Chizarira National Park
National Park Zimbabwean park of dramatic escarpments and wildlife
Remote Chizarira National Park crowns sandstone cliffs and deep gorges in Matabeleland North; visitors come for game viewing, waterfalls, hiking and dramatic viewpoints away from busier Zimbabwean parks.
Chizarira National Park is a protected area in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe, recognized for its remote, rugged terrain and escarpments. It is one of Zimbabwe’s less-visited national parks and is valued for wilderness and wildlife viewing.
The park contains steep cliffs and a largely undeveloped interior that supports populations of large mammals including elephants and other savanna species, plus predators. Visitors go for game viewing, wilderness hiking and scenic vistas rather than lodge-based tourism.
The park lies in northern Matabeleland North Province in northwestern Zimbabwe and is accessed from regional towns by long drives over rough roads or by chartered flights where available. Infrastructure is limited and self-sufficiency is required for most visits.
- Access: The park is remote with limited facilities and tracks, so travel typically requires 4x4 vehicles and allowances for long drives or guided fly-in options.
- Experience: The area is noted for rugged escarpments and relatively low visitor numbers, making it a destination for wildlife viewing and wilderness hiking rather than developed tourism.
How to Get to Chizarira National Park #
The park is reached by road from Bulawayo and westward routes; many visitors use 4x4 vehicles and local guides. Distances are long and some roads seasonal-plan fuel and supplies accordingly.
Tips for Visiting Chizarira National Park #
- The park is remote-4x4 access and local guides are recommended.
- Bring anti-tsetse measures and check for up-to-date information on road conditions before traveling.
Best Time to Visit Chizarira National Park #
The dry season (May-October) is generally best for wildlife viewing and road access; the wet season brings dramatic greenery but more difficult travel.
Weather & Climate near Chizarira National Park #
Chizarira National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (704 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
