Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe

Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe

Chizarira National Park lies in Northern Zimbabwe. At 2,000 square kilometres, it is the third largest national park in Zimbabwe, and also one of the least known because of its isolated situation on the Zambezi Escarpment.

Although Chizarira has 4 of the Big Five (rhino is missing), animal densities aren’t huge. The terrain is excellent for leopards and there is a good variety of herbivores. Its main attraction is its enormous wilderness appeal. Walking safaris are a big part of the experience. Elephant and buffalo are regularly seen. There are good populations of antelope including klipspringer, impala, greater kudu and even roan. Lion, leopard and spotted hyena are around and might be seen.

The terrain in the park is rugged and dramatic, dominated by the Zambezi escarpment. The park encompasses 7 ecological zones from Lowveld valley savanna to Highveld broadleaf woodland. Lush pockets of vegetation, fed by natural springs, are found in the valleys between the mountain ridges. Visit Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Epic Route © Monika Newbound