Chizarira National Park

Situated in a remotely isolated region in northwestern Zimbabwe, Chizarira National Park is perhaps one of the largest (at 2,000 sq km) and most scenic wildlife parks in Zimbabwe. It lies on, and south of, the Zambezi Rift Valley escarpment, about 80 km south-east of the small town of Binga, on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. The park is bounded in the north, west and east by Binga, Gokwe and Manjolo Communal Lands; and by the Chirisa Safari Area in the south.. Because of its isolated situation and remote nature, the tranquility and rugged beauty of Chizarira National Park is indeed unequalled.
Vegetation
Closed off by the undulating plateau of the Zambezi Escarpment, Chizarira this park has been blessed with an amazing species of Flora. It has some of the rarest species of trees which are found nowhere else in Zimbabwe. The vegetation ranges from highveld Brachystegia species in the north to lowland mopane scrub and woodland in the south. The Acacia albida woodlands along the southern boundary to the riverbank of the park supports a wide range of plant species including Mishimi Teeta, a local medicinal plant used to cure diseases.

Chizarira Bushbuck

Wildlife
Most of the plains game is present in Chizarira National Park. Significant populations of elephant, cheetah, zebra, buffalo, lion and leopard are found in the Park. There are also many species of smaller game, including the klipspringer, famous for its ability to inhabit rocky outcrops; sable, common waterbuck, kudu, bushbuck, and steenbok. Formerly the park had black rhinos but were relocated in order to protect and monitor their diminishing numbers.
Bird Life
Apart from the animals, Chizarira National Park offers an abundance of unique bird life where more than 200 bird species have been recorded in the park. The birds of the area include Livingstone Flycatcher,  the African Broadbill, Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow spotted Nicator, Racket-tailed Roller, Whyte’s Barbet, Miombo Wren-warbler, White-breasted Sunbird, Black-eared Seedeater and the rare and elusive Angola Pitta. The best birding spots are in the grassy valleys and riverine forests.

Racket-tailed Roller

Getting There
There are three main routes by road into Chizarira National Park.

• From Victoria Falls take the Bulawayo Road and turn left toward Kamativi at Cross Dete. From Kamativi follow the Binga Road and turn right along the Siabuwa road at the 133 km. Follow this dust road and turn right at the 48 km where you meet the Chizarira National Park sign post. This undulating road also goes for 20 km to the Park headquarters at Manzituba. A four wheel drive vehicle here is recommended.
• Alternatively, one using the Harare-Bulawayo Route drives toward Gokwe. At Gokwe take the Binga road for 120 km you will get to a T-junction with a sign post indicating Binga to the left. Drive for 47 km along this dust road until you see the Chizarira National Park sign peg. Turn left and proceed for 20 km to the Park headquarters.
• Visitors coming from Bulawayo can use the Victoria Falls road; turn off at Gwayi River on the Lubumbi road.

NB: It is advisable to use a good map and seek accurate directions and up to date information on road conditions.
Where to Stay
Leaving the visitors to the comfort of the wilderness, the area neighbouring the park has developed innumerable accommodation facilities and Exclusive Bush Camps. Some of the available accommodation options include Mucheni Gorge Camp; Chizarira Wilderness Lodge; Mucheni View Camp; Busi Camp; Kaswiswi Camp I and II; Mabola Camp; and The Platform.
Best Time to Visit
Although it is open year round, the rainy season renders some areas inaccessible, and the best time to visit is June to September.
Activities

• Wilderness hiking trails along the Zambezi escarpment
• Walking Safaris – This is the main tourist activity in the park and the best way to see the big game.
• Camping at the edge of gorges
• Daytime escorted walks.
• Escorted backpacking wilderness trails
• Bird watching searching for rare and exotic species of birds. Most birding trails start at Kaswiswi Camp II