Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe's second-largest national park, spans over 5,000 square kilometers of pristine wilderness in the country's southeastern corner. Known as 'the place of elephants,' this remote and rugged park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, connecting with South Africa in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. The park's dramatic landscape features the iconic Chilojo Cliffs, baobab trees, and the confluence of the Save and Runde rivers. Despite being less visited than other Zimbabwean parks, Gonarezhou offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including large elephant herds, lions, leopards, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. The park's remote location and minimal infrastructure create an authentic African wilderness experience, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and untamed nature. The red sandstone cliffs, fever tree forests, and seasonal floodplains provide impressive backdrops for photography and game viewing.

Dining options within Gonarezhou are limited to lodge restaurants and self-catering facilities, as this is a wilderness park with minimal commercial development. Most accommodations offer full-board packages featuring local and international cuisine, often including traditional Zimbabwean dishes like sadza, game meat, and fresh fish from local rivers. Self-catering visitors should stock up on supplies in Chiredzi town before entering the park, as there are no shops or restaurants inside the park boundaries. Many lodges can arrange bush breakfasts and sundowner experiences with snacks and drinks in scenic locations. The nearest restaurants and grocery stores are in Chiredzi, about 90 minutes from the main park areas.

The dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is less dense. Temperatures are more comfortable during these months, especially May-August when days are warm but nights are cool. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes and excellent birding opportunities, but roads can become impassable and wildlife disperses. September and October are particularly good for elephant viewing as large herds gather near permanent water sources. For photography, the golden light during dry season months provides impressive conditions, while the green season offers dramatic skies and fewer crowds.