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Once known as the “Serengeti of the South”, Gorongosa National Park was one of Africa’s finest safari parks before being devastated by decades of civil war and subsequent years of poaching. Despite this, it remained a staggeringly beautiful wilderness area loved by safari connoisseurs venturing off the well-worn safari track. Today, it’s a true conservation success story, and thanks to one of the continent’s most ambitious restoration efforts – supporting both wildlife and local communities – Gorongosa is firmly on the rise again.
Covering approximately 4,000 km.sq, the park is immense. It’s also recognised as one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with a high number of species endemic to the park. In late 2025, three members of our team visited Gorongosa to experience the revitalised park first-hand, and they returned feeling energised and inspired by their trip.
Top Activities in Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa is the jewel in Mozambique’s safari crown. While it’s not the destination for classic Big Five game viewing or a luxury first-time safari, Gorongosa delivers a highly immersive and biodiverse safari experience. There are a number of activities available during a visit to this wildly scenic safari region.
Game Drives
Explore Gorongosa’s varied ecosystems on expertly guided morning and afternoon game drives, from fever-tree forests to open floodplains. Expect growing populations of lions, elephants, antelope, and more, with far fewer vehicles than in Africa’s more established parks. Bigger sightings might take a little longer, but the ever-changing scenery is sure to keep you captivated.
Walking Safaris
The park is considered a great destination for walking holidays in Africa, with 100,000+ large mammals and a fantastic variety of birds and insects. Join experienced guides, one or more of whom will be armed for safety, to explore the bush on foot at a slower, more immersive pace.
Pangolin Conservation Experience
Spend time with the dedicated team working to rehabilitate and protect one of Africa’s most endangered mammals. This experience is available for stays of five nights or longer, and is a rare opportunity to learn about pangolin conservation from those doing the work on the ground.
Seasonal Boating on Lake Urema
Between April and May, boating safaris offer a different perspective of Gorongosa’s wildlife, with excellent birding, plentiful crocs and hippos, and sweeping views across the water to Mount Gorongosa.
Mount Gorongosa Day Excursion
A full-day, 8-hour excursion to Mount Gorongosa includes a visit to the GRP (Gorongosa Restoration Project) coffee project and honey factory, as well as a hike to Murombodzi Falls. The forested slopes offer a complete change of scenery and this is a great add-on for adventurous travellers. Alternatively, instead of visiting the projects, hike Mount Gorongosa in search of the endemic green-headed oriole and enjoy a lunch at Murombozi Falls.
Please note that this excursion is available at an additional cost to your Gorongosa safari.
Community and Conservation Projects
Visit some of the park’s community and research programmes to see firsthand how Gorongosa’s restoration project supports the people who live around the park. Gorongosa’s people-first conservation model is unique in that 100% of profits generated within the area are reinvested into it. This approach prioritises people, with 70% of profits benefiting the surrounding communities and 30% going back into the park itself, which flips the usual conservation model on its head. Community and conservation-focused excursions include guided tours of local communities and tours of the E.O Wilson Lab.
Previously described as a “park of the future,” Gorongosa is now firmly on its journey of restoration and revival. If you’d like to learn more about safaris in this exciting, re-emerging safari region, get in touch with our Mozambique safari specialists today.
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