The Ultimate Travel Guide to Exploring Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa National Park is a breathtaking wilderness in Mozambique, often called the “Serengeti of the South.” A beacon of conservation success, it offers an unrivaled safari experience where diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife tell a story of nature’s resilience.
Every visit supports critical conservation efforts, from protecting endangered species to empowering local communities. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or adventurer, Gorongosa promises an unforgettable journey—where humanity and nature thrive together in one of Africa’s last great wild frontiers.
Navigate This Gorongosa Safari Guide
Where to stay in Gorongosa
How to Get to Gorongosa National Park?
How much does it cost to visit Gorongosa?
The History of Gorongosa National Park
Best Time to Visit Gorongosa
Where to stay in Gorongosa – a new camp and new safari experiences
Stay at the serene Muzimu Lodge or the immersive Chicari Camp. Whether you’re marvelling at iconic wildlife or connecting with local culture, every moment offers an adventure in this extraordinary destination.
Chicari Camp
Chicari Camp offers an immersive safari experience in Gorongosa National Park, set around a vibrant natural waterhole teeming with wildlife. This seasonal camp blends adventure with comfort, inviting guests to reconnect with nature in one of Africa’s last wild frontiers.
Stay in eight spacious safari tents or two unique treehide tents, all featuring en-suite bathrooms, solar lighting, and stunning views. Raised walkways ensure privacy while enhancing your connection to the wild.
Relax in the shaded lounge, enjoy fireside storytelling under a starlit sky, and witness Gorongosa’s untamed beauty unfold before you.
Luxury Lodges Muzimu Lodge
Muzimu Lodge offers an intimate safari retreat along the Mussicadzi River, where elegance meets wilderness in Gorongosa National Park. With just six thoughtfully designed East African-style tents, each featuring an en-suite bathroom and private deck, Muzimu provides comfort while keeping you connected to nature.
Enjoy panoramic views from the dining area, relax by the pool, and embark on expertly guided game drives. Every moment at Muzimu is crafted for tranquility and adventure, making it the perfect escape into Africa’s wild heart.
Mid-Range Lodging at Chitengo
If you’re looking for a balance between comfort and affordability, Montebelo Chitengo Safari Camp provides a great option. The camp offers well-appointed rooms and bungalows with modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for families and couples.
Large mammal reintroduction in Gorongosa National Park?
Two new leopards and seven hyenas join the park’s growing wildlife population.
Gorongosa National Park’s predator population continued to grow in late 2024 with the successful addition of two leopards and seven spotted hyenas.
In November, the two leopards—a male and a female—were successfully relocated from Karingani Game Reserve to Gorongosa National Park, for a total of six released in the park since 2020.
Three spotted hyena also arrived in November, followed by four more in December. With 15 hyenas reintroduced since 2022, these predators are helping protect the Park’s water quality, control herbivore populations, and support biodiversity.
The leopard and hyena relocations are part of a four-year initiative to strengthen the park’s predator population and restore ecological balance.
Partners in the collaborative effort include the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance, the Karingani Game Reserve, the Administração Nacional das Áreas de Conservação and TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG.
How to Get to Gorongosa National Park in 2025?
By Air –
The most convenient way to reach Gorongosa is by flying into Beira International Airport (BEW), the closest major airport. Beira is well connected to other African cities, including Johannesburg, Maputo, and Nairobi. From Beira, visitors can either rent a 4×4 vehicle or take a charter flight directly to Chitengo, the park’s main tourism hub. Let Mozambique travel assist you with your transfers into the Park with Safari Air which has scheduled flights on all days except Wednesday at a cost of $250 one way.
By Road –
For adventurous travellers, a road trip to Gorongosa can be a thrilling journey. The park is approximately 200 km (125 miles) from Beira, and the drive takes about 2,5 hours depending on road conditions. While a standard vehicle might suffice during the dry season (May-October), a 4×4 is highly recommended. Remember the park is closed from 1 December to 15 April and private game drives are not permitted in Gorongosa.
How much does it cost to visit Gorongosa?
The cost of a trip to Gorongosa can vary widely depending on the level of accommodation and activities chosen. Here’s a rough breakdown of potential expenses:
- Park Entrance Fees: $20 per person per day for international visitors, and a $100 conservation fee to stay at Chicari and Muzimu.
- Guided Game Drives: $50-$150 per person, depending on duration and group size.
- Lodging:
- Luxury lodges: $750-$1100 per night
- Mid-range lodges: $100-$250 per night
- Camping: $20-$50 per night
- Meals: $10-$50 per meal, depending on where you eat.
- Charter Flights and seat rates: $250 per person for a one-way flight from Beira to Gorongosa.
- Car Rental (if self-driving): $150 per day for a 4×4 vehicle.
A well-planned 4-day trip for a mid-range traveller can cost anywhere between $800 and $1,500 per person, while luxury travellers might spend upwards of $4,000. So Gorongosa is not a cheap safari destination – but worth every cent when you get there.
Wildlife You’ll See in Gorongosa
Gorongosa is home to a spectacular array of wildlife, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. Visitors can expect to see:
- Elephants: The park’s elephant population has rebounded significantly in recent years.
- Lions: Though once nearly wiped out, Gorongosa’s lion numbers are steadily increasing.
- African Wild Dogs: Successfully reintroduced with numbers on the increase ever year.
- Hippos & Crocodiles: Found in abundance in the park’s rivers and lakes.
- Buffalo, Zebras, and Antelopes: Including waterbuck, impala, and nyala.
- Birdlife: Over 400 bird species, including the rare African Pitta, crowned cranes, and fish eagles.
- Rare and Endemic Species: Gorongosa is one of the few places where you can spot the elusive bush pig and the tiny suni antelope.
The History of Gorongosa National Park
Early Days and Colonial Influence
Gorongosa was first established as a hunting reserve in 1920 and later declared a national park in 1960. During its early years, it was one of Africa’s most prestigious safari destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.
The Devastation of War
Mozambique’s civil war (1977-1992) devastated Gorongosa. Poaching, habitat destruction, and military conflict led to a dramatic decline in wildlife populations. By the 1990s, many species, including lions and elephants, were nearly wiped out.
The Conservation Success Story
In the early 2000s, the Gorongosa Restoration Project, a partnership between the Mozambique government and philanthropist Greg Carr, launched a groundbreaking conservation effort. The project focused on wildlife restoration, anti-poaching initiatives, community engagement, and scientific research.
Key successes include:
- Reintroduction of key species, including wild dogs and pangolins.
- Significant growth in lion and elephant populations.
- Expansion of park boundaries to protect more habitats.
- Sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.
- The Gorongosa Science & Conservation Initiative, which trains Mozambican scientists and researchers.
Best Time to Visit Gorongosa
Dry Season (May-October)
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season when animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The cooler temperatures also make safaris more comfortable. Note that the park is closed 1 December to 15 April annually as the floodplains become impassable.
In summary:
Gorongosa National Park is a must-visit destination in 2025 for anyone interested in conservation, adventure, and wildlife. Whether you choose a luxury lodge or a camping safari, the experience of witnessing this incredible park’s revival is truly unforgettable. Plan your trip today with Mozambique Travel and be part of this remarkable conservation journey. We have a number of bespoke packages available that combine other destinations like the Bazaruto Archipelago in Mozambique.
Featured Packages
Gorongosa Safari Packages 2025 to Muzimu Camp
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Mozambique Wildlife Safari to Chicari Camp Gorongosa 2025
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