Chilo Gorge Tented Camp: Our full report
Gonarezhou National Park is one of the quietest areas in Zimbabwe, with only three camps sharing over 5,000km² ...
... of wilderness. The simplest of these camps is Chilo Gorge Tented Camp, a property with a classic safari style designed to complement the rugged, pioneering nature of Gonarezhou.Unlike it's sister property Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, a permanent lodge with luxurious villas and a sizeable swimming pool in the main area, Chilo Gorge Tented Camp take a much more traditional, simplistic approach.
Each of Chilo Gorge Tented Camp's green canvas tents are positioned along the banks of the Runde River, a large draw for Gonarezhou's thousands strong elephant population, as well as a huge range of other plains game, and subsequently the parks healthy wild dog population. Though the tents are modest in size and simply furnished, they are large enough to walk around in, and fit twin single beds, dressed with cream and green bedding. At the back of each tent you find an open-air en-suite bathroom with a plumbed in shower, toilet and washbasin, where reed matting and canvas walls provide you with adequate privacy.
The simple, explorers camp style continues in the main area, and while an open-sided canvas mess tent can provide shelter from the rain or sun, depending on the season, this is normally eschewed for pulling up a directors chair to the campfire, and enjoying a drink or a group meal under the open sky.
While the physical style of the camp differs greatly from Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, there are much more similarities in the activities offered from both camps, with the same emphasis on top guiding. Game drives and walking safaris often take place in the northern section of the park, where the Runde and Save River draw in the wildlfie, and both of these activities will often be combined into one flexible excursion, allowing you to jump out of the vehicle with your guide and continue on food should some interesting tracks lead where the vehicle can't follow. Depending on water levels in the river, boating and canoeing can also be offered from the camp.
During longer stays in the park there is lot to be gained from exploring further afield, with trips to the iconic brick-red Chilojo Cliffs, or visits to the Shangaan village of Maheye, with which Chilo Gorge has very close ties.
Our view
For some the juxtaposition between the isolation and ruggedness of Gonarezhou and a luxury lodge can be too much, and for those travellers heading to the park with a pioneering spirit we would certainly suggest staying at Chilo Gorge Tented Camp. It's simple but comfortable style, classic safari look and focus on great guiding give the camp an adventurous feeling that suits this wilderness area incredibly well.
Zimbabwe expert
Geographics
- Location
- Gonarezhou & Save Valley, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- Flights to and from the park only fly on Thursdays and Mondays, making 3 or 4 night stays in the park most logistically convenient, as well as being a suitable length of time to explore the park.
- Directions
- Chilo Gorge Tented Camp is at least a seven-hour drive from Harare. We may be able to assist with transfers but please speak to us first, we may need to add a stop along the way.
By air, it is possible to charter a plane into Chilo’s private Mahenye airstrip year-round, these flights typically depart from Harare. Alternatively, there are scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Buffalo Range Airport (60km from Chilo Gorge) on Mondays and Thursdays. - Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chilo Gorge Tented Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- There is no Wi-Fi at the camp, and mobile reception is sporadic. At the more substantial Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge a few kilometres away there is Wi-Fi, more reliable signal and a landline.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is pumped from the nearby Runde River and filtered multiple times.
Health & safety
- Medical care
- The lodge has first aiders on site and a doctor available in nearby Chiredzi.
In the event of an emergency we have a casualty evacuation plan from our private airstrip with Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS). - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- 24 hour security patrols the property
- Fire safety
- The lodge has fire extinguishers throughout and lightening conductors.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included in the all-inclusive package. Turnaround times are normally 24 hours.
- Money
- All rooms have safes and there is a safe at the lodge.
The Lodge accepts US$.
Other lodges in Gonarezhou & Save Valley
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
On the banks of the Save River, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers game drives and walking safaris in Gonarezhou National Park.
Pamushana Lodge
Pamushana Lodge is one of the most luxrious in Zimbabwe, facilities include a tennis court and spa. The wildife watching is excellent too.
