Trip Itinerary
Gorongosa National Park
Your journey starts with a flight from Johannesburg to Beira. A light aircraft takes you into Gorongosa National Park, one of Africa’s most important conservation stories. You’ll spend your first three nights at Chicari Camp, a place designed for adventure and exploration in the truest sense. The real beauty here is the discovery element and total lack of crowds – it’s entirely possible to spend a full day navigating fever tree forests and savannas without seeing another soul. Chicari is also a great camp for experiencing Mozambican hospitality, led by a wonderful team who have been central to the park’s recovery, and for seeing how closely the community is tied to the land. You’ll be able to take an inside look at the Gorongosa Restoration Project, learning about the team’s work with everything from wildlife conservation to local women’s empowerment programmes. The game viewing is equally varied, as the park is home to the world’s largest waterbuck population alongside healthy numbers of lion, buffalo, elephant, and African wild dog. You might even spot the odd leopard, and even the rarely seen Crawshay’s zebra, whose low numbers make sightings all the more exciting.
Gorongosa National Park
Following a scenic game drive through the park’s varied landscape, you’ll arrive at Muzimu Lodge for the second part of your Gorongosa journey. Depending on the season, you can add a canoe or boat ride on Lake Urema for a closer look at pods of hippo and basking crocodiles against the distant view of Mount Gorongosa. It’s well worth paying the optional supplement to visit Mount Gorongosa for rainforest treks to hidden waterfalls and the chance to spot the endemic green-headed oriole. One of the highlights is a morning walk, during which you’ll observe pangolins foraging in the wild, accompanied by their handlers. You’ll even have the opportunity to ask questions while watching these rare and fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. From conservation-focused tours to doors-off helicopter flights, Muzimu is the perfect finale to your experience of one of Africa’s greatest restoration projects (please note that these are optional excursions and incur an additional cost). Your stay here ends with a flight back to Beira, in time to connect to Vilanculos and travel onwards to the beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Benguerra Island
The pace shifts during the final part of your journey as you fly back to Beira and down the coast to Vilanculos. A short helicopter ride over the Bazaruto Archipelago brings you to Benguerra Island, and the much-needed relaxation of Azura Marlin Beach – a welcome addition to the raw energy of Gorongosa. You’ll want for nothing at your beachfront villa, with a dedicated host to look after everything from candlelit dinners to open-air massages, arranged at an additional cost. Set the rhythm of your own day, but rest assured, there’s plenty to do when you’re not soaking up the sun and gazing at the turquoise ocean. Perhaps you’ll kayak along the shoreline or book a motorised boat ride (at an extra cost) to find the archipelago’s famous dugongs and seahorses. Since Azura Marlin is within a marine reserve, snorkelling and scuba diving are world-class, with brightly coloured fish, turtles, rays, and shimmering corals. Back on land, enjoy horse riding on the beach, island adventures, or the simple enjoyment of a fresh pizza or grilled seafood lunch at the Peri Peri Beach Club. Finally, end the day on board a traditional dhow for a sunset cruise, included in your rate.
