6 Days Gonarezhou National Park Zimbabwe Safari
This 6 Days Gonarezhou National Park Zimbabwe Safari is a slackpacking tour, which simply means all our camping equipment is transported for us from camp to camp. We still get to hike between all those remote spots. Every night we will camp in a different spot, your professional guide, will ensure your safety and entertain you with stories and facts about the bush. We will make our trail walk down the Mwenezi River. Participants should be comfortable carrying their small day pack for about 3 hours each morning as we move camps.
Your Zimbabwe Safari journey takes you along the magnificent Mwenezi River, where you'll follow ancient elephant paths through unique Ironwood forests and encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The specialized Zimbabwe Safari guides share their profound knowledge of the ecosystem while ensuring your safety as you explore this remote paradise far from tourist crowds and vehicle tracks.
This exclusive Zimbabwe Safari adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience the true essence of wild Africa on foot while enjoying comfortable camps set up by our support team. From tracking elephants to spotting the elusive Nyala antelope and Pel's fishing owl, every day brings new discoveries as you traverse the unique landscapes of Gonarezhou, characterized by its spectacular red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs and diverse habitats.
Tour highlights
Unique slackpacking safari experience with full camping support
Expert-guided walking safari along the pristine Mwenezi River
Exploration of ancient elephant paths through rare Ironwood forests
Close encounters with Gonarezhou's famous large elephant herds
Opportunities to spot the elusive Nyala antelope in its natural habitat
Exceptional birdwatching with over 400 recorded species
Authentic wilderness camping in remote, untouched locations
Immersion in one of Africa's last truly wild ecosystems
Spectacular views of the iconic red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs
Tracking skills development with experienced professional guides
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All camping equipment (excluding personal items)
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
- Bottled water during transfers and hikes
- Full board meals prepared by camp chef
- Professional English-speaking guide and walking safari specialist
- Support vehicle and camp crew
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- Zimbabwe Visa (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal items (hiking boots, daypack, etc.)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up from Bulawayo to Gonarezhou National Park
Your Zimbabwe Safari adventure begins with an early morning collection from your Bulawayo accommodation, followed by an approximately 7-hour (450km) journey eastward to the remote Gonarezhou National Park. This introductory Zimbabwe Safari Day includes passing through the scenic lowveld region before entering the park through Mabalauta Gate in the western sector, known locally as "Malipati." The Zimbabwe Safari experience continues with arrival at our first campsite along the Mwenezi River, where our team will have prepared a comfortable camp, followed by a comprehensive briefing about the walking safari ahead and a delicious dinner under the African stars.
- Day2Hiking Down the Mwenezi River
Wake before dawn on your Zimbabwe Safari to the sounds of the wilderness and depart after breakfast for your first hiking day along the stunning Mwenezi River corridor, covering approximately 12km at a leisurely pace. Your Zimbabwe Safari guide will interpret tracks, signs, and habitats while pointing out the diverse wildlife that calls Gonarezhou home, including potential sightings of the park's estimated 11,000 elephants. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari activity focuses on exploring the river's edge, where hippos and crocodiles reside among spectacular stands of Fever trees (Acacia xanthophloea), before arriving at our second camp that has been set up by our support team in a pristine riverside location.
- Day3Touring Mwenezi River
Today's Zimbabwe Safari continues exploring the Mwenezi River's ecosystem, venturing approximately 10km further downstream while occasionally diverting inland to follow ancient elephant paths through the unique Ironwood (Androstachys johnsonii) forests. This immersive Zimbabwe Safari Day offers opportunities to encounter various antelope species and perhaps even predators like leopards that inhabit the dense riverine thickets of "Gota mananga" (bush of many horns). Your Zimbabwe Safari experience is enhanced by complete isolation from other tourists, as we trek through areas rarely visited by humans, eventually reaching our third campsite where hot bucket showers and hearty camp meals await.
- Day4Mwenezi River Tour
Your Zimbabwe Safari adventure deepens as we continue approximately 8km along the Mwenezi, focusing on exploring the intricate relationships between wildlife and their environment in this pristine ecosystem. The morning Zimbabwe Safari walk targets specific game trails that lead to hidden water sources where wildlife congregates, offering excellent photographic opportunities of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The afternoon Zimbabwe Safari activity includes searching for the rare Pel's fishing owl (Scotopelia peli) and exploring fascinating bat colonies that inhabit the riverine cliffs, before settling into our fourth campsite positioned strategically for optimal wildlife viewing.
- Day5Mwenezi River Tour
This Zimbabwe Safari Day focuses on tracking skills and deeper exploration of the unique Mwenezi region, with a shorter 6km hike that allows more time for wildlife observation and interpretation. Your Zimbabwe Safari guide will demonstrate traditional tracking techniques used by local Shangaan people (Vatsonga) who historically inhabited this region before it became a national park. The Zimbabwe Safari experience continues with potential sightings of the shy Nyala antelope (Tragelaphus angasii) that favors the dense thickets along the river's edge, as well as opportunities to observe other rare species like Lichtenstein's hartebeest in the adjacent grasslands.
- Day6Last Day in Gonarezhou National Park
The final day of your Zimbabwe Safari begins with a sunrise appreciation of the Gonarezhou wilderness before breaking camp and hiking approximately 5km to our rendezvous point with the support vehicle. This concluding Zimbabwe Safari morning offers the last opportunities to absorb the sights and sounds of this magnificent park before beginning the return journey to Bulawayo. Your transformative Zimbabwe Safari experience ends with the approximately 7-hour (450km) drive back to Bulawayo, arriving by early evening with memories of one of Africa's most authentic wilderness experiences to cherish forever.