Make a difference to the future of pangolins on a wildlife safari through Mozambique’s magnificent Gorongosa wilderness, learning about one of Africa’s great wildlife restoration success stories. End by visiting vital conservation projects in the tropical beach paradise of Vilanculos, gateway to the protected marine wonders of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Although the Gorongosa camps are open from Apr to Nov, the optimum months to visit are Sep and Oct, when dry-season conditions concentrate wildlife around diminishing water sources. They’re also ideal beach months, with dry, sunny weather and lower humidity.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on two adults travelling for 12 nights and does not include international flights.
1 night Johannesburg, 4 nights Muzimu Lodge, Gorongosa, 3 nights Chicari Camp, Gorongosa, 4 nights Vilanculos
What makes this Mozambique journey special?
- Be part of Africa’s most inspiring wildlife restoration story in Mozambique’s wild and beautiful Gorongosa National Park.
- Witness first-hand the work being done to protect the world’s most trafficked mammal - the shy, nocturnal pangolin.
- Stay at two fantastic camps in Gorongosa, the first built along the curve of the Mussicadzi River, the second set around a water source that draws game from all directions.
- End among the tropical beaches, reefs and seagrass beds of Mozambique’s central coast, snorkelling with seahorses and diving with dugongs and turtles.
- Support vital conservation projects aimed at preserving the pristine ecosystems of Gorongosa National Park and the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Your Mozambique impact itinerary:
Start in South Africa
Day 1: Johannesburg
Your adventure begins with a night in Johannesburg before continuing to Mozambique. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the fabulous Residence Hotel, from which you can explore Joburg’s dynamic food scene, appreciate local art at the Everard Reid or Goodman Gallery, or reflect on the history of the Rainbow Nation at the Apartheid Museum.
Protecting pangolins
Days 2-5: Muzimu Lodge, Gorongosa
Transfer to the airport and fly via Beira Airport in Mozambique to Gorongosa National Park, one of Africa’s last truly wild places and arguably its greatest wildlife restoration success story. In 2008, after years of civil war had decimated game populations, Gorongosa had only 10,000 large animals. Today, over 100,000 roam its plains, forests and seasonal wetlands.
Among Gorongosa’s most remarkable conservation initiatives is the Pangolin Project, established in 2018 to rescue and rehabilitate the world’s most trafficked mammal. Each year, the park’s rangers rescue multiple pangolins from poachers and traffickers. The often injured or traumatised animals are then nursed back to health by skilled vets and keepers before being released back into the park, complete with GPS trackers to help monitor their condition. Since the programme started, the rehabilitation centre has received over 150 pangolins and successfully released more than 100 back into the wild.
As part of your four-night stay at Muzimu Lodge, Gorongosa’s flagship safari camp, you’ll not only visit the Pangolin Project, you’ll also get to accompany the veterinary team on pangolin rehabilitation walks, following quietly behind a rescued pangolin as it learns to hunt for ants and termites in its natural habitat. It’s a rare opportunity to get close to these shy creatures while gaining a deeper understanding of Gorongosa’s wider conservation story and the dedicated individuals working to secure the future of its wildlife.
Wildlife around the waterhole
Days 6-8: Chicari Camp, Gorongosa
After breakfast on day six, transfer by safari vehicle through Gorongosa National Park to Chicari Camp, no doubt stopping en route to observe the park’s prolific wildlife. Chicari offers a completely different experience to Muzimu, its 10 canvas tents carefully positioned around a natural pan that attracts a huge array of wildlife. Embark on thrilling game drives to spot lions, elephants and Gorongosa’s famous wild dogs. Venture out on walking safaris directly from the camp. And enjoy seasonal boating excursions on the beautiful Urema floodplain.
Or complement your time at the Pangolin Project with a visit to the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory, Gorongosa’s centre for scientific research and discovery. Meet the scientists working to uncover and understand the extraordinary diversity of life within the park. Learn how researchers catalogue the park’s species, many of them new to science. And discover how they use their findings to guide Gorongosa’s ambitious conservation and restoration programme.
Sun, sand & seahorses
Days 9-13: Vilanculos
Flying on to Vilanculos on the coast, spend your final few days at Saudade, a luxurious beach retreat overlooking the breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago. Wake to white-sand beaches that stretch for miles, often wonderfully quiet but for fishermen bringing in their daily catch and traditional dhows bobbing on the water.
There’s plenty to keep you busy, from fishing for fresh tuna to tours of the town led by charismatic local guides. Snorkellers and divers can enjoy pristine coral reefs teeming with life, and depending on the time of year you visit, you could find yourself swimming with dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles or even endangered dugongs.
The highlight for many is the Indigo Seahorse Safari, a community-led conservation initiative set up in response to the illegal harvesting of seahorses. Rather than simply trying to stop the poaching, the initiative created an alternative source of income: former seahorse fishers became guides, taking visitors to see the animals they had previously been catching.
You’ll travel by traditional dhow to snorkel in the shallow seagrass meadows where the seahorses live, then return to shore for a delicious beachfront lunch, prepared by the families of the local fishermen. Not only has the initiative contributed to an 80% reduction in seahorse poaching, but with 80% of fees going back to the community, it’s also served as an economic engine, providing profitable livelihoods for former poachers and their neighbours. Transfer to the airport on day 13 for your flight home via Johannesburg.
Where you'll stay
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
The Residence
Tucked away in Johannesburg’s leafy Houghton suburb, The Residence is a luxurious urban sanctuary blending old-world charm and contemporary design. Each suite is an eclectic mix of soft textures, antique furnishings and private balconies overlooking manicured gardens or the pool. Thoughtful touches – like outdoor showers and copper bathtubs – elevate the experience, while attentive service feels effortlessly personal. Despite being minutes from the city’s heart, the ambience here is one of absolute calm – a discreet, indulgent hideaway in South Africa’s most dynamic metropolis.
Muzimu Lodge
Set among pristine riverine forest along a curve of the Mussicadzi River, Muzimu Lodge offers a wonderfully intimate safari experience in Gorongosa National Park. Its six spacious safari tents, each with an en-suite bathroom and private deck, are connected by wooden walkways and place you right in the heart of the wilderness. The main lounge and dining areas offer wide river views. The inviting pool provides a peaceful spot to while away the hours between wildlife viewing, and attentive staff ensure your every need is met, serving delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that champion local ingredients.
Chicari Camp
Overlooking a natural pan that draws a huge range of wildlife, Chicari Camp offers a front-row seat to the remarkable restoration of a once-forgotten wilderness. Its 10 canvas tents have a classic safari feel, featuring comfortable beds and en-suite facilities. Two are tree-hide tents that share a spacious deck, making them perfect for two couples or a family traveling together. All are connected by raised wooden walkways and offer wonderful views of the pan. Communal areas include a lounge, bar, dining area and firepit, while staff are skilled, accommodating and eager to share their knowledge of the park.
Saudade
Saudade is an exclusive boutique beach lodge set along the pristine coastline of Mozambique, overlooking the breathtaking Bazaruto Archipelago. This intimate sanctuary seamlessly blends barefoot luxury with authentic African hospitality, offering a tranquil escape from the modern world. Facing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the property features beautifully designed chalets constructed from sustainable local materials. Guests can indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood, relax by the infinity pool or embark on world-class diving, snorkelling and dhow sailing adventures.
Learn about the impact of your journey
Our impact journeys are designed expressly for conservation- and community-minded clients who want their travels to have a positive impact on the people and places they visit.
Revenue Generation: By visiting Gorongosa, you are generating crucial funding through the daily park fee and Conservation & Community Levy. These funds directly support conservation programmes, including wildlife protection, anti-poaching initiatives and habitat restoration.
Employment Opportunities: Your visit to Gorongosa will help create jobs for local residents as guides, rangers, hospitality staff and service providers. This provides economic stability and reduces reliance on activities that harm the environment such as logging or poaching.
Community Support: Your visit will help support education, healthcare and sustainable livelihood programmes for communities living near Gorongosa National Park. By linking their wellbeing to the park’s success, residents become key allies in conservation efforts.
Minimised Impact: Eco-tourism initiatives in Gorongosa are designed to have a low environmental footprint, ensuring that your activities align with the park’s long-term conservation goals.
Marine Conservation: By supporting the Indigo Seahorse Safari, you’ll help conserve seahorses while simultaneously providing an income for the fishermen who might otherwise resort to harvesting them illegally.
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Mozambique specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Africa team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand.”