Gonarezhou National Park

Gonarezhou is Zimbabwe's second-largest park and one of its least visited, tucked into the south-eastern lowveld as part of the wider transfrontier conservation area linking Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Its signature is the Chilojo Cliffs, a long wall of red sandstone glowing above the Runde river floodplain, especially at sunset. Elephant numbers here are substantial and the herds carry a reputation for wariness born of a difficult history; the park has recovered strongly under a joint management partnership. Baobabs, sand rivers, and remote camping make it a park for travellers who want wilderness over comfort.

What you actually see

• Chilojo Cliffs - red sandstone bluffs above the Runde river.
• Elephant herds - the park's namesake and its recovering population.
• Riverine camping - remote sites along the Runde and Save rivers.
• Baobab country - ancient trees across the lowveld landscape.

When to go

The dry season from May to October is the practical window; many roads close in the rains from November to April. September and October concentrate game on the rivers but bring severe heat. Winter nights are cold in the open.

Honest expectations

This is remote, self-sufficient travel: bring fuel, water and recovery gear, and expect river crossings and rough tracks. Facilities are minimal and mobile signal patchy. Malaria risk is real in the lowveld. Wildlife densities do not match Hwange or Mana Pools and animals are shyer - visitors come for solitude and landscape as much as game.

Nearby

Great Zimbabwe to the north-west and the Kruger transfrontier links to the south.