Zinave National Park
Wildlife & Animals
Mozambique Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Bradt guide to Mozambique.
Zinave National Park was ravaged during a civil war that ended in 1992, but a rewilding initiative is underway and wildlife numbers are increasing. To date, around 2,500 animals (including 200 elephants) have been translocated into a fenced 186km²/72mi² core sanctuary. But this is just the beginning, as many more animals are likely to be released into the park over the coming years.
Wildlife Highlights
All of the Big Five are present, and while lions and leopards are still very scarce, visitors stand a fair chance of spotting elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Other wildlife you’re almost certain to see includes zebra, baboon, vervet monkey, warthog and antelope such as wildebeest, nyala, bushbuck, greater kudu, impala, waterbuck and common duiker. Giraffe and eland are less common but also quite often encountered, and the Save River is home to lots of crocodiles and hippos.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The middle and end of the Dry season, from July to October, is the best time for spotting animals in Zinave. Wildlife is easier to see at this time because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around the Save River.
