Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
Situated on the boundary of the Gonarezhou National Park
Situated on the North Eastern border of the Gonarezhou National Park, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is without doubt one of Zimbabwe’s premier destinations. This amazing property which overlooks the Save (pronounced Sa-Veh) River has stunning views of wildlife and has been designed to give visitors maximum exposure to the wilderness whilst ensuring that each guest’s needs are catered for in very comfortable and wonderfully appointed rooms.
Every lodge sleeps two and has a verandah overlooking the Save River. The facilities at Chilo Lodge are excellent and the attention to detail in every room reflects the commitment of the management and staff. Each room has a balcony / deck, spacious en-suite bathroom, fan, fridge, mini bar, pure cotton linen, safe, shower, tea / coffee making facilities and hair dryer. For families there are two luxury rooms with an extended interconnecting balcony, which provides easy private access between the rooms for all the family.
The main lodge offers a bar, swimming pool, large gardens and patio area, relaxing lounges, gift shop, large function room which can be used for celebrations or conference centre and dining areas. Wifi is available around the reception area and thankfully the rooms do not have television.
For those who prefer to do self catering, there is Nhambo Lodge which offers excellent facilities and is very comfortable with spectacular views. Each lodge sleeps two and has its own en-suite bathroom and private balcony. There is a shared kitchen, a dining area, and a braai (BBQ) area, as well as a plunge pool.
In addition there is also the family lodge at Nhambo which sleeps up to six and is roomy and private with its own kitchen, garden and two bathrooms.
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge offers a variety of activities which includes: game drives; tours to the Chilojo Cliffs, guided walks; birding, swimming, cultural tours; fishing; photography; sundowners on the Save River beach or perhaps an overnight stay in the tented camp. For those people wanting to spend their time in front of a television, forget it…there aren’t any!
Each lodge is light and spacious, simple and elegant, yet with all the comforts of home. We used a handsome palette of natural materials, to provide you with a haven from the heat of the day, a place to rest and recoup, and to prepare for your next big adventure. For when you’re looking to spend time with other guests, the main lodge has everything you need; a shaded swimming pool, a sumptuous lounge, a library, a bar and dining room, all surrounded by beautifully tended gardens. Even here, at the heart of Chilo, the great African wilderness is never far away. You can watch our local elephants, hippos and crocodiles cooling off in the waters of the river from the viewing deck.
The all-inclusive luxury rooms sleep two, and come with a spacious en-suite bathroom complete with complimentary toiletries. A private balcony and seating area commands superior views, offering a serene space to unwind after a lively day. Other amenities include a mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, and a safe. One option for families is the two luxury rooms with an extended interconnecting balcony, which provides easy private access between the rooms for all the family.
The lodge is also an excellent venue for weddings or in which to host a conference and depending on numbers, exclusive use of the lodge, staff and facilities is offered. The lodge can accommodate 10 to 42 guests on a full board basis and bespoke itineraries for the entire party can be arranged for the entire stay.
At A Glance
Accommodation
Chilo Lodge – 10 Double Rooms (20 beds)
Nhambo Self Catering – 4 Double Rooms (8 beds)
Tiger Fish Family Cottage – (2 x Double & 2 x Single beds)
Chilo Tented Camp (Mahove) – 4 x twin bed tents with on suite abolutions
The all-inclusive luxury rooms sleep two, and come with a spacious en-suite bathroom complete with complimentary toiletries. A private balcony and seating area commands superior views, offering a serene space to unwind after a lively day. Other amenities include a mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, and a safe. One option for families is the two luxury rooms with an extended interconnecting balcony, which provides easy private access between the rooms for all the family.
Airport
Guests can fly into either Harare or Bulawayo International Airports using a number of International Carriers. Travel to Chilo Gorge Safari Camp is then undertaken by road or you can charter a flight (see below).
Additionally, from early April to late Sept, there are flights from Johannesburg to Buffalo Range on Mondays and Thursdays It is then a 1hr 30min transfer to Chilo.
For light aircraft, Hahenye Air Strip is nearby.
Charter Aircraft:
Cessna 206 – US$1620 – 4 people (1 hr 45 mins)
Navajo Piper – US$2430 – 6 people (1 hr 20 mins)
Caravan – US$3915 – 12 people (1 hr 20 mins)
10kgs luggage (in soft bags) per person
USD 15.00 per person Departure Tax – payable directly to the airport
Road transfers: Available upon request
Transfer Rates: Net and Exclusive of 15% VAT
All rates are accurate at time of publishing.
Transfers and Self Drive
Transfers can be arranged from Buffalo Range airport for a transfer fee.
Guests flying into the nearby Hahenye Air Strip by charter will be picked up.
Self-drive from either Harare or Bulawayo is approximately seven and a half hours.
Harare: For guests travelling from Harare a detour through the beautiful Eastern Highlands is recommended as a way of breaking up the journey. There is a lot to see and do so 2-4 nights is very doable.
Alternatively you can travel from Harare to Masvingo and stop over to see the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Lake Mutirikwi (Kyle). From there you can drive down to Chilo or go via the beautiful Vumba Mountains in the Eastern Highlands.
Bulawayo: Guests travelling from Bulawayo can break their journey by travelling to Masvingo to see the Great Zimbabwe Ruins and Lake Mutirikwi (Kyle). From there they can either drive through to Chilo or go via the beautiful Vumba Mountains in the Eastern Highlands and then travel down.
It all depends on how much time you have.
Most of the roads are tarred and in reasonable condition but the last stretch to Chilo is dirt road and quite rugged so 4WD is necessary. Alternatively, you can arrange to leave your vehicle in Chiredzi and a transfer can be arranged to the lodge for a fee.
Facilities
Facilities include:
- Swimming pool
- Shop
- Lounges
- Library
Fully inclusive rates include:
- Accommodation twin share or single
- All meals and snacks
- Drinks – local drinks including beers, wine, soft drinks and spirits.
Premium brands not included. - Coffee & tea available throughout the day
- Laundry
See ‘Accommodation’ above.
Location
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is located in the South East of Zimbabwe and over looks the Save River.
The lodge is located on the border of the Gonarezhou National Park and is approx 330 miles from Bulawayo and 335 miles from Harare. Travel time is approx seven and a half hours (7.5 hrs). Self-drive guests are advised to use 4WDs.
Flying time is approximately one and a half hours (1.5 hrs) by light aircraft.
Activities and Attractions
There are a number of exciting things to whilst staying at Chilo Safari Lodge. These include:
- Fishing
- Walking safaris
- Game drives
- Birding
- Visit with the people of Mahenye Village
- Walking to Chivilia Falls
- Visiting the amazing Chilojo Cliffs
- Sundowners on the Save River
Nearby attractions include:
- Visiting the amazing Chilojo Cliffs
- Visiting with the people of Mahenye Village
- Walking to Chivilia Falls
- The Runde, Save and Mwenezi Rivers
Conservation
Guides and Conservation:
Chilo has some excellent guides and spending time with Thomas Mutombeni and Clive Stockil is something to be truly valued. Both men were born and grew up locally and their knowledge of flora and fauna is second to none.
In 2013 Clive Stockil won the international Prince William Award for conservation in Africa.
Conservation : Sustainability and conservation are central to everything that is done at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, and they understand that the local community performsa vital role in protecting the park.
The first CAMPFIRE programme (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources) in Zimbabwe was started here, and its principles have since been replicated across Africa and the rest of the world. Clive Stockil, founder of Chilo Gorge was instrumental in the start up of the CAMPFIRE Programme.
Weather
Monthly Averages:
- January 32°C
- February 31°C
- March 30°C
- April 29°C
- May 28°C
- June 26°C
- July 26°C
- August 28°C
- September 31°C
- October 32°C
- November 32°C
- December 32°C
Summer highs can reach 38° to 40°c
Winter lows can reach 5° to 6°c
