About Chizarira National Park Zimbabwe

About Chizarira National Park Zimbabwe

Chizarira National Park is among the remotest wildlife parks in Zimbabwe sitting on about 2000 squire kilometers of land. This untamed national park of Zimbabwe is the third largest and is situated in the Northern part of the country. Chizarira National Park has its headquarters in Manzitumba

You may also like:

Filming in Chizarira National Park

The word Chijarira is a Batonka word meaning “ great barrier” which is emulated from the Zambezi Escarpment from the Chizarira mountains of which it forms part.

The nature of the topography of Chizarira National Park may be one of the reasons why it is a less visited park with jagged mountains. These mountains are deeply carved by gorges and ravines. The presence of green vegetation is because of the water supply from springs

 Over the years the Chizarira National Park has suffered attacks from poachers and the situation worsened during the early 2000s economic crisis in Zimbabwe. The country usually received generally less visitors and Chizarira National Park being a remote park that is not easy to access suffered the after effects.

Some of the animals that were common to Chizarira National Park were wiped out like the elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, klipspringers, other antelopes and others. Even the population of leopards that are known to be residents of this park were reduced to rare chances of viewing. Contact us for more information.

Brief History of Chizarira National Park

The Chizarira National Park was first a hunting ground for both local and international travelers but in 1938, it was declared a non-hunting reserve. By 1963, it was upgraded to a game reserve. Later in 1975, it was lifted to National Park status that is now Chizarira National Park

Chizarira National Park northern porting is situated in southern Miombo woodland, the Zambezi escarpment is situated on about 600 meters from the Zambezi Rift Valley.  Some rivers like Lwizikukulu, River, Mcheni Rivers also made some degradation creating a sheer gorge in the escarpment. The presence of Tundazi mountain which is believed to host a huge snake lies in the northeastern side of the park.

The Busi River marks the southern part of Chizarira National Park with flood plains that support the existence of thorn albida woodland. Get in touch with us.

What to See And Do in Chizarira National Park

Nature walks in Chizarira National Park

Even though Chizarira National Park is reduced to a limited number of wild animal viewing destinations in Zimbabwe, this is a place of tranquility where you can listen to the whispers of nature. The scenery around the park is mesmerizing because of the jagged nature of the Chizarira mountains that form part of the barrier that is part of the Zambezi escarpment.

The lush evergreen vegetation in the park is perfect to look at while on a guided walk in this vast Chizarira National Park. Enjoy the hymns from the birds that meander in the park all day.

Look out for some animals that may cross your way too.

Birding in Chizarira National Park

Chizarira National Park is a great Zimbabwean birding destination with great opportunities for spotting different bird species. Some of the birds of Chizarira National Park so far recorded include Livingstone’s’ flycatcher, African emerald cukoo, Taita Falcons, Western Nicator, African Pitta and much more.

For the best birding experience in Chizarira National Park, you need to book a professional and experienced Zimbabwe birding guide and an early morning start may yield better results.

Hiking in Chizarira National Park

Chizarira National Park is made up of several highlands where you can test your level of fitness by hiking. You need an escorting ranger guide to lead the way and protect you from dangerous park dwellers. You need to wear the right hiking gear to protect yourself from the rough jungle.

Try to follow the path taken by the ranger guide so that you do not create extra paths as this may lead to environmental degradation. Having some level of fitness saves you from getting tired before completing the trek. Carry some drinking water to quench thirst as you need to rehydrate. Having some energy bites to munch on while hiking is also very helpful. Test your level of fitness during your safari in Chizarira National Park.

When is the best time to go on safari to Chizarira National Park

The dry season provides better chances of spotting the rare animals of Chizarira National Park. The dry season is normally June, July, August, September, October when the grass is lower allowing better visibility even amidst obstructions from the jagged mountains.

This is the peak season in Zimbabwe tourism season so expect to share the same space with other tourists although the number of visitors is limited by accommodation availability. The roads leading to Chizarira National Park are better navigated in the dry season when the ground is not slippery and the roads are dry. But do not expect a smooth ride because the roads are bumpy and dusty.

The wet season that is January to May might not be a great timing for a visit to Chizarira National Park because of the nature of the terrain of this area. The roads get messy and so you need a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle in good condition. Sometimes when the rains get too heavy even the accommodation within and out of Chizarira National Park may close.  

The wet season may be a great opportunity to witness new births because there is grass to hide them from possible predators of Chizarira National Park.

How much is the cost of safari to Chizarira National Park

 The cost of a safari to Chizarira National Park varies with the package you choose. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we package our safaris according to luxury, mid-range and basic. When destined for a safari to Chizarira National Park, you work all the necessary plans with the our tours consultant.

When sending the inquiry, you need to state the details of this safari and the number of people traveling with you. This helps with putting together all the necessary logistics including accommodation, transport, hiring the right driver guide and much more. stating the reason for visiting remote destinations like Chizarira National Park helps with most of the plans to be implemented during the safari.

Paying park entrance fees is necessary and compulsory for every visitor to Chizarira National Park. this money is used to run the affairs of this park.

Why visit Chizarira National Park

Chizarira National Park is one of the untouched safari destinations that still possess their natural setting. Most of the natural safari destinations have been altered and there are few places of this nature in the world of late.

This park is also less visited so do not expect a crowd while on safari in Chizarira National Park. You may even have the park to yourself and a visitor plus the ground staff. There is a need to promote still intact places like Chizarira National Park to the rest of the world so your visit will be a milestone added to this venture.

Money collected from park fees at the entrance is used to support park maintenance which promotes the sustainable existence of destinations like Chizarira National Park. This money also helps with local community sensitization as more people around the park need to understand the relevance of protecting wildlife.

Keen birders have a great opportunity to spot a number of bird species that are recorded as residents of Chizarira National Park. Get in touch with us.

Can children visit Chizarira National Park?

Chizarira National Park honestly, this park is still a remote park where children may not have much to see but they can still visit. They can learn about the ecosystem and the importance of protecting wild habitats.

There are limited accommodations in and around Chizarira National Park for a comfortable stay during the Chizarira National Park visit.

 When with the children, they must be in the company of a responsible adult who will supervise them to know their way about while in Chizarira National Park. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

How safe is Chizarira National Park for a safari?

Chizarira National Park is a safe place to visit while on safari in Zimbabwe because on ground are ranger guides who protect its territories. When in the park, you need to follow the guidelines of this game park like no walking in the park without an escorting ranger guide because there are predators like leopards that may hurt you.

 Getting out of your facility in the night is forbidden as you put your life at risk of facing some dangerous animals.

Protect your body from rough surfaces in the jungle that may hurt you as you take a walking safari within the park. Were colors that are wilderness friendly like tan, and khaki as there are stinging insects that may hurt you. Contact us.

Are Walking Safaris In Chizarira National Park Dangerous?

Walking safaris in Chizarira National Park are not dangerous but you must be in the company of a ranger guide. As a tourists you expose yourself to chances of encountering other dangerous animals when you take a self guided adventure in Chizarira National Park. this park is home to leopards that love hiding in its highlands.

This park has rough terrain that is covered in jagged landforms like plateaus, and ridges where you may get lost or get hurt. You need to have some level of fitness to navigate the beauties of Chizarira National Park.

What Are The Guidelines Of Safaris To Chizarira National Park

• Respect nature while on safari in Chizarira National Park and do not over ride on it while in the park.
• Do not make noise or hoot while in Chizarira National Park because you may scare the wild animals.
• Dumping garbage in Chizarira National Park is forbidden because this alters the nature of the park where wild animals thrive. Do not pick anything from the park but only carry memories of this adventure.
•  Do not get out of your facility at night while in Chizarira National Park because you may encounter some danger.
• Feeding the animals of Chizarira National Park is forbidden because they are wild animals that must search for their food.
• Drive at the speed limit set by the park authorities as this helps not to knock down some animals.
•  Do not drive off track while entering or leaving Chizarira National Park because you destroy nature.

What To Pack For A Safari In Chizarira National Park

• A pair of binoculars for better visibility of far ranging features.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The wilderness may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
• Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of the Chizarira National Park
• Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zimbabwe experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
•  Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zimbabwe
• Safari wears in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moments while on safari in Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
• Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
• First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
• Extra batteries are fully charged to exchange with in case your one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.

Get in touch with us for more information.