In the deep Zambezi Valley, within the remote Ntumbwe Reserve, an amazing prehistoric secret is hidden beneath the sands of the riverbed. It is here, in Ntumbwe, that huge three-toed tracks preserved in sandstone provide insight into the world that existed about 140 million years ago.
Following its opening to non-hunting tourism in June 2026, travelers have gained a new opportunity to explore this little-known wilderness, discover ancient trails, and experience one of Zimbabwe's most remote nature conservation landscapes.
Located in northern Zimbabwe, the Ntumbwe Reserve is situated in the Chwar South region of the Zambezi Valley, near the famous Mana Pools National Park. This area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Mana Pools, Sapi and Chwar and is known for its biodiversity, crisscrossing river systems, and vast wildlife.
However, besides elephants, predators, and birds, Ntumbwe has another reason for fame: an impressive collection of dinosaur fossil tracks. These tracks are preserved along sections of the Ntumbwe River, where exposed sandstone displays imprints left by prehistoric animals millions of years ago. Some of them are clearly discernible, featuring three forward-pointing toes and visible claw marks.
For visitors, this experience differs from viewing dinosaur fossils in a museum. These are tracks left directly in the landscape, allowing tourists to stand next to the imprints and follow the paths of animals that once moved through this ancient environment.
The first scientific attention to this area was drawn in 1984 when geologist Tim Broderick and his wife Trish began documenting these tracks. Further excavations in 1990 uncovered additional tracks under the riverbed, revealing a much longer trail than initially assumed. Today, the Ntumbwe trails are considered one of the outstanding sites with dinosaur footprints in Southern Africa.
The most striking prints belong to large bipedal dinosaurs, some reaching approximately 40–43 cm from heel to toe tip. Their three-toed shape is particularly recognizable and offers clues about the animals that left them. Scientists believe that some of the larger tracks were left by theropods—a group of predominantly carnivorous dinosaurs that walked on two legs. The tracks are linked to dinosaurs of the Allosaurid family, although the imprints themselves cannot determine the exact species responsible.
One of the most significant discoveries was made during the 1990 excavations when researchers found additional prints under the riverbed. The initial trail, which showed 14 prints, was ultimately documented as being about 48 meters long, with 45 registered prints. However, the site holds more than just massive tracks. Researchers also identified clusters of much smaller tracks, some only a few centimeters in diameter. This led to speculation about whether certain areas might have served as nursery grounds for young dinosaurs.
Collectively, these findings indicate that the Ntumbwe River landscape once supported diverse prehistoric animals. Fossil tracks are known as trace fossils. Unlike bones, which provide evidence of an animal's physical structure, trace fossils preserve evidence of how the animal moved and behaved. By studying the distance between individual prints, their depth, shape, and placement, paleontologists can estimate the animal's size, direction of movement, and walking speed. A sequence of prints, for example, can show whether the animal was walking or moving faster. Multiple trails can also give insight into how different animals moved in the same environment.
In Ntumbwe, these prints represent an extraordinary record of prehistoric activity. They also help researchers understand the ancient environments in which dinosaurs lived, including the conditions that allowed their tracks to be preserved. The sandy surfaces along the river serve as a natural window into this distant past, making the site particularly interesting for visitors who value geology, paleontology, and natural history.
Visitors should remember that these are protected scientific sites. Fossils and tracks should be observed without disturbing them, and any finds should be reported to the relevant authorities, not collected. For decades, this area was known as Chwar South safari zone and functioned as a trophy hunting concession. In June 2026, it entered a new chapter, opening up to non-hunting tourism.
This transition is managed by a long-term partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and the Chwar Conservation Fund, which operates under a 25-year conservation mandate. The goal is to create a tourism model that supports landscape protection while creating opportunities for local communities. Tourism revenue is directed towards conservation efforts, helping to fund the management and long-term protection of this vital ecosystem.
The change also introduces travelers to a direction that remained relatively unknown compared to Zimbabwe's more famous safari areas. Instead of focusing solely on traditional wildlife viewing, Ntumbwe offers a combination of wildlife exploration, walking safaris, birdwatching, and prehistoric discoveries.
While the dinosaur trails are the main attraction, the vast Ntumbwe landscape has much more to offer. The area supports elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, buffalo, and several antelope species, including the sable and the increasingly rare roan antelope. Wildlife viewing is part of the experience, though visitors should understand that this is a remote wilderness, not a traditional high-density safari spot. Animals can be elusive, and exploring the landscape often requires patience.
Walking safaris offer the chance to experience the bush at a slower pace, with experienced guides helping visitors identify animal tracks, plants, birds, and other details easily missed from a vehicle. The wilderness is also home to approximately 400 recorded bird species, making it an attractive destination for bird lovers. Notable species include the African Pitta, Pelsa's Owl, Narina Trogon, and Crested Turkey.
For those wishing to explore independently, self-drive safaris are available, with an extensive network of intersecting forest roads providing access to various parts of the reserve. Visitors can choose between camping and a more comfortable lodge experience at Chenje Camp. The recently renovated camp reopened in June 2026, transforming a former hunting base into an intimate tented retreat along the Chenje River. The camp features six ensuite luxury tents, flexible bed configurations, and offers both all-inclusive safari packages and accommodation-only options for independent visitors. Its unspoiled location allows wildlife to move freely across the surrounding landscape, and walking trails provide opportunities to explore the riverine environment.
Chenje Camp is also conveniently located for visitors interested in the dinosaur trails, which are about a 40-minute drive away. Those preferring a more independent experience can utilize Kanga Camp, which offers another way to experience the remote area.
Getting to Ntumbwe requires some planning, as it is a remote area with rugged terrain and limited infrastructure. The reserve can be accessed through designated entrances, including Mkanga Gate and the Chwar Bridge. Chenje Camp is about a 25-minute drive from the Mkanga Park gate when traveling from Harare, and the journey from Mana Pools takes about three hours from the west. Visitors should book accommodation and activities in advance, especially if planning to join organized walks or multi-day wildlife tours. Independent visitors must be prepared for rough forest roads and ensure their vehicles are suitable for these conditions. It is also advisable to contact the conservation fund before traveling to inquire about current road conditions, access requirements, and event availability.
For bookings and further information, visitors can contact the Chwar Conservation Fund via the official Ntumbwe Wilderness website. Ntumbwe offers something entirely different from traditional safaris in Zimbabwe. Here, the wildlife tells two stories simultaneously: one about the wild animals that continue to inhabit the Zambezi Valley, and another about the prehistoric animals that once roamed its ancient landscapes. The opportunity to stand next to dinosaur tracks preserved for millions of years is reason enough to visit. But thanks to the shift to conservation-managed tourism, walking safaris, and remarkable biodiversity, Ntumbwe also presents an opportunity to discover a lesser-known corner of Zimbabwe, contributing to the protection of one of its important wildlife areas.
