There are a number of interesting areas to visit around Gonarezhou which are definitely worth a visit and can easily be combined into your safari itinerary.
Examples of these include the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Save Valley Conservancy, the Eastern Highlands and Gorongosa National Park in adjacent Mozambique.
Half way between Harare and Gonarezhou are the Great Zimbabwe Ruins, one of only two structures in all of sub-Saharan Africa still remaining from ancient times. They were built around the 11th century and are the source of continuing study as to their origins and purpose. There are comfortable accommodations nearby, allowing for an afternoon or morning trip to the Ruins on the drive down to Gonarezhou.
Immediately to the north of Gonarezhou, Singita Pamushana Singita Pamushana, located on the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is arguably one of the finest lodges on the continent and offers a wildlife experience that is hard to beat! This is a popular combination with our guests. While Malilangwe is nearby, it offers very different scenery and wildlife. If you would like to have your private guide continue with you to give continuity and context to your experience there, this can be easily arranged.
A stone’s throw to the north of Malilangwe is the Save Valley Conservancy with several mid-to-high end properties to choose from. There they have ongoing Rhino and Wild Dog research projects, which allow for good viewing opportunities for these rare and endangered animals.
Mid-way between the Gonarezhou/Malilangwe/Save Valley and Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique are the Bvumba Mountains which provide a dramatic change of scenery and climate. It makes for a refreshing and interesting stopover for journeys between Gonarezhou and Harare or Gorongosa. One of Africa’s most renowned golf courses is found here at Leopard Rock. If you’ve played St. Andrews or just enjoy a day out at your local club, this is a must on your trip.
A short distance across the border into Mozambique is Gorongosa National Park, which has received extensive international press coverage with the rehabilitation project initiated by the Carr Foundation. The tented camp within the park, Explore Gorongosa, is very popular with our guests.
For some beach time before heading home, the Bazaruto Archipelago is your answer – offering world class diving, deep sea fishing or absolutely nothing on the schedule at all.
As Buffalo Range International Airport is only a 20 minute drive from Malilangwe (mid-way between Gonarezhou and Save Valley Conservancy), adding a sun & sand getaway on the coast is simple. From there, daily scheduled flights to Johannesburg service Vilanculos, allowing you to get back home easily.
