Description
Bordering both Limpopo and Kruger National Parks, Gonarezhou is a vast area of unexplored wilderness.Discover the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, tracking its famed elephant herds and other wildlife while camping right in the heart of the park.
Overview
Gonarezhou, meaning “place of many elephants”, is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe, yet remains largely undiscovered by the outside world. Rugged and untamed, Gonarezhou is one of Africa’s last true wildernesses and is home to an incredible diversity of landscapes and wildlife, including elephants, lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and more. On this ‘off the beaten track’ safari, you will have the opportunity to explore the rarely visited parts of the park, camping by the dramatic red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs as you track wildlife alongside your dedicated professional guide.
A tailor-made safari is one designed according to your specific requirements, including budget, dates, personal interests, the number of people travelling, and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and altered to make it perfect for you.Price is from £4,645 per person, based on a group of 4 people sharing. The price includes 4 nights fly-camping deep in the park and 2 nights at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, dedicated guide and 6-seater safari vehicle, support vehicle with dedicated chef and camp hand, tented accommodation, meals, drinks, tea & coffee, activities, park fees, community fees and tourism levys.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Camp out in the wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park.
- Visit the many natural water pans in the park, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Enjoy cultural visits to the local village and community projects.
- Witness unique and dramatic natural landscapes, including the Chilojo Cliffs and Chivirira Falls.
Itinerary
Arrive Gonarezhou National Park
Flying into Chipinda Airfield, upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your camp for the night. Relax and enjoy lunch and refreshments at your camp, before venturing out to explore the sandveld pans within the park.
Chilojo Cliffs
After an early breakfast, enjoy a slow drive through the park to your next camp in the foothills of the majestic Chilojo Cliffs. These red sandstone cliffs have been formed over the millenia through erosion by the Runde and Save rivers. Upon your arrival at Hlaro camp, you will be greeted with lunch and refreshments. In the afternoon, head up to the top of the south bank of the cliffs and enjoy commanding views over the Runde River valley, before heading back to camp to watch the sunset over the cliffs.
Chilojo Cliffs
Today you will transfer camps to Chilojo Camp, situated on the north bank of the Chilojo Cliffs. Head out on a game drive into the national park, which is renowned for its elephants and also home to other species including wild dogs, lions, rhinos and leopards. Arrive back at camp in time for dinner and the sunset.
Gonarezhou National Park
Rise early and go for a scenic walk along the Runde River, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river. Continue onwards to your next camp, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Gonarezhou National Park
This morning you will enjoy a picnic breakfast overlooking the Machanu Pan, where you can observe the resident birdlife, including spoonbills, storks and ibises, and any visiting game that has come to drink from the refreshing waters. Later on, explore the south bank of the Save River and the confluence where the Save and Runde meet, before setting off on another game drive through the park on the way to your next lodge. After lunch, head to the atmospheric Chivirira Falls in time to watch the sunset.
Overnight: Chilo Gorge Lodge (B, L, D)
Gonarezhou National Park
This morning, pay a visit to Mahenya village to learn about the lifestyles and culture of the Shangaan community, and the Sacred Sand Forest. After lunch back at the lodge, join your guide for a game drive through the palm forest and on to Tembahata pan, stopping to observe the diverse local flora and fauna along the way. In the evening, enjoy another sunset overlooking the Save River.
Overnight: Chilo Gorge Lodge (B, L, D)
Depart Gonarezhou National Park
Today you will have your final breakfast at the lodge before being transferred to Mahenye airstrip for your onward flight.
Accommodation
- Chilo George Lodge
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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