Gonarezhou has no public transport access and no entry without a 4WD vehicle. This is not hyperbole — the tracks within the park are deeply rutted sand, river crossings can be axle-deep, and the distances involved mean a breakdown without recovery equipment is genuinely dangerous.
Northern sector (Chipinda Pools): The main access route is via Chiredzi, reached by driving south from Harare on the A4 to Masvingo, then east on the A9 toward Chiredzi — about 550 km and a full day's drive. From Chiredzi, take the B9 south toward Sango Border Post; the turn-off for Chipinda Pools is signposted. A 4WD is required from Chiredzi town, and the last 60 km on dirt can be slow. Fuel up in Chiredzi; there is nothing inside the park.
Southern sector (Mabalauta/Swimuwini): Access is via Rutenga on the Beitbridge–Chiredzi road, then south on a track to Mabalauta warden's post. From Harare this is around 667 km. From Beitbridge (the South Africa border post on the Limpopo) it is a much shorter drive — useful if you are coming from the Kruger. A 4WD is essential, and the tracks deteriorate severely in the wet season.
By air: Buffalo Range Airport near Chiredzi has a small airstrip that accepts charter flights and some scheduled services from Harare. Most upmarket safari operators fly clients in directly from Harare or Victoria Falls. For those staying at Singita Pamushana in Malilangwe, the lodge can arrange transfers from Buffalo Range (about 30 km).
Carry all fuel, food, and water for your intended stay plus at least one day's emergency reserves. The park has no shops, no fuel, and no medical facilities.