Luxury Gorongosa National Park safaris made for you
Day and night
Spend your mornings, evenings and nights out in the bush
Big cats and more
Track African wild dogs, lions and leopards
Walking safaris
Get up close to the wildlife with experienced guides
On the water
Slow down and explore lakes and rivers by boat
Experience the profound impact of community-led conservation
Mozambique‘s Gorongosa National Park tells a remarkable story of restoration. Only a handful of decades ago, the region’s ecosystem and wildlife were all but decimated by civil war. But thanks to a partnership between philanthropist Greg Carr and the Mozambican government in 2004, the park has gradually been rebuilt. Landscapes have been restored and wildlife reintroduced, with the involvement of local communities. Today, over 100,000 large animals and a huge variety of birds and insects can be found here.
The park is uncrowded compared to the likes of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, so you’ll likely be the only vehicle at a sighting. Lion populations are thriving and the reintroduction of African wild dogs and leopards has been wildly successful. Gorongosa is also home to the world’s largest waterbuck population, numbering over 65,000. Take your safari to the next level and head out on foot with knowledgeable guides for a deeper immersion.
Your safari in Gorongosa National Park will be so much more than wildlife viewing, it’s an opportunity to see and contribute to one of the continent’s more inspiring conservation efforts. An adventure on the wild floodplains and savannas of Gorongosa pairs well with the sparkling waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago, creating a memorable bush to beach experience. Our team of experts have first hand experience of the region and are eager to introduce you to its powerful story, so get in touch today.
Highlights
If you visit in April or May, head out along the Pungué River or across Lake Urema on a boat for prime hippo and crocodile spotting
Keep a lookout for over 500 bird species, most notably the green-headed oriole which is only found on Mount Gorongosa
Join the Pangolin Guardians on a foraging walk to learn about the care, science and community collaboration behind their conservation efforts
Explore the park after dark and discover an entirely different side of Gorongosa as a host of nocturnal species begin to emerge
Spend time with members of the Gorongosa Restoration Project, going behind the scenes, hearing their stories and learning about their work in the park
Seeing Gorongosa thrive again is incredibly moving, especially since you could possibly spend time tracking wild dogs or lions without seeing another vehicle. Every safari directly supports the local communities who have worked so hard to bring this region back to life.
Jacob Maahs
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury Gorongosa National Park safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in Gorongosa National Park. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive hotels, camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife, wineries and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Mozambique travel inspiration
Get inspired with our Mozambique example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Discover more of Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago
The islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago just off southern Mozambique form a protected national park with only a handful of luxury lodges. Clear water, white sand and healthy reefs, such as Three Mile Reef, offer days spent snorkelling, diving and slowing the pace.
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Ponta Mamoli
Near the South African border, Ponta Mamoli sits on a quiet stretch of Indian Ocean coast. Clear water, a subtropical climate and long, undeveloped beaches make it an easy escape without crowds, year-round appeal here.
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Quirimbas
Set off the northern coast of Mozambique, the Quirimbas Archipelago stretches for more than sixty miles of protected private islands. Clear, warm water and white sand frame healthy coral reefs and a secluded island life.
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Varanda
Varanda combines wide beaches, clear lagoons and a privately protected reserve on a narrow peninsula. Close to Mozambique Island, its setting links coastal waters, wildlife and local culture with easy access to Gorongosa National Park.
Discover moreMeet your Africa team
When to visit Gorongosa National Park
For the most rewarding wildlife encounters, visit Gorongosa National Park during the dry season from late May to October, when the receding waterholes draw animals into clear view. While the park is typically open from mid-April to mid-December, the cooler months of July and August offer optimal road conditions and comfortable temperatures. As the heat intensifies in September and October, the landscape comes alive with predator action. The drying floodplains in April and May create a spectacular backdrop for bird watching.
Lush scenery
May–June
Wildlife viewing
July–October
Bird watching
April–May
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
