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| Zimbabwe: What to see | |||
| Chizarira National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for Chizarira is known for the excellent game walking and this combined with the total remoteness provides the ideal venue for experiencing true Africa. The Park is noted more for its untouched and varied scenery than for large concentrations of animals. Also worth mentioning are the banks of the Busi River which strongly resemble Mana Pools river frontage also with many winterthorne acacia (Acacia albida). It includes the prominent Mount Tundazi (1 370 metres). Location Basically well off the beaten track Chizarira National Park is Zimbabwe's remotest National Park and is located south east of Binga. Size Chizarira National Park covers an area of 5,053 square km. Wildlife There are not vast numbers of wildlife although several species exist including four of the big five: elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Other species include cheetah, zebra and a range of antelope. Originally supporting a significant number of black rhino these were unfortunately sought after by poachers and to better protect and monitor them were moved either to Matusadona or overseas to Australia. There is a rich bird life. Environment Topographically Chizarira consist of three parts: the Zambezi Escarpment, the uplands and the Busi Valley. Most of the Park is on an undulating plateau set on the 500m Zambezi escarpment overlooking Lake Kariba. The area is a well-watered 'island' of rivers and natural springs within a drier surrounding area. The emerald coloured pools of the Chimbovo River, the Sinamagoga Ridge and the Mvurwi Gorge are all also magical. Vegetation The dominant vegetation types are mopane and msasa woodlands and open grasslands. The gorges support riverine vegetation. Climate Warm sunny winter months with cold evenings (April to October) and hot sometimes wet and humid summer months from November to March. When to go The park is open all year round but the roads are virtually impassable in the wet season. The best time to go is between June and October during the drier winter months when the water concentration in the area attracts a greater concentration of wildlife. Activities Chizarira Wilderness Lodge offer game drives and professionally guided walking safaris. Accommodation The Chizarira Wilderness Lodge offers superb views looking out over the escarpment and wonderful personal service. How to get there Chizarira Wilderness Lodge arrange transfers to the Park for their guests, either by private air charter from Charles Prince Airport or by road. Chizarira is 504 km from Harare via Karoi and Gokwe. Travelling on the dirt roads takes more than six hours. A four-wheel drive vehicle is essential for use in the Park. Precautions One should take both prophylactics and use preventative (repellents) methods against malaria and mosquitoes. |
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