Visitors 8
Modified 6-Jul-23
Created 5-Jul-23
33 photos
Chilojo Cliffs tower above the Runde River. Visible for miles, they are probably the most-recognized landmark in Gonarezhou National Park. They are 180 meters high and run for some 20 kilometers.
From a prime viewpoint at the top of the cliffs, we admire the red and white striped sandstone below, as well as the distant views of the lowveld and the Runde River’s winding sandy banks. At the summit of a nearby freestanding tower is a small plot of land, a refuge for native plants, basically inaccessible except for birds and perhaps adventurous lizards or snakes. Hard rock caps the sandstone, protecting it from gradual erosion and leading to these sheer cliffs.
Thermal currents provide an easy way for birds to rise from below – and a rich atmosphere for swallows to catch insects. Closer by, butterflies and other insects flit about in the grass, visiting purple flowers.
On the road to the cliffs, we stop to watch dung beetles as they bury their treasure. These small beetles are an important part of the ecological cycle, from foliage to elephant dung to new rich soil. On other days, we have seen termites feasting on the lightly-digested elephant dung, and specialized ants preying on them. African dung beetles have been introduced in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and North and South America; it is claimed they can help improve pasture soils and reduce emissions of nitrous oxide from manure. I do hope this is done carefully; introducing “helpful” exotic species can backfire.
From a prime viewpoint at the top of the cliffs, we admire the red and white striped sandstone below, as well as the distant views of the lowveld and the Runde River’s winding sandy banks. At the summit of a nearby freestanding tower is a small plot of land, a refuge for native plants, basically inaccessible except for birds and perhaps adventurous lizards or snakes. Hard rock caps the sandstone, protecting it from gradual erosion and leading to these sheer cliffs.
Thermal currents provide an easy way for birds to rise from below – and a rich atmosphere for swallows to catch insects. Closer by, butterflies and other insects flit about in the grass, visiting purple flowers.
On the road to the cliffs, we stop to watch dung beetles as they bury their treasure. These small beetles are an important part of the ecological cycle, from foliage to elephant dung to new rich soil. On other days, we have seen termites feasting on the lightly-digested elephant dung, and specialized ants preying on them. African dung beetles have been introduced in Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and North and South America; it is claimed they can help improve pasture soils and reduce emissions of nitrous oxide from manure. I do hope this is done carefully; introducing “helpful” exotic species can backfire.
Dan Quinn