Chilojo Cliffs at Gonarezhou National Park Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Chilojo Cliffs at Gonarezhou National Park

Masvingo, Zimbabwe

One of most spectacular features of Gonarezhou National Park, the cliffs pictured above rise 170 m (558 ft) from the south bank of the Runde River, 31 km (19 mi) from the Chipinda Pools. The cliffs consist of coarse sandstone and conglomerates arranged in a succession of horizontal beds. The cliffs are two-fold, with the lower and upper almost vertical sections separated from each other by a sloping terrace up to 500 m (1640 ft) wide. This terrace is scored by gullies which cut through the lower cliff to the Runde River bed, giving access to the water for elephants and other animals.