Our Story

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge was founded with the sole purpose of providing opportunities through photographic tourism for the community of Mahenye following the creation of Gonarezhou National Park in 1975. The founder, Clive Stockil, is to this day involved in community work and partnerships in this area and other areas of the Save Valley and Zimbabwean Lowveld.

Our team will welcome you into the Chilo family from the minute you arrive. We have created a safari experience that allows you to deeply immerse yourself into the wilderness that is Gonarezhou National Park. Our experienced guides create a safari stay filled with knowledgeable, safe and adventurous activities, guaranteeing a true wilderness experience. But Chilo is also a place to sit back and watch the day go by in the wilderness; enjoy sundowners on the beach, watch elephants cross rivers and white sandy shores and feel the mystery of the Chilojo Cliffs. Chilo is more than a safari experience – it’s for travellers seeking the wilderness solitude of truly wild Africa.

Our Founder

Our Founder, Clive Stockil, a professional guide with a passion for community and conservation, has instilled this ethos across all aspects of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge. Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable which will show in your safari experience daily.

Conservation

Conservation and partnership with our surrounding community is our focus. A daily conservation levy contributes directly to supporting community and conservation work. We will share our work, explain and show you all the ways your stay is making an positive and sustainable impact in this community and wilderness area.

Experience

We will show you all Gonarezhou has to offer. You will see the national park from different perspectives, some adventurous and some reflective. We will combine wildlife experience with picnics in one of the most magnificent sceneries you will ever experience. Cross rivers on foot and hike up Chilojo Cliffs on elephant paths followed by a day of relaxing and watching wildlife in the floodplains.