Zimbabwe Lowveld and Great Zimbabwe

The Mwenezi, Save and Runde rivers, whose name means 'the river of great floods' wind like an arterial life-line through the dusty bush, helping to support the elephants in whose honour Gonarezhou National Park is named.

Game-viewing in 'The Place of the Elephants,' (and the antelope, the hippo and the lion) takes the form of 4x4 and horseback excursions, backpacking safaris and guided day walks. Fishing is permitted only at the campsites. The rare Suni antelope and striped King Cheetah may also be seen.

Both the Save/Runde area in the north and the Mwenezi region in the south are accessible from May to October but during the summer rainy season, access is limited to the southern parts of the park. A 4x4 is required year-round and all supplies must be brought in. Remember to pack the malaria tablets. Accommodation runs only to camp-sites but there are a number of luxury lodges outside the park.

Copyright © 2002 Laurianne Claase. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited