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Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe - Things to Do in Chizarira National Park

Things to Do in Chizarira National Park

Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe - Complete Travel Guide

Chizarira National Park stands as Zimbabwe's third-largest national park and one of its most remote wilderness areas, covering 2,000 square kilometers of rugged terrain in the northern Zambezi Valley. This pristine sanctuary offers an authentic African safari experience with dramatic escarpments, deep gorges, and natural springs that create a haven for wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, and over 400 bird species. The park's isolation has preserved its wild character, making it a destination for serious wildlife enthusiasts seeking solitude and untamed nature. The park's landscape is characterized by the spectacular Zambezi Escarpment, which rises dramatically from the valley floor, creating breathtaking viewpoints and diverse ecosystems. Chizarira's remoteness means fewer crowds but requires careful planning and preparation, as facilities are basic and the terrain can be challenging. This raw, uncompromising wilderness offers visitors the chance to experience Africa as it once was, with game viewing that rewards patience and provides unforgettable encounters in one of Zimbabwe's last true wilderness areas.

Top Things to Do in Chizarira National Park

Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing

Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on guided game drives that traverse woodland, grassland, and riverine areas. The park is home to significant elephant herds, lions, leopards, buffalo, and numerous antelope species, with the best wildlife viewing concentrated around permanent water sources and the Mucheni River valley.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed tour operators in Harare or Bulawayo as park facilities are basic. Costs range from $150-300 per day including guide and vehicle. Dry season (May-October) offers best game viewing when animals concentrate around water sources.

Escarpment Hiking and Scenic Viewpoints

Trek to the dramatic viewpoints along the Zambezi Escarpment for spectacular panoramic views over the Zambezi Valley and Zambia beyond. The hiking trails range from moderate walks to challenging climbs, with the Tundazi River viewpoint being particularly rewarding for sunrise and sunset photography.

Booking Tip: Arrange guided hikes through park headquarters for $20-40 per person per day. Best undertaken during cooler months (April-September). Ensure you have proper hiking boots and plenty of water as trails can be steep and exposed.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Discover over 400 bird species including African fish eagles, ground hornbills, and numerous raptors that thrive in the park's diverse habitats. The varied terrain from riverine forests to miombo woodland creates excellent birding opportunities, particularly around water sources and the escarpment areas.

Booking Tip: Bring your own binoculars and field guides as these aren't readily available. Best birding is early morning (5:30-9:00 AM) and late afternoon. Specialized birding guides can be arranged for $30-50 per day through tour operators in major cities.

Fishing in Natural Pools

Try your hand at fishing in the park's natural pools and along the Mucheni River, where tigerfish and bream provide exciting angling opportunities. The remote fishing spots offer solitude and the chance to combine angling with wildlife viewing as animals come to drink at the water's edge.

Booking Tip: Bring your own fishing equipment and obtain permits at park headquarters for $10-15 per day. Best fishing is during dry season when water levels are lower. Always fish with a guide as crocodiles and hippos may be present in some areas.

Cultural Visits to Local Communities

Experience traditional Tonga culture by visiting local communities near the park boundaries, learning about traditional hunting methods, medicinal plants, and the relationship between local people and wildlife. These interactions provide insight into how communities have coexisted with nature for generations.

Booking Tip: Arrange community visits through park management or local tour operators for $25-40 per person. Always visit with a local guide and bring small gifts like school supplies. Best combined with longer stays to allow meaningful cultural exchange.

Getting There

Reaching Chizarira National Park requires careful planning as it's one of Zimbabwe's most remote parks. The main access is via a 4WD vehicle from Harare (approximately 6-7 hours) or Bulawayo (5-6 hours), with the final stretch being a challenging dirt road through communal lands. Most visitors arrange transport through tour operators or rent 4WD vehicles in major cities. The nearest airstrip is at Binga, about 80km away, but charter flights can be arranged to the park's small airstrip for those seeking quicker access. Public transport doesn't reach the park, making private vehicle or organized tour the only practical options.

Getting Around

Movement within Chizarira National Park is exclusively by 4WD vehicle due to rough terrain, steep gradients, and seasonal road conditions. The park has a limited network of game drive tracks that can become impassable during the rainy season (November-April). Most visitors rely on guided game drives as navigation can be challenging and getting lost is a real risk. Walking is permitted but only with armed guides due to dangerous game. Park headquarters can provide maps and current road condition updates, but GPS units and paper maps are essential backup navigation tools.

Where to Stay

Chizarira Safari Lodge
Mucheni Safari Camp
Kasvisva Camp
Park Rest Camps
Camping Sites
Binga Lake Resort

Food & Dining

Dining options within Chizarira National Park are extremely limited, with most visitors staying at safari lodges that provide all meals as part of their packages. The few accommodation facilities offer simple but hearty fare featuring local game meat, fresh fish from nearby waters, and traditional Zimbabwean dishes. Visitors camping or staying in basic accommodation should bring their own food supplies from major towns, as there are no restaurants or shops within the park. The nearest town with dining options is Binga, about 80km away, which has a few local restaurants serving traditional African cuisine and basic international dishes.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zimbabwe

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

The Lookout Cafe - Wild Horizons

4.6 /5
(2048 reviews) 2
bar cafe store

Dusty Road Township Experience

4.6 /5
(313 reviews) 2

KwaTerry The traditional restaurant

4.6 /5
(297 reviews)

Baines Restaurant

4.8 /5
(261 reviews)
bar cafe

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant

4.6 /5
(252 reviews)

Khaya Nyama Wombles

4.7 /5
(210 reviews)

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Chizarira National Park is during the dry season from May to October when wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, making game viewing more productive. Roads are more accessible during this period, and the cooler temperatures make hiking and outdoor activities more comfortable. The peak season is July to September when wildlife viewing is at its best, but this also coincides with higher accommodation rates. The rainy season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and excellent bird watching opportunities, but many roads become impassable and some camps may close. April and May offer a good compromise with fewer crowds, reasonable weather, and good wildlife viewing.

Insider Tips

Bring all necessary supplies including fuel, food, and camping equipment as nothing is available within the park
Always travel with at least two vehicles when possible, as breakdowns in this remote area can be serious
Book accommodation well in advance as options are very limited and the park has restricted visitor numbers to preserve its wilderness character

Explore Activities in Chizarira National Park