Safari camps and where to stay in Gorongosa National Park
Wondering about the best Mozambique safari lodges and where to stay in Gorongosa Mozambique? No problem, this piece of paradise offers prime Mozambique safari lodges and accommodation for nature lovers in the heart of Sofala Province.
Gorongosa National Park Accommodation and Mozambique Safari Lodges
Did you know that a Gorongosa Park safari is probably one of the most magical places on Earth, a wildlife sanctuary that rates well above countless game reserves in Africa? A tasteful bush lodge and safari camps add value to your game viewing experience. Read all about the great deals and packages to our selection of Gorongosa National Park accommodation options.
Gorongosa is a paradise offering diverse game viewing, awe-inspiring wildlife, healthy ecosystems and breath-taking landscapes. Such natural beauty provides an escape for tourists, research data for scientists and conservationists, livelihoods for communities, and refuges for nature lovers. Gorongosa is the future of conservation models for the planet.
Mozambique Travel believes that a Gorongosa safari is THE ultimate safari holiday you want to book in east Africa. We can tailor-make your special safari deal to the lodge and camps residing here, deep in the real bushveld of Africa. Focus on the trending Chicari Camp fast becoming the best value new safari destination in Mozambique. If you fancy a little more luxury then Muzimu five star tented camp is a must for Gorongosa Mozambique. And if budget dictates a cosy self-catering unit at Montebelo Gorongosa you wont be disappointed. You also have the option to pitch your own tent at Chitengo Camp close by, but please note there’s no self-drive game viewing on your Gorongosa safari and you must use registered vehicles and guides. These are easily arranged at the activity center at Chitengo under the ever efficient Carol, Test the head guide and their teams.
No more wondering where to stay when you choose a bush-beach break in Mozambique. The ultimate safari-ocean vacation dream trip to Africa this summer begins with a Gorongosa safari holiday like no other combined with an idyllic island escape to the fantastical Bazaruto Archipelago. Note the park only opens April 15 and closes towards the end of December. These dates are not fixed and dependent on the rainfall at the time.
FAQ on safaris and travelling to Gorongosa
1. How do I get to Gorongosa National Park?
Gorongosa is located in central Mozambique. You can fly into Beira International Airport, which is the nearest major airport, and drive approximately 3 hours to the park. Alternatively, charter flights are available directly to Chitengo Airstrip within the park. You can purchase seats on light air transfers Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a reduced rate. Enquire at your time of booking.
2. What is the best time to visit Gorongosa for a safari?
The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for safari visits. During this time, wildlife gathers around water sources, making sightings easier. Note that the park is closed from 01 December to around 15 April every year as the floodplain and surrounding area is underwater.
3. What animals can I see on safari in Gorongosa Mozambique?
Gorongosa is home to lions, elephants, hippos, antelope, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems make it a hotspot for wildlife. A special treat is the now thriving wild dog packs introduced in 2019 and a must see is the pangolin rescue center.
4. What accommodation is available inside Gorongosa?
The park offers 2 lodges inside the park – both are on the expensive side. Muzimu offers only six luxury safari tents with all the bells and whistles at a superb location. Chicari Camp takes over from Wild Camp has 8 safari tents and 2 treehide tents – its for those a little more adventurous.Be prepared – Gorongosa is not a cheap safari destination, but the spend is well worth it.
5. Do I need a guide for a safari in Gorongosa?
While self-drive safaris to Chitengo and the main gate are possible – no private game driving is allowed in the park. You will need to book all safari activities at a well run activity center at Chitemgo if you choose to stay there and not inside the park.
Great deals and Gorongosa safari packages to the camps and lodges within this incredible national park in Mozambique. Find this park north of Beira with its landmark Mount Gorongosa reaching 1800 m into the sky, the vital watershed for the game and their habitats. You can see our blogs on Gorongosa here.
Chicari camp formerly Gorongosa Wild Camp
Chicari Camp – A True Wilderness Escape in Gorongosa
Once known as Gorongosa Wild Camp, Chicari Camp is a hidden seasonal retreat offering an immersive and deeply personal safari experience in Gorongosa National Park. Nestled around the pristine Chicari Pan, a natural waterhole brimming with life, the camp provides an uninterrupted connection to the wild. Herds of elephants amble through the golden grasslands, antelope gather cautiously at the water’s edge, and apex predators move silently through the shadows, all playing their part in the rich, untamed ecosystem that defines Gorongosa. The pan is more than just a source of life for wildlife—it is the heart of the camp, a mesmerizing focal point that ensures every moment spent here is a unique and unforgettable encounter with nature.
At Chicari, time slows, and the modern world drifts away, replaced by the elemental rhythm of the wilderness. Mornings begin with the sun casting long shadows over the plains, its golden light revealing fresh tracks in the earth. Evenings echo with the deep, resonant call of a distant lion, while nightfall unveils an endless canopy of stars, unmarred by artificial light. Whether adventuring into the bush or simply soaking in the raw beauty of the landscape, every experience at Chicari is a profound reminder of Africa’s untamed spirit.
Accommodation at Chicari Camp Gorongosa
Chicari Camp boasts ten meticulously crafted canvas tents that strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, offering an authentic yet luxurious safari experience. Designed to immerse guests in the wild without forgoing essential conveniences, each tent serves as a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the untouched beauty of Gorongosa.
Eight expansive safari tents provide a private en-suite bathroom, inviting beds draped in fine linens, and solar-powered lighting that ensures sustainability without compromising comfort. Thoughtfully positioned for seclusion, these tents offer a serene retreat after a day of exhilarating wildlife encounters.
Two distinctive treehide tents are nestled at the base of an elevated hide, sharing an expansive wooden deck that overlooks the waterhole. These elevated sanctuaries offer breathtaking views and a front-row seat to the park’s dynamic ecosystem. Perfect for two couples or a small family, the treehide tents create an unparalleled sense of adventure while maintaining an intimate and comfortable atmosphere.
All accommodations open onto uninterrupted vistas of the waterhole, allowing guests to witness wildlife from the comfort of their private retreat. Raised wooden walkways seamlessly connect the tents, ensuring privacy, minimizing ecological impact, and enhancing the sense of harmony between the camp and its pristine natural surroundings.
Muzimu Five Star Safari Lodge
Muzimu is a brand new and beautiful exclusive five-star lodge under canvas for the ultimate Gorongosa safari and is located on the banks of the Mussicadzi River. It’s an untouched and exceptionally beautiful piece of untouched wilderness with great eco diversity and a number of distinct landscapes nearby. The hosting is intimate and the setting very private.
There are only six well appointed luxury tents with all the mod cons including air conditioning. The Mizumu Safari Lodge experience is fully inclusive and the professional team of guides and hosts will take great care of you.
Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge Safari Accommodation
Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge & Safari has always been an integral part of the park. It was the first accommodation set up there and carries with it a whole lot of history and happy memories. There is a wide range of Gorongosa safari accommodation for more budget orientated travellers and self-catering is an option for those who prefer. There’s also a great restaurant serving local Mozambican specialities, a huge pool and many shaded nooks to chill during the heat of the day. Enjoy the resident warthogs and vervet monkeys who are always present in the gardens.
Getting to Gorongosa National Park
- Self-drive for you safari to Gorongosa Mozambique into Chitengo if you are on a Mozambican adventure but be prepared for some really bad roads from whichever direction you approach the park.
- Please note Gorongosa National Park does not permit self-drive game viewing as all activities are conducted by qualified guides and game rangers.
- Fly into Beira or Chimoio and let Mozambique Travel arrange a light air or road transfer as part of your safari package to Gorongosa. From Beira the average travel time is 4.5 hours and from Chimoio it is 3 hours.
- There is the option to charter a plane or buy a seat with on a scheduled flight for your Gorongosa safari. Its a quick and scenic 35-minute flight, and by far the best way to get to the park.
- There are a number of flights to Beira and Chimoio for your safari to Gorongosa. Our complete Mozambique fight schedules can be viewed on this link..