Gonarezhou July 2023
Posted: Sat Jul 29, 2023 2:22 pm
Mike and I had discussed doing this trip this year sometime. I thought yeah sure, let’s see if he gets back to me. Sure enough in June he contacted me and the wheels were set in motion.
Booking was done for July. The process was incredibly easy as the staff at Gonarezhou are extremely efficient and most helpful. We obviously did not get the prime camps due to our late decision to go.
We decided to do the adventurous route via Pafuri, across the Limpopo, through Mozambique and entered the park at Sango border crossing. The days travel was not too arduous other than the Mozambique officials all wanting a handout which is very annoying. Crossing the Limpopo looked much more terrifying than it actually was.
Our first night was at Mabalauta Camp which is the headquarters of that side of the park where we had to check in. We also managed to change our booking to include a very nice camp near the confluence of the Runde and Save rivers.
All camps are either overlooking a river or a pan/dam and all very well located with good privacy. The camps are unfenced with a long drop and some have a braai facility. Nice basic bush camping.
We stayed two nights at each of Chilojo, Chimalavatu and Bopomela camps with a final night at Chipinda Pools.
The reserve is an absolute gem. Very few visitors. Lots of game. Lots of elephant. Great birding. Beautiful bushveld. Nice river crossings. Stunning vistas.
For our return trip we opted to tackle Beit Bridge which was actually a breeze. All done and through in 45 minutes.
Strangely, or not, Zimbabwe is really becoming a great destination. People are so friendly and helpful. No issues with officialdom.
I would highly recommend a trip to this awesome reserve.
Booking was done for July. The process was incredibly easy as the staff at Gonarezhou are extremely efficient and most helpful. We obviously did not get the prime camps due to our late decision to go.
We decided to do the adventurous route via Pafuri, across the Limpopo, through Mozambique and entered the park at Sango border crossing. The days travel was not too arduous other than the Mozambique officials all wanting a handout which is very annoying. Crossing the Limpopo looked much more terrifying than it actually was.
Our first night was at Mabalauta Camp which is the headquarters of that side of the park where we had to check in. We also managed to change our booking to include a very nice camp near the confluence of the Runde and Save rivers.
All camps are either overlooking a river or a pan/dam and all very well located with good privacy. The camps are unfenced with a long drop and some have a braai facility. Nice basic bush camping.
We stayed two nights at each of Chilojo, Chimalavatu and Bopomela camps with a final night at Chipinda Pools.
The reserve is an absolute gem. Very few visitors. Lots of game. Lots of elephant. Great birding. Beautiful bushveld. Nice river crossings. Stunning vistas.
For our return trip we opted to tackle Beit Bridge which was actually a breeze. All done and through in 45 minutes.
Strangely, or not, Zimbabwe is really becoming a great destination. People are so friendly and helpful. No issues with officialdom.
I would highly recommend a trip to this awesome reserve.
