Gonarezhou means “abode of elephants” in the local vernacular and the Park boasts over 8,000 of them.​
 

Lying on the south-east border of Zimbabwe it is virtually an extension of the renowned Kruger National Park.
 

It is one of Africa’s last remaining pristine wildernesses and Zimbabwe’s second largest Park, covering an area in excess of 5,000km². 
 

A landscape of red sandstone, thorny scrub and baobabs where the Grieve Pans fill with water in the rainy season and the wonders of Chilojo Cliffs and Chivilila Falls reveal the glories of this unique place.
 

Undulating terrain is broken by the valleys of three rivers (Mwenezi, Rundi and Save) and some isolated hills. 
 

The animals are in their most natural state; these are not lazy photographic models, hassled by a constant cavalcade of jeeps radioing one another in their relentless pursuits.
 

The buffalo gather at watering holes, big cats prowl silently in pursuit of impala, hippo wallow midstream attended by squadrons of fluttering birds.
 

Four of the big five reside here (buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard) as well as crocodile and a range of antelope.
 

The only other location in Zimbabwe apart from Mana Pools National Park to host the striking nyala and diminutive Suni antelope.
 

The presence of elephants is everywhere; on the open savannas and in the mopane scrub and acacia woodland, as their families travel along routes passed from one matriarch to another in search of food, safety and water. 
 

A panorama of birdlife gathers at Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans in a flying, wading tumult of colour.
 

Game drives, guided walks and fishing (these are generally included if staying at any of the private lodges).
 

Marine tarpon and sawfish have been caught in the Save River many miles from the sea, freshwater bream and tigerfish are more common.
 

Very hot and sometimes wet summers run from November to April and warm dry winters run from May to October.
 

From November to April, day temperatures can be stifling and access is restricted to Chipinda Pools Camp, Mabalauta and Swimuwini.