Charlie Slater - McVEY-LAVELLE x 6 + Charlie

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.

At Camp Chitubu, walking safaris offer an immersive and up-close experience with the diverse flora and fauna of Hwange National Park. Led by expert guides, these walking safaris provide guests with the opportunity to:

Explore the Wilderness:
Venture into the heart of Hwange National Park on foot, allowing for a more intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness.

Encounter Wildlife:
Experience close encounters with wildlife, from elephants to various bird species. Walking safaris provide a unique perspective on the natural behaviors of animals.

Expert Guidance:
Benefit from the expertise of knowledgeable guides who share insights into the park's ecosystem, wildlife habits, and the significance of the region.

Photographic Opportunities:
Capture stunning photographs of wildlife and the landscape, as walking safaris often present unique opportunities for unobstructed views.

Birdwatching:
Delight in birdwatching as Hwange National Park is home to a rich diversity of bird species. Walking allows for a more leisurely exploration of avian life.

Sense of Adventure:
Walking safaris at Camp Chitubu provide a sense of adventure, allowing guests to be fully immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush.

Before embarking on a walking safari, guests typically receive safety briefings, and the pace and duration of the safari can be adjusted based on preferences and fitness levels. It's advisable to check with Camp Chitubu for specific details on their walking safari offerings and any additional considerations for guests.

A sundowner experience at Camp Chitubu is a magical and serene way to embrace the beauty of the African wilderness as the day transitions to evening. Here's what you might expect:

Scenic Setting:
Head to a specially chosen location within the camp or its surroundings with breathtaking views of the landscape.

Sunset Views:
Witness the stunning hues of the African sunset as the sky transforms into a canvas of warm colors, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.

Relaxation and Socializing:
Unwind in a relaxed setting, whether it's around a campfire, on a deck, or another picturesque spot. Sundowners provide an opportunity for guests to socialize and share the day's adventures.

Beverages and Snacks:
Enjoy a selection of beverages, including refreshing cocktails, local wines, or non-alcoholic options. Light snacks or canapés are also provided, enhancing the overall experience.

Cultural Elements:
Sundowners may incorporate cultural elements, such as traditional music, dance, or storytelling, offering guests a deeper connection to the local environment.

Wildlife Observation:
As the sun sets, keep an eye out for wildlife activity. Some animals become more active during the cooler evening hours, providing a unique opportunity for observation.

Photography Opportunities:
Capture the beauty of the sunset and the surroundings. Sundowners often present excellent photographic opportunities, and many guests find themselves capturing these moments to cherish.

Game drives at Camp Chitubu provide an exciting and immersive safari experience in the heart of Hwange National Park. Here's what you can expect:

Expert Guides:
Knowledgeable guides lead the game drives, offering insights into the park's ecosystem, wildlife behavior, and the rich biodiversity of Hwange.

Customized Itineraries:
Game drives are often tailored to guests' preferences and interests. Whether you're interested in the Big Five or specific bird species, guides can customize the itinerary accordingly.

Morning and Afternoon Drives:
Game drives typically occur in the early morning and late afternoon when wildlife is most active. These times maximize the chances of spotting a variety of animals.

Open Safari Vehicles:
Enjoy the safari experience in open 4x4 vehicles, allowing unobstructed views and a closer connection to the natural surroundings.

Diverse Wildlife Viewing:
Hwange National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. Game drives provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

Scenic Landscapes:
Explore the varied landscapes of Hwange, from open grasslands to dense woodlands, and witness the beauty of the African bush.

Sunset and Night Drives:
Some game drives extend into the evening, offering the chance to witness stunning sunsets and engage in nocturnal wildlife viewing with the assistance of spotlights.

Educational Experience:
Guides often share educational information about the flora and fauna encountered during the drive, creating a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.

Before embarking on a game drive, guests usually receive safety briefings, and the drives are conducted with utmost respect for the animals and their natural habitat. If you have specific preferences or requirements, it's advisable to communicate them with Camp Chitubu to enhance your game drive experience.