Gonarezhou National Park’s Rainy Season Closure: What It Means for Southern Africa’s Safari Circuit
The temporary closure of Gonarezhou National Park from 10 January to the end of February 2026 is once again drawing attention to the operational realities and conservation priorities shaping Zimbabwe’s tourism sector. This annual shutdown, which coincides with the region’s peak rainy season, is a well-established practice designed to safeguard both visitors and the park’s fragile ecosystems during a period of heightened environmental vulnerability.
Gonarezhou, one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most remote protected areas, is renowned for its rugged wilderness, seasonal rivers, and clay-based roads. These features, while central to the park’s wild appeal, become significant challenges after sustained rainfall. Heavy downpours can quickly render access roads, river crossings, and remote campsites impassable, increasing the risk of vehicle damage, rescue incidents, and environmental degradation from off-road driving . By closing the park during this period, management not only ensures visitor safety but also prevents unnecessary strain on the landscape and wildlife.
This proactive approach is mirrored in other leading conservation areas across southern Africa, where seasonal closures or restricted access are common during the wettest months. Such measures allow for essential maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and conservation work to be carried out without the pressures of daily tourism traffic. For Gonarezhou, the closure also provides a much-needed respite for camp attendants and field staff, who work intensively during the festive and peak tourism periods.
Gonarezhou’s management model, a partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, is widely regarded as a benchmark for sustainable protected area governance in the region.
This co-management structure ensures that tourism revenues are reinvested directly into the park, supporting both conservation and community development initiatives. The annual closure is a key component of this strategy, balancing the needs of tourism with the imperative to maintain the park’s ecological integrity.
For those planning future visits, it’s important to note that Gonarezhou’s reservations team remains fully operational throughout the closure, assisting with enquiries and advance bookings for travel from March 2026 onwards. The park is especially popular with experienced self-drive travellers and nature enthusiasts seeking a less commercialised safari experience. Its unfenced camps, low visitor numbers, and exceptional birdlife—particularly vibrant after the rains—make it a standout destination for those in search of authentic wilderness.
Travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa should advise clients to factor this seasonal closure into their itineraries. The dry season, from May to October, is widely regarded as the best time to visit, offering improved road conditions and optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate around dwindling water sources [[5]](https://www.thesafaristore.com/en/safari-stories/gonarezhou-safari-travel-advice). For the broader safari circuit, Gonarezhou’s closure is a reminder of the importance of aligning travel plans with the rhythms of the natural environment, and of the operational flexibility required to deliver safe, sustainable tourism experiences.
As the region’s tourism industry continues to evolve, Gonarezhou’s approach offers valuable lessons in balancing access, conservation, and community benefit. The park’s annual rainy season closure is not just a logistical necessity—it’s a strategic move that underpins the long-term health of one of southern Africa’s most treasured wilderness areas, ensuring it remains a compelling destination for generations to come.
