Chilo Gorge Lodge

Guests can access the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park that is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks and offers experienced safari travellers an increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa.

Accommodation
Chilo Gorge Lodge offers luxury safari accommodation in beautifully appointed, thatched Lodges that are largely inspired by nature, but with a designer’s passion for elegance, simplicity, and luxurious touches. Locally crafted intricate reed weaving, individually carved jacaranda headboards, luxurious cotton bedding, and a minibar have all been carefully chosen for guests’ comfort and enjoyment.

Each Lodge has its own private balcony offering spectacular sunrises or sunsets and the opportunity for you to relax watching our resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos in the Save river that flows all year, or to observe the diverse number of other river visitors throughout the day.

Each lodge also includes a mini-bar, tea and coffee facilities, mini-safe, en-suite bathroom with spacious shower, separate w.c. and complimentary toiletries.

Activities
Game Drives
At over 5,000 km², Gonarezhou is the second largest National Park in Zimbabwe, cutting a swathe of sandstone cliffs, scrubland and baobab trees along the country’s southeastern border with Mozambique. Largely undiscovered by the outside world, this striking land is one of the last great pristine wildernesses in Africa and takes in a huge diversity of habitats. Lions, cheetah, wild dogs, hyena, buffalo, hippo, and giraffes can all be seen within the boundaries of Gonarezhou. However, this country is known, first and foremost, as the Land of the Elephant. These massive, intelligent creatures are called Nzhou in Shona, and give their name to the National Park where they number in their thousands.

Gonarezhou National Park is one of Africa’s last remaining true pristine wilderness areas. Guests can see the magnificent wildlife of the region on a morning, afternoon or full-day game drives with expert local guides.

Game Walks
There is no better way to explore an area than on foot. Chilo Gorge offers morning and afternoon Game Walks in Gonarezhou National Park, with our resident Professional Guides. Explore the Runde river floodplains from Chilo Gorge Tented Camp, or some of the more remote corners of Gonarezhou when on the Ivory Trail Adventure fly camping experience. Game Walks are also available for guests staying at the Main Lodge.

Chilojo Cliffs Safari
A full-day excursion to the Red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, situated in the heart of the Gonarezhou National Park on the banks of the Runde River. Visit the Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans offering unrivalled bird watching and view large herds of elephant and buffalo. A picnic lunch is served at the spectacular Chilojo Cliffs, followed by a sundowner game drive back to the lodge.

Available in the dry season: April to November, with the top of the Chilojo Cliffs normally only accessible between June/July to November when the Runde River is fordable.

Community Visits
Trips to the Mahenye Village are a uniquely rewarding cultural experience. This is the birthplace of the CAMPFIRE concept, which has since been replicated thousands of times around Africa. At its core is the concept of ‘community-led conservation’. It will be a colourful and informative visit, likely to include the Secondary School and local clinic, and guests are encouraged to interact with the local villagers. This is a unique opportunity to spend time exploring an authentic village and watch daily village life in one of Zimbabwe’s remotest corners.

Palm Forest Visit
There is also a potential to visit the local palm forest, to meet the resident palm winemaker. Your guide will explain how palm wine is produced and will offer different samples for tasting.