Gonarezhou National Park: Secret Jewel
This vast protected area has a dynamic conservation history marked by fluctuating fortunes. Spanning 5,000 square kilometres, it is the second-largest national park in Zimbabwe. Initially established as a nature reserve in 1935, it was formally gazetted as a national park in 1975. During this historical era, the area sustained high wildlife densities, including hundreds—potentially thousands—of both black and white rhinoceroses. Unfortunately, this abundant megafauna population was severely depleted by intensive poaching activities fuelled by periods of diminished state enforcement capacity. The tragic indicator of this decline was the local extinction of rhinoceroses by approximately 1990. A reintroduction initiative for this iconic species began in 1991, but this newly established population was unfortunately eradicated within a decade.
A modern, positive trajectory began through a co-management partnership established in 2017 between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. This agreement led to the creation of the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, tasked with enhancing park management efficacy and fostering sustainable community prosperity. Furthermore, the park has formed a vital component of the massive Greater Limpopo Trans frontier Conservation Area (spanning South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe) since 2002, encompassing an expansive territory comparable to the size of Belgium (around 40,000 square kilometres).
I visited this national park in June 2026 to assess its current conservation status and infrastructure. Generally, conditions appear very positive. We engaged with familiar park managers through both face-to-face meetings and online communication, noting upgraded maintenance on internal infrastructure and campsites. Wildlife density is currently moderate, with the notable exception of thriving elephant and hippopotamus populations. During our stay, we observed a single buffalo herd, numerous impalas, waterbucks, nyalas, one Sharpe’s grysbok, three giraffes, and two wild dogs. We were fortunate to spot a white rhinoceros in the late afternoon and heard lions roaring in two distinct locations. Our campsite at Chipinda Pools was visited by spotted hyenas every night, and at Machaniwa Pan, we encountered an impressive bull elephant bearing massive tusks (a true “tusker”).
Wildlife viewing is complemented by breath-taking geological landscapes. The panoramic views from the Chilolo Cliffs overlooking the Runde River floodplain are unforgettable! Scenic highlights are concentrated along the Runde and Save rivers, including the shallow pans of Machaniwa and Tembwahata.
For travellers seeking an unspoilt wilderness environment with minimal tourist density and well-maintained self-drive facilities, Gonarezhou National Park is the ultimate destination.
Painted dog in NP Gonarezhou
NP Gonarezhou: white rhinoceros are back!
Map of NP Gonarezhou
Chinguli campsite
Macaniva Pan and herd of elephants
