Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
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.
There is nothing like spending a night in the park, amidst the sounds and sights of unadulterated wilderness. An overnight stay at our tented camp in Gonarezhou, accompanied by a professional guide, will offer you an unparalleled encounter with nature and make for a truly memorable experience.
Download Fact SheetChilo Gorge Tented Camp is a semi-luxury seasonal tented camp on the banks of the Runde River. This is an "Africa of old" camping experience, with a good standard of comfort, and a great place from which to explore Gonarezhou by vehicle and on foot. Four twin bedded canvas tents each feature an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, hot and cold running water, shower, single basin sink, and flushing loo. Tents also feature a hanging cupboard and luggage rack, mirror and storage area, private veranda and seating area, and Kerosene lighting in all areas.
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. Plated meals are taken under the shade of trees, or in a canvas boma in inclement weather. Stunning views of the Mahove floodplain provides great sightings throughout the day.
Daily activities include Game Walks with our resident Professional Guide, Game Drives in open 4x4 vehicles, and Birding; as well as exploring the Chilojo Cliffs and the nearby water pans.
Any journey into the heart of Gonarezhou begins with the realization that this is wild country. It is one of Africa’s last remaining pristine wildernesses and we are all privileged to be a visitor here. The animals are in their most natural state at Gonarezhou; these are no lazy photographic models, hassled by a constant cavalcade of jeeps, radioing one another in their relentless pursuits. This is a country of red sandstone, thorny scrub and baobabs. Buffalo gather at watering holes, big cats prowl silently in pursuit of painted impala, hippo wallow midstream attended by squadrons of fluttering birds. The presence of elephants is everywhere; on the earth and the vegetation, as their families travel along routes passed from one matriarch to another in search of food, safety, and water. A panorama of birdlife gathers at Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans, a flying, wading tumult of colour, while the wonders of Chilojo Cliffs and Chivilila Falls reveal the glories of the unique landscape.
Community-Led Conservation
The first CAMPFIRE program in Zimbabwe was started here in Gonarezhou by one of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge’s directors – Clive Stockil, and its principles have since been replicated across Africa and the rest of the world.
Chilo engages with and supports a variety of initiatives and programs in our efforts to not only bridge community and conservation but also to create opportunities and showcase to our guests how their travel choices have a positive impact.
This collaboration and co-existence of a private entity and traditional living has been a contributor the 6000 Shangaan having settled here, living in traditional home steads and the village now has a clinic, schools, boreholes and griding mills.
Jamanda Conservancy
The Jamanda Conservancy was established to ensure the peaceful coexistence between the local community of Mahenye and surrounding wildlife areas of Gonarezhou. The community has relinquished 120 square kilometres of their cattle grazing land, which is bordering Gonarezhou National Park for wildlife conservation and photographic safaris. The land has been protected with fences and anti-poaching patrols and today, wildlife roams freely in this conservancy, established by the community.
Pack 4 a Purpose
Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact. We know that so often our guests, upon visiting our community partners, wonder if there is a way that they can give back and make a difference. One initiative Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge takes part in is Pack 4 a Purpose, where you can come already equipped with supplies. It may seem like a small gesture but it will go a long way in this remote part of the World. For instance, for 5 pounds (2.27 kilos), you can bring one of the following:
Why not drop us an email at info@chilogorge.com to find out more about how you can pack 4 a purpose.
Nutritional Garden
Planting seeds for the future is both a physical and metaphorical endeavor for the formidable female farmers of Mahenye Village. Their vegetable gardens are the life source for many Shangaan families – keeping culture and community alive. This lifeline extends beyond the village and into the Gonarezhou National Park, as food security results in lowering the risk of temptation to commit wildlife crime in order to survive. Human, animal and ecosystem health are inextricably connected. These gardens are pivotal to maintaining the fragile balance of Human-Wildlife cohabitation.
Initially supported by the EU, SAT-WILD and Odyssey for Change, together with Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, to lay a solid foundation for preparing future landscapes for the residents of Mahenye Village. The nutritional gardens support the community themselves, as well as supply the lodge with vegetables. This ensures the gardens have a market, a worthwhile incentive for long term viability. Adopting an agro-pastoral lifestyle reduces conflict between wildlife and humans as well as contributing toward better ecosystem health.
Campfire
The first CAMPFIRE program (Communal Areas Management Program for Indigenous Resources) in Zimbabwe was started here, and its principles have since been replicated across Africa and the rest of the world. Engagement with the Mahenye community developed under the CAMPFIRE program recognized the necessity of involving the community in management decisions. This resulted in developing a strategy which would empower the people as well as create sustainable utilization of natural resources. Headed by Clive Stockil, Chilo Gorge is extremely proud and passionate about this project. The Mahenye initiative has been expanded and promoted in over forty other districts within the country, proving the success of community engagement and equitable benefit sharing – working together to protect our National Parks.
Over the years, guns have been replaced by cameras, and local people and visitors alike have learned to appreciate the animals as they should be; intact in their natural habitat. In recognition of his unswerving commitment, Clive was awarded the Prince William Award for Conservation in 2013.
“If you are a conservationist, your problem is all about space, so deal with human pressures first. CAMPFIRE has turned conflict into cooperation and everyone has benefitted. The community is happy, the parks are happy and the animals are happy. Everyone wins.”
Clive Stockil
The following camps compliment Chilo Gorge Tented Camp Experience at Mahove well, and should be considered when extending an itinerary.
Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
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