Image credit: Lonely Planet
Gonarezhou National Park is a remarkable wilderness area in southeastern Zimbabwe, near the borders with Mozambique and South Africa. The name means “Place of Elephants” in Shona, which is fitting given its significant elephant population.
The park covers about 5,053 square kilometers, making it Zimbabwe’s second-largest national park after Hwange. It features diverse landscapes including sandstone cliffs (the Chilojo Cliffs are particularly stunning), baobab forests, mopane woodlands, and riverine areas along the Runde and Save rivers.
Beyond its famous elephants, Gonarezhou is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which connects it with Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, allowing for wildlife migration across borders.
The park is relatively remote and less visited than some other African parks, which appeals to those seeking a more authentic, uncrowded safari experience. It offers game drives, walking safaris, and camping opportunities. Gonarezhou has faced challenges including poaching, particularly during Zimbabwe’s economic difficulties, but conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect its wildlife and ecosystems.