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Gona-re-Zhou

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Gona-re-Zhou is Zimbabwe's second-largest national park, spanning an area of approximately 5,053 square kilometers along the southeastern border with Mozambique. The name translates from Shona as 'Place of Elephants,' acknowledging the significant populations of these animals that inhabit its pristine wilderness. Geographically, the park forms a vital part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a massive conservation initiative linking with South Africa's Kruger National Park and Mozambique's Limpopo National Park. Its most striking landmark is the red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, which rise dramatically over the Runde River valley. The landscape is characterized by vast mopane woodlands, ancient baobab trees, and the seasonal flows of the Runde and Save rivers. Gona-re-Zhou is regarded as one of Africa's wildest and least-developed protected areas, providing a critical sanctuary for endangered species like the African wild dog and black rhino. It is currently managed through a pioneering partnership between the state and private conservation organizations.

Location: Zimbabwe
Nearby: Triangle (44 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	26	24	22	19	19	21	24	27	28	28
Rain mm	89	75	59	27	10	6	5	2	11	22	59	100

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reached via rough dirt roads from the southeast, typically requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, especially to safely navigate the park's internal tracking routes.

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Best season

The very dry winter months occurring between May and October provide truly optimal wildlife viewing as animals predictably congregate around the steadily shrinking water sources.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape heavily varies from vast, dry bushveld and baobab-studded plains to the highly dramatic, towering red sandstone cliffs characterizing the Chilojo area.

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What to bring

Absolutely essential items include strong binoculars, a comprehensive first aid kit, sturdy spare tires, extra fuel, and neutral-colored clothing for optimal game viewing.

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Parking

Vehicles are reliably kept at designated rest camps or designated wild camping spots, which are very often unfenced and entirely open to naturally wandering wildlife.

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Safety

The huge park is home to very large, sometimes aggressive elephant herds; visitors must exercise extreme caution, strictly keep a safe distance, and never drive off-road.

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Time needed

Given its truly vast size and remote location, an absolute minimum of three to four days is highly recommended to properly experience the drastically different regions of the park.

Geography

Coordinates

-21.50000, 31.50000

Facts

Gona-re-Zhou was officially established as a national park in 1975.
The Chilojo Cliffs stretch for nearly 30 kilometers along the Runde River.
The park is a key habitat for the endangered African wild dog.
It supports a population of over 11,000 elephants.
The park's elevation ranges from 165 meters to 575 meters.
It contains more than 400 recorded species of birds.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Runde River9 km · EExplore →

Gonarezhou24 km · NWExplore →

Lowveld Plains33 km · NExplore →

Runde Forest38 km · SEExplore →

Chiredzi River44 km · NEExplore →

Hippo Valley Estate Mill44 km · EExplore →

Triangle44 km · EExplore →

Triangle Sugar Estate and Mill46 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Gona-re-Zhou a national park?

Yes, it is one of the most important national parks in the country.

How do you reach the park?

Best by 4x4 from the larger cities.

When is the best observation period?

In the dry season, when animals gather at water sources.

Are there guided safaris?

Yes, professional guides offer exciting tours.

What is the entrance fee?

Fees vary depending on nationality and vehicle type.

Gona-re-Zhou: where is it located?

Gona-re-Zhou is located in Zimbabwe.

Gona-re-Zhou: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

Gona-re-Zhou: why is it worth visiting?

Gona-re-Zhou is Zimbabwe's second-largest national park, spanning an area of approximately 5,053 square kilometers along the southeastern border with Mozambique.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →