for quality wildlife sightings is likewise developing. Home to around 11 000 elephants, the Gonarezhou really merits its vernacular name as ‘Place of Elephants'.
Gonarezhou National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a harmonious park that links Gonarezhou with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. Animals can move uninhibitedly between the three safe havens.

High Season
July to August
Best Time to Go
June to October

Pros & Cons

  • Four of the big five are found here. Only the black rhino is absent
  • Amazing birding destination, especially for raptors
  • Tremendous, untamed wilderness region
  • Walking safaris are available
  • Great wildlife diversity
  • Few visitors, and it never gets busy
  • Limited wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Very few accommodation options

Map in Zimbabwe

South Gonarezhou NP map

Wildlife & Animals

One can track down countless games here, and surprisingly four of the Big five are here. Buffalo, elephant, leopard and lion are all present in Gonarezhou, with just the rhino missing. There are additionally numerous other enormous creatures here, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebra, numerous species of antelope and an exceptionally huge number of wild dogs. Since it has three waterways slicing through it, the park additionally has a great cluster of oceanic natural life, which incorporates the Zambezi shark.

Wildlife Highlights

The incredibly rare king cheetah is believed to be available in the park even though it isn't clear when they were last spotted. Gonarezhou is an extraordinary park to see a portion of the more uncommon antelope species, including the bashful nyala antelope and the little suni. The radiant roan and sable antelope can likewise be seen.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time to visit Gonarezhou National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October when Animals gather around predictable water sources. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. Roads might become difficult to navigate in the Wet Season from November to March.

Birds

Gonarezhou is also an excellent destination for bird watchers, with hundreds of species of birds found within the park. The rivers attract many waterbirds from herons, storks and egrets to waders, African Skimmers and nesting Southern Carmine Bee-eaters. The Mangrove Kingfisher is new to Zimbabwe and may be found in the rains around the Save-Runde confluence, the country’s lowest point. Bat Hawks and Pel’s Fishing-owl sit unnoticed in thick trees and the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs can be checked for Verreaux’s Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Black Storks, swifts and other raptors. Raptors are well represented, and migratory birds are present from November to April.

Best Time for Birding

Gonarezhou offers a great birding experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the wet season from November to April. It is also the time when migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are available and a lot of birds can be seen in breeding plumage. The Dry season is best for wildlife viewing and occurs from June to October.

Best Time to Visit – South Gonarezhou NP

The best time to visit Gonarezhou National Park for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October when Animals gather around predictable water sources. Also, the vegetation is thinner during these months, which makes spotting much easier. Roads might become difficult to navigate in the Wet Season from November to March.

High Season
July to August
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around South Gonarezhou NP.

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