The name Chizarira comes from the Batonga “chijalila,” or “sijalila” meaning a closing off, or a barrier, probably because the north of the Park has sheer gorges which have been cut through the high hills by the Sengwa River on its path into Lake Kariba making it difficult for even local people to traverse.

First proclaimed a non-hunting reserve in 1958, the National Park was gazetted to give sanctuary to wildlife driven out of the Zambezi Valley by the rising waters of Lake Kariba, but Chizarira does not have the very visible concentrations of animals such as Mana Pools National Park and will appeal to visitors who enjoy wilderness and exploring the African bush on foot with a top professional guide, and the feeling that you are the first person to ever walk on this patch of ground. There are strong prides of lion and hyena packs and good sightings of leopard have been reported. Birding-wise, the gorges provide excellent homes for Lanner, Peregrine and Taita Falcons. The black eagle is a frequent visitor here, often returning to its same nest year after year. Towards the rainy season in late November/early December, the Angolan pitta appears and carmine bee eaters return each year to breed.

Park size: 2000 km²

Proclamation: 1975

GETTING THERE
From Bulawayo on the A8 for Chizarira National Park turnoff east at Cross Roads 50 KM south of Hwange town, then travel 28 KM to Kamativi on good gravel road, then 50 KM to the Mlibizi turnoff. Continue east 54 KM to the Binga turnoff. Continue east toward Siabuwa, but turn right after 47 KM soon after crossing the Mucheni River where a sign indicates Chizarira National Park. A further 20 KM of dirt road up and over the escarpment gets the visitor to Park headquarters at Manzituba.

Coming from Harare on the A5 turnoff toward Gokwe at Kwekwe. At Gokwe take the Binga tarred road for 120 kilometres until you reach a T-junction with a sign post indicating Binga to the left. Take this dirt road towards Binga via Siabuwa Business Centre until you see a sign indicating “Chizarira National Park” at the 47 KM peg. Turn left and proceed for 20 KM to the Park headquarters.

From Karoi a 4X4 is required to drive inland west towards Siabuwa crossing the Sanyati and Ume Rivers.

The nearest fuel and supplies are obtained at Binga on Lake Kariba, approximately 90 KM away.

There is a light airstrip at Manzituba, but prior arrangements must be made with ZPWA.