Zimbabwe : Gonarezhou and the South

The remote and underdeveloped Gonarezhou is the second largest and least known game reserve in Zimbabwe. Its name derives from a 'Shona' name meaning place of the elephants and it is renowned for the size of its 'Tuskers'. Poaching has been a problem in the past but a number of conservation projects has seen the animal populations growing annually. Gonarezhou is a wild and untouristy destination and there are a few small lodges who cater for those who want to see a part of the country away from the tourist trail. There are a number of private game reserves and ranches in southern Zimbabwe where landowners and private investors have set up conservation projects and to where many of the rhino were relocated from the national parks when poaching was rife. There are plenty of opportunities in these areas to view game in a wild untamed environment on horseback, on foot or by vehicle.

Turgwe Lodge
Set on the banks of the Turgwe River on Humani Ranch is the small and rustic Turgwe Lodge. The ranch has an extremely diverse habitat, from savannah grasslands to mopane and Illala palm forests. There are 4 simple A-framed lodges with en suite bathrooms. Activities include game drives and safari walks, horse riding and night drives. There are healthy populations of rhino, cheetah and the cape hunting dog. Many other species including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, sable and a variety of other antelope are likely to be seen.

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view from the camp	bedroom balcony	python

The Malilangwe Private Wildlife Reserve
The Malilangwe Private Wildlife Reserve is owned by a non profit organisation the Malilangwe Conservation Trust. All the money raised by tourism is channelled back into the reserve and the local communities. There is plenty of game with high numbers of black and white rhino as well as elephant lion, leopard, sable, kudu, roan antelope and many others.

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giraffes

There are two luxury lodges within Malilangwe:

Pamushana
This is a beautiful lodge set on top of a sandstone escarpment with spectacular views over the lake and to the mountains beyond. There are six luxury air-conditioned villas with an entrance hall, a sitting area, bedroom and dressing room and large wooden decks with patio furniture, a telescope and your own private pool with open air shower. The villas are so comfortable it is difficult to pull yourself away for meals and activities. The main lodge has been beautifully decorated with mosaic-tiled pillars, thatched roofs and teak decks with a reflection pool to the front and a heated swimming pool for the cooler winter days. The food is excellent and is served outside on the deck.

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entrance to the main lodge	bedroom	shower

your private pool

Nduna Lodge
Nduna Lodge is in a lovely situation, which overlooks a lake and is surrounded by sand stone cliffs. There are 7 very comfortable chalets all en suite with air conditioning and private balconies. They are joined to the main dining and bar area by wooden walkways along the cliffs. Delicious meals are set outside on a wooden deck overlooking the lake and the barman mixes a mean cocktail. Activities at both lodges include game walks and drives, boating on the lake, great fishing and night drives.

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the lodge	bedroom	chalets over the lake