At a Glance
- Gonarezhou National Park will shut from Jan. 10 to late February 2026 due to heavy rains and safety concerns.
- The seasonal closure supports conservation work and protects fragile road networks and wildlife habitats.
- Travelers are advised to plan visits during the dry season from May to October for better access and game viewing.
Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park will close to visitors from Jan. 10 through the end of February 2026, a seasonal move that reflects how safari operators and park managers are adjusting travel calendars to weather patterns and conservation needs.
The annual pause comes during the height of the rainy season, when heavy downpours make travel difficult and increase safety risks.
Officials say the closure is aimed at protecting visitors, staff and the landscape at a time when roads and river crossings are most vulnerable.
For travelers, the announcement is another reminder that safari planning in Southern Africa is increasingly shaped by climate conditions and infrastructure limits.
For operators, it underscores the need to align itineraries with park operations and seasonal access windows.
Gonarezhou, one of Zimbabwe’s largest protected areas, sits in a remote corner of the country near the borders with Mozambique and South Africa.
Its wide floodplains, seasonal rivers and clay-based roads give the park its raw appeal, but those same features can turn into obstacles after sustained rain.
Safety and conservation drive closures
Park managers say closing during the wettest weeks reduces the risk of vehicle breakdowns, rescues and damage to sensitive habitats caused by off-road driving.
The break also allows teams to carry out road repairs, facility upgrades and conservation work without daily tourist traffic.
Similar seasonal shutdowns or access limits are common across parts of Southern Africa, especially in parks with limited all-weather infrastructure.
Conservation groups view the approach as a practical way to balance tourism with environmental protection.
A co-managed model
Gonarezhou is run under a partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Supporters of the model say it has improved funding stability and ensured that tourism income is reinvested in anti-poaching efforts, habitat management and nearby communities.
The annual closure is built into that strategy, giving staff time to reset after peak holiday travel and prepare for the next high season.
What travelers should know
While the park will be closed on the ground, Gonarezhou’s reservations office will continue to handle inquiries and bookings for trips from March 2026 onward.
The park is popular with self-drive travelers and visitors looking for a quieter, less commercial safari experience.
Tour operators advise clients to target the dry season, from May to October, when roads are easier to navigate and wildlife viewing improves as animals gather around permanent water sources.
For the wider safari market, Gonarezhou’s closure highlights a broader shift: successful travel planning now depends as much on understanding seasonal cycles as it does on choosing destinations.
