In second largest National Park in Zimbabwe, on the south eastern border with Mozambique, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge sits pretty on the precipice of an embankment overlooking the river and into the distance, the seemingly endless plains of the valley.
It’s quiet and for its size almost entirely undeveloped and undiscovered. Characterised by the red sandstone cliffs, thorny scrub and baobabs. It’s lush and green. Zoom in and there you find your thatched luxurious and simply elegant safari lodge.
While the lodge looks rustic in all neutral hues and finishes of wood and stone, it’s the creature comforts of luxurious cotton bedding in the spacious suites and the immaculate gardens that draw you in and make you want to stay longer. That of course on top of the incredible service, some of the best guides in the business and the landscape that sells itself.
Known at the “Place of the Elephants”, Gonarezhou National Park is home to over 8,000 of them. They’re everywhere and even from the viewing deck you can enjoy seeing them along with wallowing hippos and lazy crocs and there’s more. Much more. You could see lions, cheetah, wild dogs, giraffe, buffalo, impala and the list continues. Not to mention the amazing bird life. It’s simply surreal.
There’s so much that can be said about this incredible place and what it has to offer, but instead of telling you all about it, which surely won’t do it justice, we’d rather you go and see for yourself.
Game drives in the Gonarezhou National Park. A place well known for diverse habitats and abundant wildlife.
Excursions to see the beauty of the red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs. A panoramic landscape of pristine wilderness.
Sundowners on the Save River. African sundowners are known to be some of the best. On the Save River immersed in nature, you can expect nothing less.
Take a 3 kilometre walk from the lodge to the Chivilila Falls. A beautiful scenic walk takes you to explore the surrounds. Enjoy refreshments and the wonder of nature.
Cultural tours to the local Mahenye Village. Discover the lifestyle of the Shangaan Community. If you’re there in September, you may even be lucky enough to experience the Mahenye Festival. A real celebration of the Shangaan culture.
Birdwatching. You could do it all day and still have more to see. With over 400 species of birds, the Gonarezhou National Park is a top birding destination. With an abundance of water in the park, you are guaranteed an abundance of birds from kingfishers and hornbills to eagles and raptors. Go sit and take it all in at the Tembahata and Machanu water pans.
