Gonarezhou National Park

National Park Vast remote park known for elephants and baobabs

Gonarezhou occupies a remote corner of southeastern Zimbabwe, known for large elephant populations, baobab-dotted plains, river gorges and fly-in safaris away from busier parks.

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Gonarezhou National Park is a large protected area in southeastern Zimbabwe noted for its rugged landscapes and extensive natural habitat. It forms part of a broader transfrontier conservation zone in southern Africa.

Visitors encounter sandstone escarpments, open savanna and river valleys that support elephant, buffalo and many antelope species; notable viewpoints include dramatic cliff faces. Wildlife viewing is often more remote and less crowded than in northern Zimbabwe parks, and the park is valued for wilderness experiences and scenic drives.

The area was set aside for conservation in the 20th century and later integrated into transfrontier conservation initiatives linking protected areas across borders. Management has evolved to balance conservation, local livelihoods and cross-border anti-poaching efforts.

Located in southeastern Zimbabwe, the park lies near the border with Mozambique and covers a remote, sparsely populated region of Masvingo and neighboring provinces, characterized by sandstone ridges and river valleys.

  • Park character: Part of the Great Limpopo conservation landscape and one of Zimbabwe's larger protected areas, the park is known for remote, rugged terrain and scenic cliffs.

What to See #

  • Chilojo Cliffs: A dramatic red sandstone escarpment known as the Chilojo Cliffs that forms a striking landmark within the park and overlooks the Runde River valley.
Gonarezhou National Park
Gonarezhou National Park, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe
-21.6667, 31.6667
Park open year-round
Park entry and camp fees vary; guided safari packages common

How to Get to Gonarezhou National Park #

Gonarezhou is remote; most visitors access it from Chimanimani or Masvingo by road. The park has several gateways (e.g., Chipinda Pools) with roads that can be rough; 4x4 vehicles and guided transfers are recommended.

Tips for Visiting Gonarezhou National Park #

  • Game concentrations can be seasonal; consult local wardens or guides for best viewing areas.
  • Wear neutral colors and keep noise to a minimum when on drives; wildlife in Gonarezhou can be skittish near roads.
  • Combine a visit with the nearby Malilangwe or Save conservancies for broader wildlife contexts.

Best Time to Visit Gonarezhou National Park #

May-October dry season is best for wildlife viewing; wet season is greener but more remote.

Dry season
May-October · 12-28°C
Best for game viewing as animals concentrate by water sources.
Wet season
November-March · 20-35°C
Lush scenery and active birdlife, but park tracks can be challenging.

Weather & Climate near Gonarezhou National Park #

Climate

Gonarezhou National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 32°C. Moderate rainfall (645 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 36 Good
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
46°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

125 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
13.1h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 31°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

March

March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

89 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
16° 29°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 28°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
10° 26°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.0
UV Index
High
10.7h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
10° 26°
53%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
10.8h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
12° 28°
48%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
11.3h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
15° 30°
47%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

89 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
17° 31°
47%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.5h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
18° 31°
51%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (126 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

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