Name: Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Address: Zimbabwe

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

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Chilojo Cliffs

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All you need to know

Intro

Set high atop the cliffs, looking down on the Save River in southeastern Zimbabwe is Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge. Enjoying a magnificent location overlooking Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe’s second largest National Park, the Lodge has undergone a stunning and extensive refurbishment. Offering luxury all-inclusive lodges, a semi-luxury seasonal tented camp, a fly camping experience, and a self-catering camp. Additionally we provide a wide range of activities, ensuring guests can truly feel part of untamed Africa.

Highlights

Conservation and community are the reasons Chilo Gorge was built in the first place, and they remain a critical part of what we do. Gonarezhou is blessed with authentic wilderness and guests rarely see another vehicle in the park, but instead get to enjoy abundant and diverse wildlife, birdlife and flora in their natural environment. The lodge also has a very close alliance with the local community and offers cultural visits to Mahenye Village where guests can experience the local Shangaan way of life. Our Head Guide, Clive Stockil, is the founding father of the CAMPFIRE project, whose passion for the African bush and conservation has been recognised with numerous local and international awards.

Need To Know

At Chilo Gorge we are committed to maintaining the beauty of the pristine wilderness, the integrity of its native wildlife and to create an unrivaled safari experience for guests.

Safaris

Gonarezhou is a Shona name meaning "place of the elephant" and, covering an area of 5,053 km², is Zimbabwe's second largest game reserve. It also forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Gonarezhou with the Kruger National Park in South Africa and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. Animals can move freely between the three sanctuaries. The stunning topography, diverse wildlife and exceptional birdlife makes a game drive in Gonarezhou truly memorable. The Chilo Gorge Guides are experienced, friendly and professional, offering expert local knowledge. The Ivory Trail Adventure, is the ultimate safari experience. Taking clients across the Save and Runde rivers to Tembwehata and Machanu Water Pans (part of an internationally recognised Important Bird Area), before ascending to the highest part of Gonarezhou, Chilojo Cliffs, to enjoy spectacular views.

Wildlife

The wildlife experience in Gonarezhou is becoming increasingly unique. There is huge variety of mammals and birds (452 recorded bird species), all of which remain in their natural unhabitauted state due to the low number of vehicles and tourists in the park. The park is most well known for it's numerous elephant, but there are also good populations of many mammal species, including buffalo, eland, nyala, kudu, waterbuck, impala, zebra, giraffe, hippo, as well as good numbers of the smaller antelopes. All of the major predators are represented, including a healthy population of wild dogs.

Quick Facts

Region

Africa

Property Type

Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms), Safari Tented Camp ( less than 20 tents)

Average Stay

We recommend a minimum of 3 nights, and 4 or 5 nights is better. Especially if combining nights in the lodge and one of the tented camp alternatives.

Average Price

Rack rate for 2019:

Chilo Gorge Luxury Lodge and Tented Camp is $595pppn + Nat Park fees and Community Levy.

Child Policy

Under 6 yrs: US$50.00 per child per night

6-11 years: 50% of adults rate

12 years and over: Classified as adults

A maximum of 2 children sharing with 2 adults

Accommodation

Our ten beautiful Luxury King/Twin Lodges are largely inspired by nature, but with a designer's passion for elegance, simplicity and bespoke touches. Locally crafted intricate reed weaving, individually carved jacaranda headboards, luxurious cotton bedding, en suite bathroom, spacious shower, separate toilet, complimentary toiletries, tea, coffee and mini bar have all been carefully chosen for your comfort and enjoyment. Each Lodge has its own private balcony and seating area offering spectacular views and the opportunity for you to relax, watching the multitude of river visitors, including our resident elephants, crocodiles and hippos.

Chilo Gorge Tented Camp consists of 4 large A-frame tents, in twin configurations, with 'en-suite' bathroom including hot and cold running shower, and flush toilet.

The Ivory Trail Adventure, our new fly camping experience, is designed for the more adventurous travellers, who want to get even further into the pristine wilderness. Dome tents, bucket showers and long drops.

Our Self Catering Camp, Nhambo, provides guests with the option to be more independent whilst taking advantage of comfortable accommodation, panoramic views and access to the expertise, game drives and activities that we offer. Nhambo comprises four twin/double lodges, each sleeping 2 people. Each lodge has an en-suite bathroom (with shower and bath) and its own, private balcony. The double lodges share a kitchen, dining and barbeque area. There is also a plunge pool. For larger groups of friends and family, you may take all 4 lodges and enjoy the camp on an exclusive basis. The Family Lodge is spacious and private (with its own kitchen, garden and two bathrooms). It sleeps up to 6 people.