Travel news from the Lowveld

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Forgotten Lowveld

For the past few weeks we have concentrated the articles on areas around Zimbabwe which we have termed “The forgotten regions”. Hopefully we have managed to sway at least a few people to go out and visit these areas and experience Zimbabwe as a package deal and not just as a one-stop option. Our final forgotten region brings us to the dry, hot Lowveld region of south-eastern Zimbabwe - home to private game farms, sugar-cane plantations and several National Parks.
The Gonarezhou National Park covers an area in excess of 5 000 square kilometers. “Gonarezhou” (meaning “Place of many Elephants”) can rival Hwange National Park, and is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a massive Pan-African Park that includes Mozambique’s Gaza and South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park. This huge area is set to become one of the finest “peace parks” in the world - set up for the benefit of the wildlife, which do not abide by political boundaries and move freely between the three parks. In particular, Kruger’s elephant and eland migrate to Gonarezhou seasonally.
The main feature of this Park is the Chilojo Cliffs. They are one of the most prominent and enduring natural features of Gonarezhou National Park. Chilojo Cliffs are visible from 50 kilometres away. These magnificent red sandstone cliffs have been formed through eons of erosion and overlook the scenic Runde River valley. Composed of oxide-rich sandstone, the cliffs are spectacularly colourful at sunset.
Neighboring Gonarezhou is The Malilangwe Private Wildlife Reserve, which is completely non-profit making. It is funded by the Malilangwe Trust, founded by concerned conservationists around the world. The Reserve comprises 105,000 acres of private fenced land, with scouts patrolling the area day and night. Here, not only will one find the big five but also the small six – klipspringer, Sharpe’s grysbok, grey duiker, steenbok, Livingstone’s suni and oribi. This combination of small antelope is unique and has not been recorded together anywhere else in Africa.
Located within this private reserve are two of Africa’s most exquisite safari lodges – Pamushana Lodge (a member of RELAIS & CHATEAUX) and Nduna Lodge. Pamushana Lodge is perched on top of an escarpment with spectacular panoramic views whilst the delightful and rustic Nduna Safari Lodge is a lakeside lodge offering uninterrupted views of the luscious surrounding bush and spectacular rock formations.
Venues4africa.com has several magnificent accommodation options available on its database to enable you to go out and explore this “forgotten region”. Contact the team on info@venues4africa.com or www.venues4africa.com.


“RIVER LODGES OF AFRICA”

“River Lodges of Africa” incorporates three Safari Lodges in South Eastern Zimbabwe: Chilo Gorge, Senuko Safari Lodge and Mahenye are adjacent to Gonarezhou National Park. Chilo and Mahenye are CAMPFIRE projects; this is an innovative approach to conservation at village level, which seeks to empower local people to manage their natural resources in a sustainable way, and to use revenue derived from this to the benefit of the community.

CHILO GORGE Safari Lodge.
This elegant 28-bed lodge provides dramatic views of the river and adjacent Gonarezhou National Park, from each room Each lodge has glass doors that open onto a private balcony, and each room is equipped with mini-bar, overhead fan, separate en-suite facilities, telephone and safe box.

MAHENYE Safari Lodge.
This Safari Lodge offers an intimate experience of a magnificent wilderness. Each of the eight rooms provides private views of the river, local designs and materials such as woven reed walling have been used to great effect. Each room is equipped with an overhead fan and cool box for drinks, and en-suite facilities.

SENUKO Safari Lodge.
Situated on a granite hilltop providing a stunning base from which to explore the Save Valley Conservancy. Senuko’s rooms and facilities at the lodge are open-plan, bright and airy. Sixteen guests are accommodated in eight chalets, the front of the chalets are open-fronted with roll down canvas screens. Each chalet has two four-poster double beds in each, with a mini bar, overhead fan, writing desk and en-suite facilities.

The Lowveld Special
Zimbabwe Residents - Z$28 000.00 per person per night full board. Excludes activities, drinks, National Parks fees and extras.
Non Residents - U$120.00 per person per night full board and activities. Excludes drinks and National Parks fees. - Contact – venues@zol.co.zw