About Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Elevated atop a cliff, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge has fantastic views over the Save River below and Ghonarezhou ...
... National Park beyond. Refurbished and re-opened in 2012, the lodge lies just outside the park, whose north-eastern boundary is formed by the river.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge has undergone a renaissance and is now a very smart, luxury safari lodge offering a great variety of activities and some fantastic guiding. The variety of activities here is of real appeal, and we particularly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the very real challenges facing this area in the context of a remote wilderness experience.
Our view
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge has undergone a renaissance and is now a very smart, luxury safari lodge offering a great variety of activities and some fantastic guiding. The variety of activities here is of real appeal, and we particularly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the very real challenges facing this area in the context of a remote wilderness experience.
Accommodation
15 Chalets
Children
Best for 8+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 29 Apr 2024, 4 nights
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Jul 2021, 3 nights
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 9 Sep 2019, 3 nights
"Beautiful Chilo Gorge and charging elephants"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 11 Jul 2019, 3 nights
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 16 Jul 2019, 2 nights
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Nov 2014, 5 nights
"Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent





























Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 39 pictures and 1 videos of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Bat Hawk Safari
7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
HARARE AIRPORT TO JOHANNESBURG AIRPORT
Explore two areas revered by safari enthusiasts with some of Africa’s best walking and some superb guiding – even by Zimbabwe’s high standards – for a varied and wonderfully immersive wilderness experience.
Visiting Gonarezhou & Savé, Mana Pools
US$8,670 - US$9,130 per person
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge: Our full report
Elevated atop a cliff, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge has fantastic views over the Save River below and Ghonarezhou ...
... National Park beyond. Refurbished and re-opened in 2012, the lodge lies just outside the park, whose north-eastern boundary is formed by the river.
We first visited in the late 1990s, but in the subsequent decade the lodge’s fortunes followed a similarly rocky path to those of Zimbabwe itself. We were delighted then, when at the end of 2012, a team of enthusiastic Zimbabwean and ex-pat investors informed us that the refurbished Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge was now open. We were even more encouraged to hear that a key figure in this team is Clive Stockil, a man instrumental in the foundation of the original Chilo Gorge Lodge and a pioneer of Zimbabwean conservation.
A member of the Expert Africa team went to visit Chilo in June 2013 and we were really impressed by a lodge offering a great variety of activities and serving as a fantastic base from which to explore the vast and still relatively unknown Gonarezhou National Park.
Chilo Gorge’s main area makes the most of the views. Large, open and constructed from stone, timber and thatch, it houses the bar, a small library, a few lounges and the dining areas in an expansive double-storey structure which provides plenty of nooks and crannies for relaxing in. .
At the front of the main area is a large outdoor pool which also takes advantage of the views. The lodge will gladly provide dinner on the patio by the pool for guests who want to eat out under the stars. When the weather cools or the rains arrive there is also an indoor dining area, which has more of a restaurant feel to it, with separate tables.
Game viewing from the main area is interesting in its own right. On our last visit we saw a number of nyala come down to drink late one afternoon on the opposite bank of the river. There is also a large number of hippo and crocodile which call the Save River home, while elephant and buffalo come to drink at the water’s edge regularly.
Accommodation at Chilo Gorge comprises 15 chalets across two different locations:
- Ten king-size or twin chalets are located at the main camp, each overlooking the river gorge from a private balcony with glazed doors. These split-level chalets are very comfortably furnished and decorated in the local Shangaan style, and are kitted out with en-suite showers, mosquito nets, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a minibar. On our last visit to Chilo Gorge we stayed in the ‘Hornbill Chalet’, with fantastic views onto the river and sandbank about 40 meters below.
The chalets have an elevated bathroom behind the sunken bedroom. The toilet is situated in its own separate cubicle with a locking swing-door for added privacy. Complementary toiletries are provided, and on our last stay the high-pressure shower had plenty of hot water. - Four self-catering double chalets and a family chalet (sleeping up to six) are set in Nhambo Camp, a little way from the main area. This smaller enclave of Chilo Gorge includes its own plunge pool, barbecue area and kitchen, and is a good option for a family or group of friends looking for a more self-contained option. Guests may also head to the lodge for their meals while staying in these units; they don’t have to stay on a self-catering basis.
The diversity of activities offered by Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is excellent, and includes morning and afternoon game drives and nature walks in the north of Gonarezhou National Park, accompanied by fully trained and armed professional guides. It’s also possible to walk to the Chivilila Falls, about 2km from camp – again with an armed guide. Game cruises on the Save River are another option (water levels permitting) as is canoeing during the rainy season.
Visits to the Shangaan village of Mahenye, with which the lodge has very close ties, can be arranged on request. On our last visit to Chilo, we enjoyed an afternoon drive around the village, spending a couple of hours exploring Mahenye and visiting the village school. A community centre was under construction in Mahenye and we’re sure it’ll be a fascinating place to learn more about the local tribe, the Machangana.
The Machangana survive through a subsistence way of life and have a great respect for the local environment. Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, largely due to the influence of Clive Stockil, is very conscious of the conflict that exists at the boundaries between wildlife and human habitation, and doesn’t try to sugar coat these issues.
Geographics
- Location
- Gonarezhou & Save Valley, Zimbabwe
- Ideal length of stay
- We’d recommend a stay of about three nights at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, especially if you’d like to partake in the ’Chilojo Adventurer’.
- Directions
- Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge 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
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Not Available
- Drinks included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- A variety of environments including three major rivers, the Chilojo cliffs and a network of water pans allows Gonarezhou National Park support a rich variety of birdlife making Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge a fantastic option for birdwatching in Zimbabwe.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Zimbabwe
- Photography holidays
- Gonarezhou National Park is perhaps Zimbabwe's most varied national park. The range of landscapes, wildlife and birdlife make it a photographers dream and a top guide from Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge only makes it better.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Zimbabwe
- Cultural Experiences
- Chilo Gorge does a great amount for its local community. It has very close ties with the Shangaan village of Mahenye, and can organise trips here. It’s a real insight into an authentic Zimbabwean village, and a very interesting experience.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Zimbabwe
- Walking safaris
- Gonarezhou is one of Zimbabwe's least developed and least visited national parks. This largely unspoilt wilderness is one of the best places to explore on a walking safari and Chilo Gorge's guiding team are one of the best to show you around.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Zimbabwe
Children
- Attitude towards children
- All age groups are catered for.
- Property’s age restrictions
- All age groups are catered for.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- Children’s beds and cots are available.
Highchairs are available.
We have a selection of children’s toys. - Generally recommended for children
- Chilo Gorge has a family chalet and we’re told that the staff are dedicated to providing a wildlife experience for the entire family. Indeed, Nadine and John (lodge managers at the time of writing in March 2013) have a four-year-old daughter and therefore have first-hand experience of what works for small children in a bush environment.
- Notes
- There are potential dangers to children from wildlife, including Gonarezhou’s notoriously aggressive elephants, as well as from the swimming pool and steep cliffs, so parents must be vigilant at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge 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

80% success

60% success

60% success

40% success

40% success

40% success

20% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Communications
- The lodge has WI-FI, a land line telephone, e-mail and Skype connectivity.
There is mobile reception with the local provider. - TV & radio
- No
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- 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
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$. - Accepted payment on location
- Credit Cards are accepted (1.5% commission charged by the provider)
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Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge.
Other lodges in Gonarezhou & Save Valley
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Chilo Gorge Tented Camp
Chilo Gorge Tented Camp is a classic safari style property in Zimbabwe's isolate 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.
When to go to Gonarezhou & Save Valley
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge 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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