Chilo Gorge Lodge

a very comfortable base for simpler camps within the reserve

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is located in the Gonarezhou area of southeast Zimbabwe.

Although this lodge may be a rather heavily-built and dated property, it is the only substantial place to stay in this area and, critically, it combines really well with the more outdoorsy and authentic camps out in the reserve beyond, namely Chilo Gorge Tented Camp and Chilo Gorge Ivory Trail.

The lodge is centred on a substantial main building, set in semi-formal gardens, leading out to a swimming pool area, all with broad views over the surrounding bush.

Guest accommodation is in ten Luxury Rooms, each with an impressive verandah with further views.

Activities include vehicle safari and walking safari.

Gonarezhou is a long way from other safari areas, which is why it so rarely features in trips.

More experienced Africa travellers may choose to focus the whole of their safari here. High-end guests may charter flights from Mana Pools in the north or Kruger in the south.

The usual stay duration in the Gonarezhou area is 4-7 nights.

Seasonality

Safari in Gonarezhou is very seasonal and careful planning is extremely important.

Early dry season : May-Jun

May-Jun is a period of transition from the hot wet summer to the cool dry winter and is a decent time to visit, before the harshness of the main dry season kicks in. Animals should start to move back towards the permanent water sources, all of which should lead to an increase in sightings. Temperatures can drop during the night, but the days are gorgeous. The majority of camps are significantly discounted during this period.

Dry season : Jul-Sep

The Jul-Sep dry season is the classic time to visit Gonarezhou and is generally the best time for wildlife viewing, with many animals drawn to the water from the dry surrounding areas. During Jul-Aug the cooler temperatures of the preceding season can continue. This is very much the high season in terms of prices and visitor numbers, but vehicle traffic should rarely be an issue.

Hot season : Oct-Dec

The Oct-Dec hot season is the transition period between the peak of the dry season and the start of the rains. Temperatures and humidities can become uncomfortably high and if rainfall arrives, it brings relief from the high temperatures, but can be heavy and prolonged. Some animals may disperse, causing a marked drop off in sightings The majority of camps are significantly discounted during this period.

Green season : Jan-Apr

Jan-Apr is the main green season when the area receives the most rainfall and temperatures are still elevated. The animals are well fed and there’s lots of babies around. With the wildlife being more dispersed and the long grasses providing extra cover, wildlife viewing can be more difficult, causing a drop off in sightings. It’s the Dec-Feb period which threatens the greatest chance of more cloud and rain, making safari conditions more challenging. The camps are significantly discounted throughout this season, making it a smart time to travel.

Getting there

The Gonarezhou area is usually accessed by scheduled light aircraft flight from Johannesburg into Buffalo Range International Airport.

From the airport, it is a road transfer of around one hour to Chilo Gorge Lodge.

Alternatively it is possible to arrive by charter flight from a range of locations including Victoria Falls into Mahyene Airstrip, from where it is a vehicle safari of around 15 minutes.

The lodge also offers a road transfer from Harare, which takes around six hours and is charged by the vehicle rather than per passenger. The capacity of each vehicle is six guests, so the closer you are to that number, the more economical it becomes.

rarely combined with other safari areas