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Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp

Chilo Gorge Tented Camp


21°20’32.1"S 32°8’20.1"E

About Chilo Gorge Tented Camp

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.

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.

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.

Anton Walker

Anton Walker

Zimbabwe expert

Accommodation

4 Safari Tents

Children

Best for 8+

Open

01 May -31 Oct

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fly-camping

Fly-camping

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Chilo Gorge Tented Camp

2 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
2 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
2
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr B & Ms NfromGeorgia

Arrived 26 May 2022, 3 nights

"Chilo Gorge Tented Camp review"

"Incredible wilderness experience. …" Read Mr B & Ms N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

N & J LancsfromUK

Arrived 14 Jul 2019, 2 nights

"Chilo Gorge Tented Camp review"

"Another great spot …" Read N & J Lancs’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Chilo Gorge Tented Camp reviews

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.

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.

Buffalo

100% success

Eland

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Giraffe

50% success

Spotted Hyena

50% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Sable antelope

0% success

White Rhino

0% success

Wild dog

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

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Fly-camping

    Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

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$.

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Chilo Gorge Tented Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chilo Gorge Tented Camp.


Other lodges in Gonarezhou & Save Valley

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

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.


97% (6 reviews)
Pamushana Lodge

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.


100% (1 review)

When to go to Gonarezhou & Save Valley

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Chilo Gorge Tented Camp in Gonarezhou & Save Valley


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Zimbabwe in January

January falls in the middle of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and is the wettest month of the year. Heavy rainfall occurs most days, flooding seasonal rivers and waterholes, with the occasional sunny spell.
With the high levels of precipitation the wildlife in the national parks becomes widely dispersed, taking advantage of the abundance of food and water, and is easily hidden by the thick, green bush.

While sightings of larger animals are possible, and many species drop their young at this time, game viewing is often sparse. However, many migratory species of bird arrive in Zimbabwe making it a peak month for birding.

The rains create incredibly sticky mud in Mana Pools National Park, preventing access and causing camps to close for the season. The majority of the camps in other parks remain open, with low rates attracting a smattering of visitors.

  • Peak of the rainy season: hot & humid with heavy rain most days
  • Bush exceptionally thick and green, with poor game viewing
  • Species such as impala drop their young
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Very few visitors, and low rates at open camps

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in January

Zimbabwe in February

February remains well within Zimbabwe’s rainy season. Although total rainfall drops, relatively short thunderstorms can still be expected most afternoons. On the plus side, there is a greater chance of some sunshine in-between.

Much of the country remains waterlogged, closing access to Mana Pools and severely restricting walking safaris in other parks. While game drives and canoeing remain an option, the abundance of water disperses animals, and thick grass can make it difficult to spot larger species, but birding remains excellent. Conversely, this is a great time of year to view the landscape, and is excellent for photographers. Sporadic cloud cover and clear air can make for some spectacular sunsets too, particularly over Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River where the reflections off the water add to the beauty.

  • Generally wet with frequent thunderstorms & hot humid days
  • Poor wildlife viewing due to dispersed animals & thick bush
  • Clear air, green landscapes & exceptional sunsets
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Very few visitors & low rates at camps that are open

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Zimbabwe in March

March is the final month of Zimbabwe’s rainy season, when the rains start to trail off and sunny days become the norm. However, some days the clouds can still build, breaking into thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Mana Pools remains closed throughout the month but the majority of camps in Hwange, Matusadona and Gonarezhou remain open. Here, the landscape is green and alive, with migrant species of birds taking advantage of the abundant insect life. Larger animals remain elusive though, and walking safaris remain restricted.

By this time of year, the rains have normally trickled down to the Zambezi River and the flow of water over the Victoria Falls starts to increase, but without kicking up too much spray to obscure the views.

  • Last month of the rainy season: hot, humid days with occasional storms
  • Lush vegetation means good birding, but poor game viewing
  • Views of the Victoria Falls improve
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed
  • Open camps have few visitors & low rates

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in March

Zimbabwe in April

April marks the end of Zimbabwe’s rainy season and the end of summer. Clear skies are the norm, with just the occasional shower. Temperatures start to drop, failing to reach 30ºC most days and dropping down to around 10ºC at night.

As the rain fades the landscape starts to dry out. While the vegetation remains thick and green, the soil in Mana Pools dries enough for camps to open, and the only camps to remain closed are the most remote bushcamps in Hwange. Although viewing of larger animals remains tricky, the improved weather starts to draw back visitors, as do prices significantly below those in the peak season.

The Zambezi River and flow of water over the Victoria Falls is at its highest, although large amounts of spray diminish views of the waterfall itself.

  • Transitional period, with much lower rainfall & falling temperatures
  • Wildlife is still dispersed & hard to see, but sightings improving
  • Views of the Victoria Falls often obscured by spray
  • Camps in Mana Pools open
  • Visitors start to return & camps increase their rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Zimbabwe in May

The first month in the dry season, May is also Zimbabwe’s first month of winter. If the rains are particularly late in a given year, you may catch the odd shower, but you can expect clear and sunny days the majority of the time. While it’s warm in the daytime, temperatures drop to single digits at night, so bring a warm jumper and gloves for early morning drives.

With the rain having cleared the air, the sky is bright blue, and it’s the best time of year for photography.

Even the most remote camps in Zimbabwe are now open. With the lack of rainfall, vegetation dies back significantly, and seasonal rivers return to sand. Not only does this open up the possibility of walking safaris, but wildlife viewing becomes much more reliable.

  • Start of the dry season, with milder days and cold nights
  • Game viewing significantly improves as vegetation dies back
  • Vegetation starts to turn from green to brown
  • Best time for photography with crystal clear air
  • Visitors start to return; all camps open & rates increasing

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Zimbabwe in June

During June you can virtually be guaranteed of dry and sunny days, although temperatures continue to drop, and can get close to freezing at night in Hwange National Park. Jumpers, jackets and gloves are strongly recommended for early mornings and evenings.

The opportunities for wildlife viewing improve throughout the month as the landscape rapidly dries, and the animals start to gather on the banks of the Zambezi River and around Hwange’s waterholes.

Water levels in the Zambezi River start to drop, reducing the amount of spray kicked up at the Victoria Falls and greatly improving visibility, but still allowing a full curtain of water to cascade over the edge.

  • Middle of winter, with night-time temperatures close to freezing
  • Game viewing significantly improves throughout the month
  • Views of the Victoria Falls are at their best
  • Noticeable increase in visitor numbers
  • Camps considerably more expensive

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Zimbabwe in July

July sits in the middle of Zimbabwe’s dry season. Although it’s warm at midday, temperatures are generally cold and in Hwange it’s been known to drop below freezing at night, with the lower-altitude Mana Pools feeling a bit warmer.

With wildlife clustering around the few remaining waterholes, sparse vegetation, and some of the best views of the Victoria Falls, this is one of the most popular times to travel, with camps charging peak season rates to reflect this. That said, visitor numbers to the country in general remain low, and outside of the Victoria Falls it’s rare for any areas to feel crowded.

  • Middle of the dry season with almost no chance of rain
  • Clear sunny days, but very cold nights
  • Wildlife viewing good; game drives and walking safaris unrestricted
  • Views of the Victoria Falls at their best
  • Camps charging peak season rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Zimbabwe in August

While August is the end of winter and temperatures are starting to creep up, mornings and nights are still cold, and game drives in open vehicles can feel particularly chilly. Well into the dry season, the landscapes will have mostly transformed from green to brown and wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe’s national parks is approaching its best. Due to dust kicked up into the atmosphere and smoke from bush fires you may start to notice a haze on the horizon, but this doesn’t significantly impact photography.

August is one of the most expensive months, and the pleasant weather and decent game viewing attracts lots of visitors. While the national parks rarely feel crowded, Victoria Falls accommodation can sell out a year in advance.

  • Warm, sunny days but cold mornings & nights; almost no chance of rain
  • Wildlife viewing nearly at its best
  • Landscape turns brown, & an atmospheric haze develops
  • All camps charging peak season rates

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Zimbabwe in September

Temperatures in September rarely drop below 15ºC, but are yet to reach the oppressive highs of summer. It will normally have been five months since the last drop of rain, so antelope and elephants cluster around whatever water remains, with predators never too far away.

The landscape is very brown, and the haze building on the horizon takes some of the colour out of the sky, so while animal subjects are plentiful, the background is not ideal for photography.

The combination of incredible wildlife viewing, hot and sunny weather, and cheaper flights outside of the school holidays make this the most popular time of year to travel, and availability at the camps can become limited up to a year in advance.

  • The best month for weather, with a pleasantly warm temperature range
  • One of the best months for game viewing
  • Victoria Falls starting to dry but still impressive on Zimbabwean side
  • All camps are charging peak season rates
  • Most popular time to travel, & space can be limited

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Zimbabwe in October

October is the last month of the dry season with little chance of rain but building humidity. While the higher elevation of Hwange National Park limits temperatures to the 30s Celsius, they can easily top 40ºC in Mana Pools.

With little vegetation or water, wildlife is drawn to the few remaining water sources and viewing is at its best; visitors who brave the heat can be rewarded with some exceptional sightings, although haze in the air diminishes photos. Maximum visibility and dense wildlife concentrations can also make for very rewarding walking safaris, although the heat can make them uncomfortable.

Water levels in the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls drop significantly, and large stretches of the waterfall are a dry cliff-face – although it never dries completely. Camp rates remain at their peak, but visitor numbers drop as people avoid the heat.

  • Last month of the dry season; very hot with building humidity
  • Wildlife viewing at its very best
  • Dust & smoke in the air diminish photographic opportunities
  • Victoria Falls starting to look very dry
  • Camp rates remain at their peak

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Zimbabwe in November

November is a transitionary period, with high temperatures and humidity. While they can’t be predicted with any precision, the first rains normally arrive halfway through the month, in the form of thunderstorms lasting a few hours each day.

Early November is a popular time to travel as the camps drop their rates, so if you’re lucky you can get peak-season game viewing at low-season rates. This is a gamble though as if the rains do arrive, animals are no longer limited to a few dangerous waterholes and will disperse into the bush. While all the camps in Mana Pools intend to remain open, the rains can make the airstrips unusable so you may find yourself moved to a different park, a risk that increases through the month.

  • Typically the start of the rains in Zimbabwe
  • Temperatures & humidity levels remain high
  • Wildlife viewing rapidly diminishes as the rains arrive
  • Camps remain open, but risk early closure in Mana Pools
  • Much cheaper time to travel as camps drop their rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Zimbabwe in December

By December the rainy season has begun in earnest; this is one of the wettest months in Zimbabwe, with heavy thunderstorms most afternoons and occasionally continuous rain for a couple of days. While temperatures start to cool down the high levels of humidity can make the heat feel more oppressive.

With the rains comes an explosion of green growth, and the dust and smoke are washed out of the air. The resulting scenery – with the occasional bright blue skies – can be fantastic for photographers. Thick vegetation and plentiful water makes viewing of larger animals tricky, but with migratory species arriving the birding is at its best.

All camps in Mana Pools and the remote Hwange camps close, with those remaining open charging their lowest rates.

  • One of the wettest months in Zimbabwe
  • High temperatures & levels of humidity
  • Wildlife viewing poor, but birding good
  • Lush green landscapes & clear air; great for landscape photography
  • All camps in Mana Pools closed

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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