The management of Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe has announced a temporary closure of the park to all visitors from 10 January 2026 until the end of February 2026. This annual short-term closure coincides with the peak of the rainy season, a period during which heavy rainfall can render certain access roads, river crossings and remote campsites inaccessible.
According to park authorities, the closure is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring visitor safety, protecting sensitive ecosystems during the wet season, and allowing essential maintenance and conservation work to be carried out across the park. It also provides camp attendants and field staff with a well-deserved rest following the busy festive and peak tourism period.
Why Gonarezhou National Park closes during the rainy season´
Gonarezhou National Park is known for its rugged wilderness, seasonal rivers and clay-based roads, which can become extremely challenging after sustained rainfall. Temporary closures help prevent vehicle damage, rescue incidents and environmental degradation caused by off-road driving during wet conditions.
About Gonarezhou National Park
Located in southeastern Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou National Park is one of the country’s largest and most remote protected areas, forming part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area alongside Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Limpopo National Park (Mozambique). The park is renowned for its dramatic Chilojo Cliffs, vast elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and a true sense of wilderness that appeals to experienced self-drive travellers and nature enthusiasts.
Gonarezhou National Park is especially popular with visitors seeking a less commercialised safari experience, offering unfenced camps, low visitor numbers and excellent birdlife, particularly after the rains.
Bookings and future travel planning
While the park remains closed to visitors during this period, Gonarezhou National Park's reservations team remains fully operational and available to assist with enquiries, advance bookings and travel planning for visits from March 2026 onwards.
Travellers are encouraged to factor the seasonal closure into their itineraries and consider visiting Gonarezhou National Park during the dry season (May to October), when road conditions improve and wildlife viewing is at its best.
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