36 & Wild: Life Lessons from Gonarezhou National Park
When I blew out the candles on my 36th birthday, I knew I didn’t want a typical celebration. No crowded restaurant. No checklist vacation. I wanted something grounding, something that would leave an imprint long after the birthday glow faded. So I boarded a plane to Zimbabwe and headed straight into the wild—into the heart of Gonarezhou National Park.
What I found there was more than a trip. It was a reset. A mirror. A masterclass in letting go.
Why Gonarezhou?
Tucked away in southeastern Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou National Park (pronounced go-nah-reh-zoo) is a vast wilderness spanning over 5,000 square kilometers. The name means “Place of Elephants” in the Shona language, and the name delivers. It’s home to one of the densest elephant populations in southern Africa.
This park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a conservation area that connects Gonarezhou with South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park. It’s wild, rugged, and remote. No crowds. No traffic. No curated Instagram moments. Just nature, in all its raw magnificence.
Picture the red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs glowing in the sunset, baobab trees standing tall like ancient sentinels, and rivers winding through untouched landscapes where lions, buffalo, and elephants roam freely. It’s not just a national park—it’s a soul-stirring experience.
When the Plan Unravels—Let It
We came prepared with an itinerary, routes mapped, gear packed, and a full tank of excitement. But in true wild fashion, nature had her own agenda.
We lost cell service for most of the trip (goodbye Google Maps), resorted to a paper map, and took a 100 km detour through the park that tested both our navigation skills and our patience. We made wrong turns, doubled back, and discovered jaw-dropping views we never would’ve seen if we’d stuck to the plan.
It was a reminder: sometimes, the best moments are born from the unexpected.
What the Wild Taught Me at 36
This wasn’t just a safari or a vacation, it was a deep reconnection. Here’s what Gonarezhou whispered to me during this wild milestone:
1. Be Okay with the Pivot
Life rarely follows the plan. Our scenic route became a literal maze, but those “mistakes” gifted us the most breathtaking views and unforgettable memories. Trust the reroute. The detour often holds the magic.
2. Embrace the Bumps
Between the potholes, surprise heat waves, and endless dust, nothing about this trip was convenient. But everything was real—and worth it. The hard parts didn’t take away from the beauty; they deepened it. The same goes for life.
3. Laugh When You Can’t Control It
We could’ve snapped when we took a wrong turn—but instead, we laughed. Hard. That laughter reminded me: chaos can be funny. When you choose joy—especially when it’s messy—you shift the whole experience.
4. Follow the Inner Nudge
Gonarezhou wasn’t even on my radar when I started planning. But something about it kept pulling at me. I’m so glad I listened. Whether it’s a place, an idea, or a dream—if your gut says yes, follow it. Your next big story might be waiting on the other side.
5. Receive Without Earning
We’re wired to hustle, to prove, to earn rest or joy. But Gonarezhou showed me that it’s okay to simply receive. To be blessed by a sunset, a breeze, or a moment of silence—without earning it. Grace is all around us if we’re open to it.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
At 36, I’m learning to prioritize depth over speed, presence over perfection, and real over curated. This trip cracked open a space in me I didn’t know I needed, space to pause, reflect, and realign.
Nature doesn’t rush, yet everything gets done. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from that.
Thinking About Your Own Wild Escape?
If Gonarezhou is calling you, or if you’re simply craving a space to reconnect—I couldn’t recommend it more. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a group, or in search of a milestone moment, this park delivers a unique mix of awe, challenge, and stillness.
Need tips? Packing advice? Where to stay? Send me an email, and I’ll send you my full itinerary!
Final Thoughts: Let the Wild In
Turning 36 in the middle of a national park, with elephants nearby and the stars blanketing the sky, felt sacred. It was wild, beautiful, imperfect, and exactly what I needed.
So here’s to chasing clarity, dancing with detours, and letting life surprise you.
Let it be wild. Let it be good. Let it be yours.