Safari in Southeast Lowveld
Journey to the remote Southeast Lowveld, home to the magnificent Gonarezhou National Park and vast private conservancies teeming with wildlife.
Southeast Lowveld Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Southeast Lowveld
Southeast Lowveld Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Southeast Lowveld
Bangala Dam Recreation Park
Bangala Dam Recreation Park is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Bubye Valley Conservancy
Another vast private conservancy, Bubye Valley is renowned for its successful black rhino breeding program and high densities of other wildlife, including lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. It offers a remote and exclusive safari experience, focusing on ethical hunting and photographic safaris, contributing significantly to conservation.
Chiredzi River Conservancy
Chiredzi River Conservancy is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Gonarezhou National Park
Meaning 'Place of Elephants,' Gonarezhou is Zimbabwe's second-largest national park, forming part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. It's characterized by its rugged, remote wilderness, dramatic Chilojo Cliffs, and a thriving elephant population, along with healthy numbers of black rhino, lion, leopard, and diverse birdlife, offering an authentic and uncrowded safari experience.
Jamanda Community Conservancy
Jamanda Community Conservancy is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
A pristine private reserve in southeastern Zimbabwe, Malilangwe is dedicated to conservation and offers an exclusive safari experience. It's home to a significant population of black rhino, as well as elephant, lion, leopard, and wild dog, set against a backdrop of ancient baobab trees and unique sandstone formations.
Naivasha Community Conservancy
Naivasha Community Conservancy is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Nuanetsi Conservancy
Nuanetsi Conservancy is a protected area in Zimbabwe.
Save Valley Conservancy
One of Africa's largest private wildlife conservancies, Save Valley is a critical area for black rhino conservation and boasts a high density of other wildlife, including the Big Five. It's a leading example of successful private conservation efforts, offering exclusive and high-quality safari experiences with a strong focus on anti-poaching and community involvement.
Compare Parks in Southeast Lowveld
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Southeast Lowveld
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonarezhou National Park | 5,053 km² | 332 | - | Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0005 (43km) |
| Save Valley Conservancy | - | 188 | - | Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0039 (8km) |
| Bubye Valley Conservancy | - | 145 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0008 (30km) |
| Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve | - | 332 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVLS (5km) |
| Bangala Dam Recreation Park | - | - | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0036 (8km) |
| Chiredzi River Conservancy | - | 289 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | FVKW (20km) |
| Jamanda Community Conservancy | - | 332 | - | Quiet | Moderate | MJW (4km) |
| Naivasha Community Conservancy | - | 332 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0005 (19km) |
| Nuanetsi Conservancy | - | 145 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | ZW-0012 (28km) |
149 species recorded in Southeast Lowveld13 threatened
We love the raw, untamed beauty of the Southeast Lowveld. It feels ancient here, a place where the land itself tells stories. The sheer scale of the landscape, with its dramatic kopjes and vast mopane forests, is humbling. We recommend venturing out early to witness the mist rise from the river valleys, a truly magical sight before the heat of the day descends.
Terrain & Altitude
A rugged landscape of granite kopjes, sandstone cliffs, and rolling hills dominates, interspersed with mopane woodlands and acacia savannas.
200-800m above sea level
Vegetation
Dense mopane woodland covers much of the area, with scattered acacia species, baobabs, and riverine forests along watercourses.
Water Sources
The mighty Runde and Save rivers are the lifeblood of the region, creating vital floodplains and supporting permanent waterholes, though the dry season can be harsh.
Unique Features
The Chilojo Cliffs, towering red sandstone formations overlooking the Runde River valley, offer breathtaking vistas and are a defining landmark.
Getting to the Southeast Lowveld requires a bit more effort, but that's precisely part of its wild charm. We always advise flying into Buffalo Range if possible, as it significantly cuts down on travel time to the lodges. If driving, ensure your vehicle is in good condition; the roads can be challenging, especially after rain, but the reward of reaching such a remote and untamed wilderness is immense.
Nearest Airports
Buffalo Range Airport (BFO)
Variable depending on lodge location; often 1-3 hour drive
Limited scheduled flights; primarily used for charter and private aircraft
Harare International Airport (HRE)
Approx. 500km / 6-8 hour drive
International and regional hub; daily connections from major global cities
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Harare
A long but manageable drive on mostly paved roads. We recommend breaking the journey in Masvingo if you prefer a more relaxed pace. The final stretch into the Lowveld can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is advisable.
From Victoria Falls
This is a significant drive, best tackled over two days. You'll pass through Bulawayo and then head southeast. It's a good option if you're combining the falls with a Lowveld safari, but be prepared for varying road conditions.
Temperature
25.4°C
78°F
Rainfall
188 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
71.1%
Sunshine
10.3 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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