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Gonarezhou National Park is situated in the south eastern lowveld of Zimbabwe and covers an area of 5 053 square kilometres.
"Gonarezhou" meaning "Place of many Elephants" is an extremely scenic Park full of rugged and beautiful landscapes.
It is the second largest national park in Zimbabwe.

However, alternative folklore has it that, the place was named because herbalists would stock their medicines in tusks (known as "gona" in the Shona language).

Three major rivers, the Save, Runde and Mwenezi cut their courses through the Park, forming pools and natural oases from which hundreds of species of birds, wildlife and fish gather to feed and drink.
The Save-Runde junction, the lowest point in Zimbabwe, occurs in this park (153m) above sea level.
As its name implies, Gonarezhou is famous for its elephants, and many of the largest-tusked elephants in the region maybe found within the Park.

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP)
Gonarezhou National Park is part of the GLTP, a massive Pan-African Park that includes South Africa's famed Kruger National Park and Mozambique's Limpopo National Park. This huge area is set to become one of the finest "peace parks" in the world and is dedicated to conservation, biodiversity and the economic development of surrounding local communities. The vast and diverse nature of the mega-park will provide world-class eco-tourism to the visitor, and strive to re-establish historical animal migration routes and fragile regional ecosystems.

Flora and Fauna
Lion, leopard, cheetah, elephants, hippopotamus, wild dog (including the rare king cheetah), buffalo, giraffe, zebra, roan antelope, sable and many species of large antelope are also present within the Park. The rare Nyala and smaller suni are two of the highlights of the Park's smaller antelopes.
In addition, hundreds of species of birds may be spotted in the Park.
Unique species of aquatic wildlife such as the Zambezi Shark, Freshwater Goby, Black Bream and the unique turquoise Killifish can be seen within the Park's rivers and pools.

Chilojo Cliffs
One of the most prominent and enduring natural features of the Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs. These magnificent red sandstone cliffs have been formed through eons of erosion and overlook the scenic Runde River valley.

Seasons
Gonarezhou experiences mild, dry winters and warm, wet summers (temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius can occasionally be expected). Mabalauta and Chippinda are both open throughout the year. During the rainy season (November April), access to certain parts of the Park is restricted and the visitor should consult with the Park's offices before undertaking game drives.
Bilharzia is endermic to all lowveld rivers and visitors should take appropriate precaution. In addition malaria can be present within the region so visitors are advised to take prophylactics before, during and after their stay in the Park.

MABALAUTA

FACILITIES - LODGES
Mabalauta was once communal lands until the 1960s when it became a game reserve. It was later declared a national park in 1975 when it became part of Gonarezhou. The name Mabalauta hails from a hardwood tree species common in the region. Mabalauta is 195km from Chiredzi. The Mabalauta section in the Mwenezi sub-region includes the Swimuwini rest camp, " The place of the Baobabs ", The camp is situated 8 kilometres from the warden's office and overlooks the Mwenezi River. There are thatched self-catering accommodation facilities at the camp.
CAMP SITES
Camping is possible at Swimuwini at the Mabalauta Camping site which has ablution facilities.
CARAVAN SITES
Visitors with caravans on tow can also camp at Swimuwini and use the same facilities for standard camp sites.
BUSH CAMPS
There are several located in the Park.
AMENITIES
Visitors are encouraged to bring in adequate provisions from Mwenezi or from larger business centres since there are no shops in the Park.

CHIPINDA POOLS

FACILITIES
The name Chipinda is derived from the Ndau dialect and means "enter ". Chipinda Pools is 55km from Chiredzi town.   There   are   predominantly camping facilities in this section and there     are    no    self     catering accommodation  facilities.
Chipinda Pools
There are 9 sites at the beautiful Chipinda Pools Camp, each with basic shelter, braai area and ablution facilities.
Chinguli
There are 14 camping sites in the Runde sub-region at Chinguli which also have similar facilities to those at Chipinda.
OTHER CAMPING SITES
(Bush Camps)
Camps with minimum facilities include Nyahungwe, Madumbini, Bopomela, Lisoda,     Gota,     Chitove      and Chamaluvati. These exclusive camps may be booked by a single party of up to 10 people and there are no attendants available. Visitors need to bring their own water. Dead wood may be collected for firewood in the vicinity.
AMENITIES
Supplies can be obtained from Chiredzi town as there are no shops within the Park.
ATTRACTIONS
Game viewing best along the reverine regions and close to the many perennial pools and springs. The elephant in this Park are  notoriously  aggressive  so visitors are encouraged to keep a safe viewing distance.
Fishing -sport fishing
Walking safaris -permitted in certain areas and the pools at Samalena Gorge ( " the place of killing" ) are of major interest. Viewing the cliffs at Chilojo, Mwatomba Pool and Makonde Pool.
Viewing points can be found at Guluji and Chamuchanzi among other places.
Natural water pans -include the one at Chindhlambai, Manjinji   Pan   and Tembahata   an   exceptional   birding place.
Chibilila Falls  -the falls are on the Runde River are 600 metres wide and 7 meters deep.
Wilderness   areas -The   Pombadzi wilderness   area  and  Chefu-Guluene area  provides   a  unique  wilderness
experience.
Duguvi Falls-on the Pambazi River and are very attractive during the rainy season.

WHY VISIT GONAREZHOU?
• Daytime and full moon walking trails
• Excellent birdwatching
• Unique view of the sunset from the red hills
• Panoramic platform view
• Numerous   viewing   points   from numerous pools and pans
• A unique wilderness experience