National park
Umfurudzi National Park
Hilly 760 km² park on the Mazowe River 100 km north-east of Harare, with game drives, walks, falls and camping.
746 km² · 1 gate · 0 campsites · Run by ZimParks and Pioneer Corporation Africa (joint venture)
About the park
Umfurudzi covers 760 km² of hills and woodland in Shamva district, about 100 km north-east of Harare, bounded by the Mazowe River on the east and south and the Gwetera River on the north. Since 2010 it has been run by a joint venture between ZimParks and Pioneer Corporation Africa, which has restocked and reopened it for tourism. Visitors come for game drives, birding, guided walks and mountain biking, and for the river spots: the Umfurudzi falls and potholes and the Hippo Pools area. Accommodation runs from camping to tented camps and chalets. It is the closest real bush to Harare, but game numbers are still building.
Highlights
- Umfurudzi River falls and potholes
- The Hippo Pools area on the Mazowe
- Guided walks and mountain biking
- Birdwatching in the hills and along the rivers
Good to know
- 760 km² between the Mazowe and Gwetera rivers
- About 100 km north-east of Harare, Shamva district
- Joint venture of ZimParks and Pioneer Corporation Africa since 2010
- Camping, tented camps and chalets
When to go
Open: 06:00–18:00
Gates
- Umfurudzi National Park Entrance GateOpen: 06:00–18:00Per person per day (2026): day visitors US$6 local, US$12 SADC, US$18 international; staying guests US$3/6/10. Vehicle US$10/day foreign plates, US$5 local (same if staying).Western entrance; the tourist and admin offices and the Hippo Pools area are about 5 km east inside the park. Book accommodation with the park operator.
Gate times change with the seasons: check with ZimParks and Pioneer Corporation Africa (joint venture) before you travel.
Campsites
We're still checking the campsites here. They'll appear as soon as they're verified.
Park fees
| citizen | US$6 per person day |
| citizen (any) | US$5 per vehicle day |
| regional | US$12 per person day |
| international | US$18 per person day |
| international (any) | US$10 per vehicle day |
2026 day rate per person; overnight guests US$3 local, US$6 SADC, US$10 international. Vehicle US$10/day foreign plates, US$5 local (same if staying).