Zinave National Park

Zinave covers around four thousand square kilometres of sandveld and mopane along the Save river and had been effectively emptied of large wildlife by the end of the twentieth century. Since 2015 a partnership between the government and the Peace Parks Foundation has translocated thousands of animals in, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and eventually rhino, making it one of the largest rewilding operations in Africa. It is early days and the park is still building.

What's there

• The rewilding - thousands of animals translocated in since 2015.
• The Save river - the northern boundary and the park's main water.
• The sanctuary area - a fenced core where the reintroductions were established.
• The mopane woodland - dry woodland across most of the park.

When to go

May to October is the dry season and the practical window. The rains from November to April make the sand tracks difficult. Animals concentrate at water late in the dry season.

Practical notes

Wildlife is still building and densities are low; this is a conservation project in progress rather than a developed safari destination. Accommodation is limited to a small camp and campsites. The drive in takes about five hours on rough roads.

Nearby

Vilankulo is east on the coast, and the Save river runs along the north.

Key facts