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| Zimbabwe: What to see | |||
| Gonarezhou National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for Gonarezhou means 'abode of elephant' in Shona and the Chipinda Pools in the north attract hundreds of migratory elephant and eland from adjacent Kruger National Park in South Africa. The Runde River runs through the park and the red sandstone Tjolotjo Cliffs lining the river form a spectacular and renown photogenic backdrop. The views of the cliffs from Fishans Camp are best. The broad Save and Mwenezi Rivers also run through the Park sustaining an extensive variety of wildlife. By its location off the beaten track, the Park exudes a true sense of remote wilderness. There is a proposal afoot to combine Gonarezhou, Kruger and a large tract in Mozambique to form a vast transfrontier Park to be called The Great Limpopo. Location On the south-east border of Zimbabwe adjacent to Mozambique and virtually an extension of the renown Kruger National Park in South Africa. Size The second largest National Park in Zimbabwe at 5 000 square km. Wildlife Four of the big five reside (buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard) hippo, croocodile and a range of antelope. This is the only other location in Zimbabwe, apart from Mana Pools National Park, for the striking nyala and diminutive suni antelope. Marine tarpon and sawfish have been caught in the Save River many miles from the sea. Freshwater bream and tigerfish are more common. Environment The flat undulating country is broken by the valleys of three rivers (Mwenezi, Rundi and Save) and by some isolated hills. The Tjolotjo cliffs border the Runde River and the Park includes the Grieve Pans which fill with water in the rainy season. Vegetation Stunted mopane and acacia woodland dominate the terrain. Climate Very hot and sometimes moist summers running from November to April and warm dry winters running from May to October. When to go In the dry season from May to October, when temperatures are warm by day and cool by night. From November to April, access is restricted to Chipinda pools, Mabalauta and Swimuwini and temperatures by day can be stifling. The Park is open from 6 am to 6 pm to day visitors. Activities Game drives, guided walks and fishing. These are generally included if staying at any of the private lodges. Accommodation Mahenye Safari Lodge lies on an island at the confluence of the Save and Runde rivers while Chilo Gorge lies on the Save River further upstream and has spectacular views of the river below. Just outside the Park is the 40 000 hectare Malilangwe Trust private reserve. It contains the luxurious Pamushana and the very respectable Nduna Safari Lodge. The reserve proudly carries the big five (buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard and rhino). Mention must be made of the extensive Save Valley Conservancy which is also outside the Park – Senuko Safari Lodge is built into a rock kopje (hill) while Savuli Safari Camp is very reasonably priced and in a pristine setting edging a small dam. There are a number of well positioned campsites throughout the Park and a comfortable rest camp at Chinguli that has chalets. At Swimuwini in the south of the Park there are also several chalets amidst an ancient baobab grove. How to get there By road Go south for 35 km on the Tanganda Road from Chiredzi to the first entrance of the Park. A four wheel drive vehicle is recommended especially in the rainy season. The Park entrance is a 5 hour drive from Harare. Transfers can be arranged from Harare. By air private charters can be arranged from Harare to some of the private lodges and Buffalo Range aerodrome just outside Chiredzi. Precautions It is essential to take both prophylactic and preventative measures (repellents) against malaria and mosquito bites. Keep a respectful distance from elephant Ð they have memory of being poached during Mozambique's civil war. If self-driving, all your own fuel and supplies must be carried. |
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