Ivory Trail Adventure Gonarezhou National Park Zimbabwe

Guests will have a dedicated professional guide and safari vehicle for the duration of their Ivory Trail Adventure. A second support vehicle carries all the equipment and luggage ahead to ensure that lunches and the campsites are set up prior to guests’ arrival. Due to the nature of changing campsites during the Ivory Trail Adventure, the equipment and accommodation is that of a fly camping experience.

The itinerary and the campsites will be chosen by Chilo Gorge based on the time of year, the accessibility of various locations, and our knowledgeable view on the likely wildlife hotspots at that time of year. If guests have particular preference for certain campsites and locations, they should let us know as soon as possible so that we can endeavour to reserve these campsites on their behalf.
The Ivory Trail Adventure consists of exclusive use fly camp comprising of up to three 2-man dome tents, with enough height to stand-up, each featuring twin cots with foam mattresses and comfortable bedding. A bucket shower, with canvas frame to give privacy, and duckboards underfoot, and camp sites have well-constructed and safe bush loos (long-drops). Meal times are enjoyed under the shade with stunning views, and in inclement weather a gazebo will be used to provide shelter. LED lights for tents, kitchen & service area. An invertor on the game drive vehicle to charge camera batteries. There will be 2 vehicles for these trips - the 9-seater safari vehicle for guests, and another vehicle for the equipment and staff, who can go on ahead and set up for lunch / campsite, as appropriate.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
- Day 1. Arrive Chipinda Airfield midmorning. After registration drive to one of the sandveld pans (Malugwe, Lion or Gorwe Pan) via the Nyamtongwe loop road. The service vehicle will have set up the camp, so guests can enjoy lunch and refreshments, and then spend the afternoon exploring the area and the other Pans. Overnight at one of Malugwe, Lion or Gorwe Campsites.
- Day 2. Depart after an early breakfast, slow drive through the centre of the park to Hlaro camp (Chilojo cliffs south bank). Arrive at campsite for lunch and refreshments. Afternoon walking safari exploring south bank, including the view from the top. A short drive and walk, back in camp for sunset at the cliffs. Overnight at Hlaro Camp.
- Day 3. Move Camp to Chilojo Campsite below the cliffs, explore north bank, including game drive along the Chilojo loop road. Arriving back at camp for sunset. Overnight at Chilojo Campsite.
- Day 4. Early rise, walk across the river to the base of the cliffs, follow the river down to the Milicia Excelsa (Mvule) before crossing back to north bank, where the vehicle will be waiting, picnic lunch on the Runde river. Continue down to Chitove Campsite, arrive for quiet time and sunset. Overnight at Chitove Campsite.
- Day 5. Picnic breakfast at Machanu Pan. Then explore Save south bank, including the Save / Runde confluence, and walk up to Spraggon’s View Point. Game drive on the way to the Lodge, arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, walk / drive to the Chivalila Falls for sunset. Overnight at the Chilo Safari Lodge.
- Day 6. Head out in the morning for a visit to the local village, and the Sacred Sand Forest. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon game drive through the Palm forest, and then Tembwahata pan. Arrive for sunset on the river banks of the Save. Overnight at the Chilo Safari Lodge.
- Day 7. After breakfast depart Mahenye airstrip (next to the lodge).

Key Facts

Open dates: The Ivory Trail Adventure is available all year round, however the stable weather and cooler nights of the dry season (April to October) often provide an excellent time to enjoy this itinerary. However for bird enthusiasts, we recommend November to February as optimal because this is when the migrant bird species visit Southern Africa.
Location: Fly camping within Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. The itinerary and the campsites will be chosen by Chilo Gorge based on the time of year, the accessibility of various locations, and our knowledgeable view on the likely wildlife hotspots at that time of year. If guests have particular preference for certain campsites and locations, they should let us know as soon as possible so that we can endeavour to reserve these campsites on their behalf.
Accommodation: The Ivory Trail fly camping consists of exclusive use fly camp comprising of up to three 2-man dome tents, with enough height to stand-up, each featuring twin cots with foam mattresses and comfortable bedding. A bucket shower, with canvas frame to give privacy, and duckboards underfoot, and camp sites have well-constructed bush loos (long-drops).
Activities: Game drives and Walking safaris in the Gonarezhou National Park, as per the sample itinerary noted under the activities tab above.
Children: We recommend a minimum age of 6 years old for children, and that each child under 12 years old has an accompanying adult. Note: As stated by National Parks rules, children must be 12 or older to join walking safaris.
Conditions: Minimum duration of Ivory Trail Adventure is 2 nights. It is recommended to also combine with at least 1 additional night in Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge before or after the Ivory Trail Adventure. Maximum duration of the Ivory Trail Adventure is 5 nights, but can be combined with Chilo Gorge Tented Camp and/or Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge to make a 5+ night itinerary.

Ivory Trail Adventure Gonarezhou National Park Zimbabwe

Ivory Trail Adventure Fly Camping Experience

Key Facts

Where To Next?

Chilo Gorge Tented Camp Experience at Mahove

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

John's Camp