Mozambique Bush & Beach Adventure Safari
Destination
Mozambique
Travel Period
January – December
Duration
11 days | 10 nights
Gorongosa National Park is a spectacular 4,000 km2 (1,545 mi2) preserve located at the southern end of the Great East African Rift Valley. The ecosystem was severely stressed and wildlife numbers were down by at least 95% through the early 90s. However, with the help of the EO Wilson non-profit program, the numbers are slowly returning and today the park is home to a variety of wildlife.
The park now boasts good populations of oribi, warthog, sable, and waterbuck. Buffalo, kudu, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest have all been successfully reintroduced, as well as a pack of 14 African hunting dogs in 2018. Elephant are regularly encountered and generally fairly relaxed, especially the bulls. Predators continue to recover slowly, and are still not common, but there are now a number of lion prides and a few male coalitions within the park.
The ecosystems here are highly diverse, with acacia savanna, dry sand forests, wetlands, seasonal pans, and plateaus of miombo and montane forests, as well as a spectacular rainforest at the bottom of a series of limestone gorges. The 1,862 m (9,390 ft) high Mt Gorongosa is one of the dominant features of the park and not to be missed.
Discover a welcoming safari retreat at Muzimu Lodge, located along the serene banks of the Mussicadzi River. With six comfortable East African-style tents, each offering an en-suite bathroom and private deck, Muzimu blends simplicity with thoughtful touches that connect you to the beauty of Gorongosa. Enjoy sweeping views from the dining area and lounge, unwind by the pool, and let the natural surroundings inspire tranquility. The dedicated team provides an authentic safari experience, taking you on memorable wildlife encounters and explorations within Gorongosa National Park.
Canvas Tent
Stay in one of Muzimu Lodge’s thoughtfully designed tents, crafted to provide comfort while embracing the natural environment. Each spacious tent includes practical amenities, an en-suite bathroom with a spacious shower and bath amenities, and a private deck, where you can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Facilities include wifi, a coffee and tea station, a ceiling fan, a standing fan, a safe, a mosquito net, and laundry service. Simple yet inviting, these spaces are perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure.
The lodge offers a variety of activities to connect guests with nature and local culture, including safari drives to spot wildlife, intimate walking safaris, and seasonal boat safaris on Lake Urema. Cultural visits and cycling tours provide insight into Mozambican traditions and conservation efforts.
Day 2 – Gorongosa Restoration Project Community Visit
Today focuses on the humanitarian foundation of the Gorongosa Restoration Project starting with a morning visit to local communities outside the park to experience key initiatives: Education at primary schools, Girls’ Empowerment Groups, Sustainable farming & beekeeping projects, Human-wildlife conflict mitigation efforts. Explore on foot and by bicycle for an immersive experience. Return to camp for lunch and time to rest before the afternoon game drive.
Chicari Camp is a seasonal safari camp set around a natural waterhole in Gorongosa National Park, offering an immersive wilderness experience. Chicari Camp features 10 canvas tents, including eight Safari Tents and two unique Treehide Tents, all with en-suite bathrooms and panoramic views of the pan. A central dining and lounge area provides a shaded retreat, while the campfire offers a gathering space under the stars. Operating entirely off-grid, Chicari Camp blends comfort with sustainability, creating an intimate connection to one of Africa’s most unspoiled landscapes.
Safari Tent
Chicari Camp features eight Safari Tents with cozy interiors, beds, and private en-suite bathrooms. Each tent offers panoramic views of the pan and is equipped with solar-powered lighting, a coffee and tea station, a standing fan, and mosquito-netted windows. Raised wooden walkways connect the tents, ensuring privacy and a seamless connection to nature. Laundry service is also available for added convenience.
Treehide Tent
Chicari Camp features two unique Treehide Tents with cozy beds and private en-suite bathrooms. Situated at the base of a wooden tree hide, these tents share a large deck, making them ideal for two couples or a family traveling together. Each tent offers stunning views of the pan and is equipped with solar-powered lighting, a coffee and tea station, a standing fan, and mosquito-netted windows. Raised wooden walkways connect the tents, ensuring privacy and a seamless connection to nature. Laundry service is also available for added convenience.
Day 3 – Safari Activities & Exploration
A full day of safari activities with a combination of driving to explore more remote corners and walking safaris to get out on foot and be part of this wild landscape. In the afternoon, drive through the park, taking in the diversity of Gorongosa’s landscapes as you return to Chicari Camp.
Chicari Camp offers a variety of expertly guided activities, providing unique ways to explore Gorongosa National Park’s remarkable ecosystem. Embark on thrilling game drives to spot lions, elephants, and Gorongosa’s famous wild dogs, or venture out on walking safaris that can start right from the camp. Seasonal boating excursions reveal the beauty of the Urema floodplain, while bird enthusiasts will delight in the abundant avian species, particularly during the pan’s transformation into a vibrant wetland adorned with lilies and flocks of wading birds.
Day 4 – Pangolin Guardians & EO Wilson Science Laboratories
Today, dive into the conservation and scientific work behind Gorongosa’s world famous successes! During the morning safari meet the Pangolin Guardians as they walk with with rescued pangolins for a morning of wild foraging. Visit the EO Wilson Science Laboratories at park headquarters, where leading researchers are making groundbreaking discoveries in this globally significant biodiversity hotspot. This afternoon enjoy a game drive with sundowners.
Day 5 – Game Drives & Walks
Today is dedicated to the abundance and beauty of Gorongosa National Park with morning and afternoon game drives (or walks!).
Named after a local tribal chief, Gamelo Vilankuo Makeke, this small seaside town is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago and easily accessible from Maputo and even via some direct international flights. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and places to stay in town, some with exquisite sea views and many offering traditional Mozambican cuisine. The area offers great fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, especially as you head closer to the archipelago.
asDunas Lodge is an exclusive boutique beachfront retreat located near Vilanculos in southern Mozambique, overlooking the pristine waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Designed for barefoot luxury and complete privacy, the fully inclusive lodge features just nine suites set across two hectares of coastal wilderness, accommodating a maximum of 20 guests. The property offers sea-view suites with private pools and sun decks, Mediterranean-inspired gourmet dining made with fresh local ingredients and homegrown produce, and a tranquil Wellness & Spa set within tropical bush gardens. Guests can enjoy complimentary daily massages and a relaxed atmosphere that blends refined comfort with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Luxury Seaview Cottage Suite
The Luxury Seaview Cottage Suite provides approximately 95 m² of accommodation, including 40 m² of indoor living space and a 55 m² private veranda and sundeck with a private pool and sea views. The suite features a king bed with a mosquito net (twin setup available), air conditioning, comfortable seating, a desk, and ample storage. Modern amenities include complimentary satellite wifi, an in-suite tablet, a laptop-size safe, and tea and coffee facilities with a hot and cold water dispenser. The en-suite bathroom features double wash basins, a large shower, and a separate toilet, while the private outdoor area provides space to relax and enjoy the coastal surroundings.
Luxury Seaview Tented Safari Suite
The Luxury Seaview Tented Safari Suite offers approximately 115 m² of space, including 55 m² of indoor tented accommodation and a 60 m² private veranda and sundeck with a private pool overlooking the sea. The suite features a king bed with a mosquito net (twin setup available), a ceiling fan, comfortable lounge seating, a desk, and storage. Guests enjoy modern amenities such as complimentary satellite wifi, an in-suite tablet, a laptop-size safe, and tea and coffee facilities with a hot and cold water dispenser. The en-suite bathroom includes double wash basins, a large shower, and a flushing toilet, while the outdoor veranda offers relaxing seating and sunbathing space.
Guests at asDunas Lodge can explore the natural wonders of the Bazaruto Archipelago through a variety of land and ocean-based activities. Experiences include island boat excursions and snorkeling trips, scuba diving on vibrant coral reefs, and deep-sea fishing in one of Africa’s most productive marine areas.
Seasonal whale watching takes place between July and September, while additional activities include kitesurfing in Vilanculos Bay, horseback riding along beaches or through the bush, canoeing in nearby rivers and lagoons, and scenic walks along pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. These experiences offer opportunities to discover the archipelago’s rich marine life, untouched landscapes, and spectacular coastal scenery.
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