Gorongosa National Park

MOZAMBIQUE

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Why visit Gorongosa?

Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique is a biodiversity hotspot that is one of Africa's greatest success stories in wildlife restoration.  

The landscape is one of Africa's most attractive, featuring acacia savanna, dry sand forests, wetlands, seasonal pans, and plateaus of miombo and montane forests, as well as a rainforest at the bottom of a series of limestone gorges. The 1,863 m (9,390 ft) high Mt Gorongosa is one of the dominant features of the park.

Experience conservation in action

In the 1960s, scientists said that Gorongosa had the densest abundance of wildlife of any natural area on the continent. Then, decades of civil war resulted in more than 90% of wildlife being poached. The civil war ended in 1992, with the park hanging in the balance.

However, the tide has now turned for Gorongosa. Thanks to a long-term partnership between the Mozambique government and the US-based Gregory C. Carr Foundation, the ambitious and hugely successful Gorongosa Restoration Project is returning this magnificent wilderness to its former glory.

Wildlife populations have rebounded (see details below) and our travellers report excellent game drives, boating trips and walking safaris. You can also meet the people behind this inspiring story – ecologists, researchers and scientists when you visit Gorongosa.

READ MORE about the amazing Gorongosa restoration story and view these incredible photos of the park's wildlife, landscapes and people.

Gorongosa quick facts & tips

  • 3,819 km² (382,000 hectares)

  • Wildlife populations of iconic species such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog, hippo, sable, buffalo and Lichtenstein's hartebeest are recovering well.

  • Foraging with pangolins: Gorongosa hosts a project to reintroduce poached pangolins back into the wild, giving tourists a unique experience of conservation in action.

  • Bush & beach: Pair your Gorongosa safari with the Bazaruto Archipelago.

What wildlife can I expect to see in Gorongosa National Park?

The lion population is recovering well after a reintroduction program, as are the hyena and wild dog populations. Leopards are present but difficult to find. Elephants are regularly encountered and generally reasonably relaxed, especially the big bulls. 

The park now boasts healthy populations of hippo, oribi, warthog, sable, and waterbuck, while buffalo, kudu, and Lichtenstein's hartebeest have all been successfully reintroduced. 

Gorongosa hosts over 450 bird species, including the green-headed oriole, white-chested alethe, Swynnerton's robin, and East Coast akalat.

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Gorongosa FAQs

The best months for wildlife viewing are from May to October, coinciding with Mozambique's dry season. Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, maximising sightings of most species. The cooler, dry-season climate provides comfortable safari conditions. However, note that September and October can be warm to hot, whereas May to August offer mild temperatures.

The park is usually closed during the season of heavy rain (December to March) because roads become impassable.

Peak season bookings require 12–18 months advance planning. Trips outside of peak season can be arranged 6–9 months ahead, with better rates and availability.

Safaris to Gorongosa typically cost from US$700 per person, per night, depending on the level of comfort in accommodations and the activities included. Our packages offer excellent value with transparent pricing.

Our safari prices typically include accommodation, all meals and described activities, park fees, experienced guides, airport transfers and 24/7 support from our team. Specific inclusions vary by package – contact us for detailed itineraries.

You only make your first payment when you book your holiday. Your second (last) payment is about 90 days before you travel.

We have been handcrafting experiential safaris since 1991. Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

Booking through a respected tour operator with many years of experience means that all you need to focus on is helping us design your safari and then having a superb vacation. The rest - all the nitty-gritty detail and admin is done while you relax. Our 24/7 concierges take care of problems such as flight changes and missed flights, last-minute road transfer and lodge changes due to unexpected events, and itinerary changes requested by you.

Remember that you will not save money by attempting to book and manage your own safari, but you will inherit mistakes and problems that arise.

Yes, your money is safe. Your payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability. See what travellers say about us.

YES, by booking your safari with Africa Geographic, you make a significant difference because:

  • We donate a portion of every safari sold to selected conservation efforts at ground level

  • Your safari supports our conservation publishing efforts, which educate the world about Africa's incredible biodiversity and the local people who protect it

  • Our chosen lodges support local community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the nearby villages directly. They also adhere to strict environmental practices, such as limited vehicle numbers and sustainable camp operations, which help protect the ecosystem

YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!

Start planning your Gorongosa safari

Our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.

African safari

Why choose us to craft your safari?

Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.

Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?

Trust & safety

Trust & Safety

Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.

See what travellers say about us

Responsible safari

Make a difference

We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.

YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!