CHILO GORGE SAFARI LODGE
GONAREZHOU
ZIMBABWE
7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
6 – 8 PAX
This is a very hands-on and proactive adventure, with the aim of educating families about the wilderness and wildlife of Africa. The hands-on nature of the trip will not only entertain all ages, but also give our guests a strong understanding of some of the many challenges for conservationists, and demonstrate why local community participation is such a key component for any successful conservation initiative.
Through the course of the visit, in addition to sharing our intimate knowledge of the flora and fauna of the lowveld, the guests will try their hand at some of the many survuval techniques and skills that the local tribes have used for generations.
Your flight from OR TAMBO International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa, you will catch a charter flight to Chilo’s own airstip (Mahenye) touching down at Buffalo Range. The lodge is a 10 minute drive in safari vehicles. An afternoon game drive will kick start your safari in Gonarezhou National Park, your first opportunity to enjoy this authentic experience.
The first three nights will be spent at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, in our lodges, here you will enjoy sundowners which overlook the Save River, where there is a large sand area for the kids to safely run around on. The first morning will be spent in Mahenye Village for an introduction to the locals and intiatives that are daily occurences. An afternoon relaxing by the pool before a hike to Chivilia Falls and sundowners are to be enjoyed at the falls.
Butterfly identifcation and collecting is an integral part of the education process, and is guaranteed to be a big hit with kids. The study of butterflies provides a very natural introduction to many elements of biodiversity and the amazing synergies between flora and fauna. This also entails the making of baits to catch certain species that fly fast at tree top level.
Panorama vies, common sightings of Verreaux’s Eagles, Peregine Falcons, Black Storks, swifts, and other raptors are observed while on safari. A trip to the impressive Chilojo Cliffs before sundowners which is situated at your next stay, Mahove Tented Camp.
We will then spend the day finding and preparing bush tucker, and learning tracking and spoor identification. We will have a picnic lunch and afternoon game drive before we try more survival techniques including making fires with sticks and cooking fish in the mud – dinner, YUM!
Another overnight trip at Mahove tented camp, with a breakfast the next morning at the Machanu Pan. We will explore Save south bank, including the Save/Runde confluence and walk up to Spraggon’s view point. A gram drive on the way back to the lodge arriving in time for lunch and the afternoon will then be spent visiting the Jamanda Wilderness area, to both enjoy the wildlife and also interact with the villages who manage this conservation intiative.
As the guests return to the lodge, we will pause for sundowners on the sandbanks of the Save river, where Shangaan dancers will provide entertainment for a last evening of dinner and drinks and one more sleep!
