Where: Gonarezhou National Park
Main attraction:  Chilojo Cliffs, about 2.5 hours from the Chipinda Pools Gate
Vehicle type: 4×4 with high clearance
Technical difficulty: difficult
Elevation: 578 m above sea level

The drive from Harare to Chiredzi, the gateway to Gonarezhou National Park, covers approximately 500 kilometres. You’ll traverse the Zimbabwean countryside, witnessing the changing landscape from bustling city life to rural tranquillity. As you drive, be on the lookout for breath-taking vistas and local markets selling fresh produce.

Before you hit the open road, remember to make sure your 4X4 vehicle is in top condition, with sturdy tyres and all the essential off-road gear. Fill up your tank, stock up on supplies, and get ready for an unforgettable journey. Get in touch if you would like the team at Autoworld to make sure your vehicle is ready to go.

Along the Way

Approximately 300 km from Harare lie the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The Ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to an ancient civilisation. Explore the ruins and marvel at the intricate stone structures that date back to the 11th century. It is said that they represent the capital of the Queen of Sheba. The city covers an area of nearly 80 ha.

After another 200 kms and you will reach Chiredzi, a small town in the Masvingo province and your last pit stop before entering Gonarezhou through the Chipinda Pools Entrance, accessible via the Ngundu-Tanganda Road. Here, you can stock up on any remaining supplies and fuel before you venture deeper into the wild.

Gonarezhou National Park: A Gem of Southern Africa

Gonarezhou, which translates as “Place of the Elephants,” is a 5,053-square-kilometre wonderland for 4X4 enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Located in south-eastern Zimbabwe, it shares borders with Mozambique and South Africa, creating a transfrontier park known as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

In case you weren’t aware, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) is a global effort dedicated to the protection and preservation of a vast expanse spanning a staggering 10 million hectares. The ultimate goal of this park is to reintroduce elephant migratory pathways that have historically traversed these territories. By re-establishing these migratory routes, the GLTFCA hopes to contribute to the region’s ecological and environmental well-being while also fostering peaceful cohabitation between wildlife and local communities.

The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystem, from dense forests along the Runde River (a tributary of the Save River) to vast open savannas. These diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife, including over 11,000 elephants with a reputation for being somewhat aggressive due to a history of poaching in the area. You can also see the rest of the Big 5, 90 mammal species and numerous bird species. The park features the stunning Chilojo Cliffs, a dramatic red sandstone escarpment, towering baobabs and Mopane forests.

Gonarezhou offers a sense of remote wilderness, and due to its location near the border there are fewer visitors than some of the other parks, which makes for a more intimate and personal wildlife experience.

The park offers several accommodation options, from unfenced campsites and self-catering chalets to bush camps so you can choose your preferred level of comfort. Note that there are no convenience stores in the Park.

Off-Roading

Gonarezhou National Park is accessible via road through six main access gates – three of which are in the north. You can put your driving skills to the test with a host of river crossings, dry riverbed crossings, and treacherous rocky outcrops.

The park is crisscrossed by a network of 4X4 trails, allowing you to explore its remote corners.

While it is advised to check river crossings before tackling them, several river crossings in Gonarezhou have crocodiles. Here are some precautions and steps to consider:

• • Before entering the water, take a few moments to scan the riverbanks and water for any signs of crocodiles. Be particularly watchful for eyes or snouts breaking the surface. If you are aware of crocodile presence in the area, opt for crossings that have been marked as safe, or ask local authorities or guides for recommendations.
  • Whenever possible, cross the river with other vehicles. There is safety in numbers, and the vibrations and noise from multiple vehicles can deter crocodiles.
  • When crossing the river, maintain a steady but cautious speed to avoid getting stuck in the mud or sand. The key is to cross without stopping or hesitating.
  • Have recovery equipment such as winches, ropes, and recovery tracks on hand in case you encounter any difficulties while crossing the river.
  • Once you’ve successfully crossed the river, exit the water as quickly as possible to minimise your exposure to potential threats.

The Park authorities advise that you stay on designated roads (view and download a map of the park here) and ensure you are prepared with food and water in case you become stranded.

They also advise that you shouldn’t attempt to take any roads, crossings or obstacles unless you are sure you can pass through. The park is very remote so getting stuck will put a definite damper on your holiday.

If you prefer to take a break from behind the wheel, you can join a guided game drive to increase your chances of spotting game and learn a thing or two from the park’s guides who can provide insight into the park’s ecology. For a more immersive experience, consider a walking safari with an experienced ranger. This allows you to connect with the environment on a deeper level.

A 4X4 adventure to Gonarezhou National Park combines exhilarating off-road adventures with wildlife encounters in one of Southern Africa’s most spectacular and inaccessible wilderness areas. Don’t pass up the chance to explore this hidden jewel that spans three countries, as it promises to leave you with lasting recollections of nature’s grandeur. 

So, gear up, hit the road, and get ready to experience the untamed beauty of Gonarezhou.