Gonarezhou National Park is Zimbabwe’s second largest National Park, taking up an area of 5000 sq km in the far south eastern corner of the country. It lies on the Mozambique border and forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park; a massive Pan-African Park that includes South Africa’s popular Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Gaza.
This huge Transfrontier area is dedicated to conservation, biodiversity and the economic development of the surrounding local communities. The combined Park includes more than 500 species of birds, 147 species of mammals, at least 116 species of reptiles, 34 species of frogs and 49 species of fish.
One of the most prominent features of Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs, which present magnificent red sandstone cliffs that have been formed through eons of erosion and overlook the scenic Runde River valley
Lion, leopard, cheetah (including the rare king cheetah), buffalo, giraffe, zebra and many species of large antelope are often seen within the park. The rare nyala and smaller suni are two of the Park’s diminutive antelopes. In addition, hundreds of species of birds may be spotted.
Gonarezhou National Park has unique species of aquatic wildlife such as the Zambezi shark, freshwater goby, black bream and the unique turquoise killifish can be seen within the park’s rivers and pools.
Game viewing is best along the riverine regions and close to the many perennial pools and springs. The elephants in Gonarezhou National Park are notoriously aggressive so guests are advised to keep a safe viewing distance.
There are also walking safaris at the park. Walking safaris are permitted in certain areas only and at the pools at Samalena Gorge. Guests are able to view game from the cliffs at Chilojo, Mwatomba Pool and Makonde Pool.
