Gonarezhou itinerary advice

[MikevR]

Hi Mike

Please elaborate on the procedure at Beit Bridge? I know you have mentioned it before. Last time I went through there, 2015, I vowed never again and have thus always avoided it when heading into Zim. We have booked Gona with the kids for June, hoping that the Limpopo crossing will be up and running but need to start working on plan B.

Hi Reece,
Did you get the info you required, Please PM me if not. Email address as well

[Reece]

Hi Reece,
Did you get the info you required, Please PM me if not. Email address as well

Thanks Mike, PM sent

[DVFF2010]

Hi everyone

We are planning a trip to Gonarezhou in June 2024, and I simply cannot contain my excitement!

At this stage I have our route as follows, but would love some advice from those with more recent experience of the park, roads, etc:

Starting off with a few nights at Nthakeni bush camp
Crossing the border to Gona (most likely through Sango gate OR the new crossing) - 1st night at Malugwe platform.
3 nights at Lisoda
3 nights at Runde Gorge
Most likely exit at Chipinda Pools. Travel down to Lion & Elephant for the night.
Beitbridge crossing back to SA.
Few nights at Panda Maria (to act as a buffer between the bush and the reality of a fast paced life back home...)

Does this sound realistic? We will be 2 vehicles travelling together, and we'll be towing an off-road trailer.

Thanks for any insights!

Hi Everyone,

New to the platform.

We are planning a trip to Gonarezhou in August 2025.
Starting the overland lifestyle so looking at a few options.

Would the following vehicles handle the terrain (river crossing etc.) -
2005 Toyota Prado 120 4.0 V6 Auto 4x4,
2010 Fortuner 4.0 V6 Auto 4x4,
2007 Mitsubishi Colt Rodeo 2800TDi 4x4.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

[Mike N]

Hi DVFF, yes, those vehicles are fine as long as they are in a good condition. Plan for sufficient fuel though. Water should also be low for river crossings in August.

[mudgrubber]

Hi DVFF, yes, those vehicles are fine as long as they are in a good condition. Plan for sufficient fuel though. Water should also be low for river crossings in August.

Agree, assuming you are crossing close to Dumela which I know, new crossing, I know naathing. Even fuel is not a big problem as you can buy in Kruger and at Sango (cash and quite pricey). Pafuri to Sango is about 5 -6 hours, including 4 border crossings that will cost you a few ZAR and some time. River crossing; go carefully, follow T4A and, ideally, get a local to guide you (R20). Avoid (if you can) the black mud in the flood plan, she is very slippery. Enjoy the jaunt.

[MikevR]

Confirm MikeN's opinion - more than adequate if in good trim.

You can get fuel in the park at Gonarezhou at Chipinda Pools in the North section and Makonde in the South section.

What is you itinerary?

[GrahamF]

[QUOTE=mcowell;5182107]

Hi Mike

Please elaborate on the procedure at Beit Bridge? I know you have mentioned it before.



I saw this posted on FB recently.

That looks like the new border has definitely nailed the process ….

Pandamatenga Border Post

Step 1: go to counter (let them know if you are entering or leaving the country)
Step 2: leave counter and proceed to destination

My kinda border.

[Reece]

Jip, mostly use Panda for Zim, but getting to Mabalauta, it is a bit of a detour.....

[Leonette]

Eish. I just got our proforma invoice for our planned visit.... R21000 for 7 nights camping for a family of 5. I'm just going to sit in a corner for a while....

[Reece]

Eish. I just got our proforma invoice for our planned visit.... R21000 for 7 nights camping for a family of 5. I'm just going to sit in a corner for a while....

Feel your pain…

[MikevR]

Feel your pain…

The pain goes away as soon as you get there. Its better than PANADO.

[DVFF2010]

Agree, assuming you are crossing close to Dumela which I know, new crossing, I know naathing. Even fuel is not a big problem as you can buy in Kruger and at Sango (cash and quite pricey). Pafuri to Sango is about 5 -6 hours, including 4 border crossings that will cost you a few ZAR and some time. River crossing; go carefully, follow T4A and, ideally, get a local to guide you (R20). Avoid (if you can) the black mud in the flood plan, she is very slippery. Enjoy the jaunt.

Thank you for all the valuable info. I will be circling back here closer to the time to make sure I don't miss anything.
Kindly,

[Reece]

The pain goes away as soon as you get there. Its better than PANADO.

True that...