Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge | Gonarezhou National Park
Chilo Gorge is a luxury safari lodge on the edge of the stunning wilderness of Gonarezhou National Park, in South-East Zimbabwe. We offer guests access to the pristine wilderness of Gonarezhou, with the authentic animal interaction which goes with a park which is rarely visited. Gonarezhou is a gem amongst African parks, and offers experienced safari travellers and increasingly rare ability to explore untouched Africa. In addition, through the work of Chilo director, Clive Stockil, there is a very powerful community and conservation story which is at the centre of how the lodge operates.
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp is a semi-luxury seasonal tented camp on the banks of the Runde River. This is an 'old Africa' camping experience, with a good standard of comfort, and a great place from which to explore Gonarezhou by vehicle and on foot.
Ivory Trail Adventure is a mobile fly camping experience, allowing experienced safari travellers the ability to explore remote corners of this large park at a relaxed pace.
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Video
Rooms
Facilities
Activities and Services
Sunrise from the Breakfast DeckCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Elephants crossing Save in front of Chilo GorgeCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Chilo Gorge main bar areaCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Chilo Gorge Main LodgeCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Sunset at Chivalila FallsCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
On Safari in Gonarezhou National ParkCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Walking safari near Chilojo cliffsCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Elephants drinking in Runde under Chilojo cliffsCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
WildlifeCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari LodgeElephant herds crossing Runde in front of Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Elephant herd in Gonarezhou
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
The WildlifeCredit: Chilo
Birders ParadiseCredit: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Our beautifully appointed, thatched Luxury King/Twin Lodges 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 mini bar have all been carefully chosen for your 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 & Coffee facilities, mini-safe, en-suite bathroom with spacious shower and separate w.c., and complimentary toiletries.
Boasting one of the best locations within Gonarezhou National Park, Chilo Gorge Tented Camp at Mahove offers guests the opportunity of experiencing this pristine wilderness area at close quarters.
A semi-luxury seasonal Tented Camp, situated on the banks of the Runde River, offering accommodation in 4 Twin Bedded en suite (shower & flushing toilet) Tents.
Meals are taken under the shade of trees, or in a canvas boma in inclement weather.
Daily activities include Game Walks with our resident Professional Guide, Game Drives & Birding, to the Chilojo Cliffs and to the nearby water pans.
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp is open 1st May to 31st Oct.
Immerse yourself in this truly authentic and thrilling mobile camping experience. The Ivory Trail Adventure provides safari enthusiasts the ability to explore remote corners of this pristine wilderness at their own pace. The exact route and campsites will be tailored to take advantage of seasonal hot spots, and to accommodate your specific requests. And the mix of Game Walks and Game Drives can be tailored before and during the trip to match your requirements.
Your camp comprises 2-man dome tents, with enough height to stand-up equipped with a 2 stretcher beds, foam mattress, sheets and blankets/duvet (depending on temp/season). There is a bucket shower, with canvas frame to give privacy, and duckboards underfoot. Each campsite has well-constructed and safe bush loos (long-drops). Enjoy the rustic simplicity of mealtimes under the shade of a gazebo, or under the stars. The fly-camp comes equipped with LED lights for tents, kitchen & service area. There is an Invertor on the game vehicle for camera battery charging. There will be 2 vehicles for these trips - the 9-seater safari vehicle for guests, and another vehicle for the equipment and staff, who go on ahead and set up for lunch / campsite, as appropriate.
The Ivory Trail Adventure is available all year round, however the stable weather and cooler nights of the dry season (April to October) often provide an excellent time to enjoy this itinerary.
For those who would like to be more independent, our self catering lodges, Nhambo, offer practicality as well as spectacular views.
Each Lodge sleeps 2 and boasts its own en-suite bathroom and private balcony. There are four of these Lodges, with a shared kitchen, dining area, braai area as well as a plunge pool.
Our Family Lodge at Nhambo sleeps up to 6 and is a roomy and private house, with its own kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and private garden.
All guests at Nhambo are welcome to take meals at Chilo Gorge Luxury Lodge, or take activities with the Chilo Gorge guides, but should request at time of booking.
Clients wishing to self-drive in Gonarezhou should note the Save River is normally only fordable between late June / early July and late November / early December.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Clothes Press, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Bird Watching, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Natural History Tours, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Animal Encounters, Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris
At over 5,000 km², Gonarezhou is the second largest National Park in Zimbabwe, cutting a swathe of sandstone cliffs, scrub 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 giraffe can all be seen within the boundaries of Gonarezhou, but 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.
Morning, Afternoon and Full Day Games Drives into Gonarezhou National Park, with our resident Guides.
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.
Min age of 12yrs.
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 unrivaled bird watching & 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.
The intimate working relationship between the lodge and the local Shangaan community, makes a visit to Mahenye Village a uniquely rewarding cultural experience. This is the birthplace of the CAMPFIRE concept, which has since been replicated thousands of times around Africa. At it's core is the concept of "Community Led Conservation", and for his work setting up this initiative, and his ongoing commitment to conservation, Chilo Gorge Founder and Director, Clive Stockil, has won numerous international awards.
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.
There is also a potential to visit the local palm forest, to meet the resident palm wine maker. Your guide will explain how palm wine is produced, together with providing different samples for tasting.
For those with a penchant for something a bit more active, the 2.5km hiking trail from the lodge to the beautiful Chivalila Falls is a great way to start or end your day. Trekking through a rugged landscape will lead you to a view point overlooking the Falls. As the water cascades over age-old rocks, take in the sights and satisfy your thirst with some well deserved refreshments.
The three major rivers, the Chilojo Cliffs and the vast water pans in the park support a rich variety of birdlife, including Kingfishers, Hornbills, Eagles and Raptors. Over 450 species have been recorded in and around Gonarezhou, making it one of Southern Africa's top birding destinations. The rivers attract many waterbirds from herons, storks and egrets to waders, African Skimmers and nesting Southern Carmine Bee-eaters. Purple-crested Turacos flash crimson through the denser riverine and Grey-headed, Brown-headed and Meyer’s Parrots squawk and shriek. The Chilojo Cliffs and the surrounding areas offer common sightings of Verreaux’s Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Black Storks, swifts and other raptors, including Bat Hawks and Taita Falcons. And the local Sacred Sand Forest also provides sightings of specials such as the Green Malkoha, Narina Trogon, Chestnut -fronted Helmet shrikes, and Square tailed Drongo.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 10
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
The majestic architecture of this intimate lodge has always been a signature of the property. The detailed stonework and imposing proportions of Great Zimbabwe form the main reference point for the lodge design. Interiors of the lodge reflect original references to the local Shangaan culture, artfully combined with contemporary forms and styles inspired by these African patterns and shapes.
With eight luxury suites, each with its own luxury plunge pool, Singita Pamushana Lodge makes for an unforgettable luxury safari but its work with the non-profit Malilangwe Trust and its enduring purpose to contribute to the conservation of the 130,000-acre wildlife reserve in which it sits sets a new benchmark for meaningful travel experiences.
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Video
Rooms
Units
Facilities
Activities and Services
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge Lounge
Singita Pamushana Lodge Lounge & Fireplace
Singita Pamushana Lodge Deck
Singita Pamushana Lodge Deck & Bar
Singita Pamushana Lodge Deck
Singita Pamushana Lodge Pool
Singita Pamushana Lodge Conservation Room
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
Singita Pamushana Lodge
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature en suite bathroom and shower, as well as an outdoor shower, private plunge pool, double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge, room safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game viewing deck with Swarovski spotting scope.
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature en suite bathroom and shower, as well as an outdoor shower, private plunge pool, double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge, room safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game viewing deck with Swarovski spotting scope.
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature en suite bathroom and shower, as well as an outdoor shower, private plunge pool, double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge, room safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game viewing deck with Swarovski spotting scope.
The suites offer the ultimate luxury in a truly African setting. All master bedrooms feature en suite bathroom and shower, as well as an outdoor shower, private plunge pool, double-sided fireplace, mini-bar and fridge, room safe, air conditioning, overhead fans, private lounge, direct dial telephones and game viewing deck with Swarovski spotting scope.
Malilangwe House
Set in Zimbabwe’s remote Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, this elegant exclusive-use home is perched alongside Singita Pamushana Lodge on a sandstone ridge and offers inimitable views of the surrounding landscape and beautiful Malilangwe Dam below.
Designed for families and friends, this intimate offering comprises five expansive bedrooms, each with its own private deck, that all flow seamlessly into the home’s convivial living areas, interactive kitchen and chic ‘bar-deli’ – and onto various outdoor decks and a large rim-flow pool with panoramic views.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Gym, Gym (nearby), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Pool, Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Available Services
Babysitting Service, Credit Card Facilities, Room Service
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Viewing Hide, Game Walks, High Tea, Massages, Rhino Tracking, Safaris, Tennis Court, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Massages, Tennis Court, Walks (Guided)
Daily game drives with professional guides and trackers provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while late afternoon drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. Our game drives are all conducted in state-of-the-art Land Cruisers, each accommodating a maximum of six guests. During your stay at Singita Pamushana Lodge you are likely to spot a wide variety of wildlife including white and black rhino, Lichtenstein hartebeest, sable, nyala, klipspringer, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard, and an abundance of bird life.
Walking safaris are an incredible way to experience the bush up close and personal. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.
Water is a source of life and beauty, and no place is this more apparent than in the remote tranquility of the African bush. Fishing at the dam below the lodge is the ideal way to experience this wonder firsthand. Drop in a lure and see what bounty the day will bring, while your guide and tracker show you how the locals catch fish using plants found in the area. Singita Pamushana boasts excellent game fishing throughout the year including Tiger Fish, Bass, Bream (tilapia), and Catfish.
There is perhaps no more transcendent experience than looking up at a full sky of sparkling stars. Man has had a love affair with the nighttime sky for centuries and with very little pollution and no city lights to detract from the stars, your view of the heavens here will be crystal clear – nothing between you and the vast African sky above.
Experience a game of tennis as you never would have before.
Enjoy your time on court whilst being surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness. Cool down with rewarding refreshments and a dip in the nearby swimming pool.
Community tours provide guests at Singita with the opportunity to gain insight into community life and the local Shangaan culture. You will be able to witness firsthand the positive impact of the thriving development programmes in place and meet the fascinating people who live in these communities.
The San Bushmen are one of the earth’s oldest continuous cultures on earth, the original hunter-gatherers, their way of life is a mirror into our past. Take an educational tour to view San Bushmen rock art dating back tens of thousands of years and learn about their remarkable way of life.
As one of Africa’s most influential buyers of wine, Singita’s cellars are home to some of the most sought-after private reserves and vintage wines the continent has to offer.
Whether you are a connoisseur or just enjoy the occasional glass of wine, our experienced sommeliers delight in introducing guests to a vast selection of varietals from all over the world.
Through Singita Premier Wine Direct guests may purchase wines from our cellars: either to be taken home at the end of their trip or conveniently delivered to their door. As an addition to cellar purchases, we have secured allocations of highly limited, sought-after wines, including ‘Icons’, ‘Single Vineyard’ and ‘Limited Release’ wines, directly from leading wineries in South Africa.
Stored in temperature-controlled cellars, these wines are unlikely to be available anywhere else.
Offering the luxury of unfiltered time and space, the African wilderness is the ultimate setting for complete unwinding, while the continent’s healing energies are encapsulated in rituals that nourish and nurture.
At Singita, our enduring purpose to restore the land and its wildlife extends to offering healing experiences to our guests at every touchpoint. The dedicated treatments in our massage spaces tap into the profound benefits of indigenous wisdoms and essential oils that relax, replenish and revive. Each tailor-made therapy can be customised and timed to preference, ensuring a completely personalised experience.
The massage menu has been designed to immerse guests into their beautiful surroundings, and all treatments incorporate that peace and vibrant energy to revitalise and nourish the soul.
A fully equipped fitness centre is available for guests’ convenience.
The African sunset is an occasion worth celebrating and the dam below the lodge is the perfect spot to enjoy a gorgeous sunset cruise while sipping refreshing sundowners and to watch the magnificent wildlife as it comes down to sip from the dam.
Guests at Singita Pamushana can enjoy a swim at the swimming pool located at the main lodge area. All of the guest suites also come complete with their own private plunge pools.
Singita Boutique & Gallery in the main lodge area.
You will find a dedicated yoga mat in your suite as well as a card to guide you through a relaxing sequence in the privacy of your room or on your deck. All our lodges also offer Vinyasa and Yin yoga practices with trained practitioners – simply ask our front-of-house staff to check availability, then book and join a session.
Known for seamlessly synchronising movement with breath, Vinyasa is a flowing style of yoga that moves from one posture to the next using muscular engagement. Yin is a meditative practice focusing on passive, long-held poses – often with the support of props like blocks and bolsters. It helps to improve flexibility, reduce stress, quieten the mind and foster mindfulness.
Your Stay
2 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Drinks (excl Champagne) Included
Fast Facts
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Golf, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife