Gonarezhou: The Place of Elephants

A True Wilderness Area

Gonarezhou National Park, meaning 'Place of Elephants' in the local Shona language, is Zimbabwe's second-largest national park and one of its most remote and pristine wilderness areas. Located in the country's southeastern corner, Gonarezhou is a land of rugged beauty, with vast savannas, majestic baobab trees, and dramatic river valleys. For more on Zimbabwe's wild places, see our destinations page.

The Land of Elephants

Gonarezhou is famous for its large elephant population, with an estimated 11,000 individuals roaming the park. These elephants are known for their impressive size and their sometimes-feisty nature, a legacy of the poaching that once plagued the area. The park is also home to all of the Big Five, including a recovering population of black rhinos. Other wildlife includes buffalo, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species. Our safari operators can help you plan a safari focused on elephant encounters.

The Chilojo Cliffs

One of the most iconic features of Gonarezhou is the magnificent Chilojo Cliffs. These towering red sandstone cliffs, carved by the Runde River over millions of years, dominate the landscape and provide a stunning backdrop for game viewing. The cliffs are particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when they glow with a warm, golden light. For more on Africa's dramatic landscapes, visit our knowledge center.

Planning Your Gonarezhou Adventure

The best time to visit Gonarezhou is during the dry season, from April to October, when wildlife is concentrated around the rivers and waterholes. The park offers a range of accommodation, from remote campsites to comfortable lodges. A safari in Gonarezhou is a true wilderness experience, offering a chance to explore a wild and untamed corner of Africa. Use our cost calculator to help plan your Zimbabwean adventure.

Beyond the Game Drive: Immersive Activities

While vehicle-based game drives are the primary way to explore Gonarezhou's vast landscapes, the park offers more intimate ways to experience its wilderness. Guided walking safaris are a park specialty, providing an opportunity to connect with the environment on a deeper level. Accompanied by an experienced and armed professional guide, you can track elephants on foot, examine the intricate details of the bush, and learn about the smaller flora and fauna often missed from a vehicle. Birdwatching is also exceptional, with over 400 species recorded, including the rare Pel's Fishing Owl and the African Pitta. A boat safari on the Runde River offers a different perspective, allowing for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and the abundant birdlife along the riverbanks, all under the shadow of the magnificent Chilojo Cliffs.

Conservation and Community: A Modern Success Story

Gonarezhou's revival is a landmark conservation success story. The park is co-managed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, a partnership that has been instrumental in curbing poaching and fostering a healthy ecosystem. This collaboration extends to local communities living on the park's periphery, who are increasingly involved in and benefiting from conservation-based tourism. As a key component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Gonarezhou is connected to South Africa's Kruger National Park and Mozambique's Limpopo National Park, creating a massive, cross-border conservation area that allows wildlife to roam freely across historical migration routes. This transfrontier initiative is a powerful example of how international cooperation can protect and restore critical wilderness areas for future generations.

Getting to Gonarezhou: A Remote Journey

Reaching Gonarezhou is an adventure in itself, a testament to its isolation and pristine character. The park is not as easily accessible as other mainstream safari destinations, which is a significant part of its appeal. Most visitors access the park by road, typically as part of a longer Zimbabwean itinerary. The journey from Harare is approximately 550 kilometers (340 miles) and can take a full day of driving. For those coming from South Africa, the Beitbridge border crossing is the most common entry point, followed by a drive north. A popular and more adventurous route for those self-driving with a 4x4 is to cross from South Africa's Kruger National Park via the Pafuri border post, entering Mozambique and then crossing into Gonarezhou at the Sango border post. This route is for experienced Africa travelers and requires careful planning. For travelers seeking a more direct route, charter flights can be arranged from Harare or other regional airports directly to the park's Buffalo Range Airport (BFO). From there, it is a short road transfer to most of the lodges and camps. Our safari operators can assist in planning the best logistical route for your trip.

Park Fees and Practicalities

Planning the practical aspects of your Gonarezhou safari is crucial. It is highly recommended to carry sufficient US dollars in cash, as credit card facilities are not always reliable in remote areas. Park fees are paid at the entrance gate and are essential for the conservation and upkeep of the park. As of 2026, the standard conservation fees for international visitors are as follows:

| Category | Fee (per person, per day) | | ------------------------- | ------------------------- | | International Adult | $20 USD | | International Child (6-12) | $10 USD | | Vehicle Entry (standard) | $10 USD (per vehicle) |

For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter Zimbabwe. A single-entry visa for many passport holders, including those from the US, UK, and most EU countries, costs $30 USD and can be obtained on arrival at the airport or border post. A double-entry visa costs $45 USD. It is always advisable to check the latest visa regulations with the Zimbabwean embassy in your country before you travel. When self-driving, ensure your vehicle is fully equipped for remote travel with spare tires, recovery gear, and extra fuel and water. For a seamless experience, consider booking your safari through one of our trusted operators who can handle all the logistical arrangements.

Accommodation: From Wild Camping to Luxury Lodges

Gonarezhou offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles, from unfenced, wild campsites for the intrepid self-driver to exclusive, fully-catered lodges. For a truly immersive wilderness experience, the park's exclusive campsites, such as those managed by the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, are unparalleled. These sites are unfenced and offer a direct connection to the bush, but require visitors to be completely self-sufficient.

For those seeking more comfort, there are several excellent lodges and tented camps. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, perched on the edge of the Save River, offers stunning views of the gorge and provides a luxurious base from which to explore the park. The lodge offers a choice of all-inclusive luxury rooms or self-catering villas, providing flexibility for different types of travelers. Another superb option is Singita Pamushana Lodge, located in the adjacent Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. This is one of Africa's most exclusive and luxurious lodges, offering unparalleled service, guiding, and wildlife viewing. While not inside the national park itself, its proximity and the quality of the experience make it a top choice for a high-end Gonarezhou safari. For a more rustic and intimate tented camp experience, Gonarezhou Bushcamps operates mobile camps within the park, moving with the seasons and the wildlife, offering an authentic and exclusive safari experience.