TERRA PROFUNDA > OUR OFFERS > GORONGOSA PARK
EXPLORE GORONGOSA
TOTAL IMMERSION SAFARIS
The first private ecotourism initiative in the world-renowned Gorongosa National Park, an undiscovered gem of the African safari circuit. Luxury safari experiences are led by expert guides through some of the most scenic and wildlife rich areas of Mozambique...
The principal offer at Explore Gorongosa is an exclusive tented camp safari experience, aimed at introducing the guests to the wonders of the Gorongosa National Park. There are no set itineraries, and activity and schedule options are entirely flexible. As a general rule the lodge prefers to spend as much time as possible on foot, away from the noise and bumpiness of vehicles, and on the same level as the four-legged critters of Gorongosa. However, their unique safari experiences incorporate walking, canoeing and game-drives, providing a comprehensive insight into the Gorongosa National Park, including the visionary restoration project underway to return the Park to its former state. They also encourage their guests to enjoy spending time just being still and enjoying the wonders of Gorongosa that come and go when given the time and space to do what they do best. This may involve a slow lunch at a bush hide overlooking a waterhole or a perch on a branch of a high tree, a swing from a hammock in camp or a snooze under an ancient giant baobab. Hiking up nearby Mount Gorongosa is also an incredible experience. The mountain is 1800m high and has exceptionally good birding in and amongst its cloud and rain forests
WILDLIFE
"Gorongosa National Park has an impressive species list with more and more species being reintroduced on a yearly basis. The Park is home to significant populations of oribi, reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog and sable. Predators are recovering slowly, with a number of lion prides. Elephant herds and bulls are regularly encountered. Large herbivores are being reintroduced through the sanctuary which has good herds of buffalo, wildebeest, kudu, and Lichtenstein’s hartebeest. Leopard occur but these numbers still need to increase somewhat. In the rivers and lake, good populations of hippo and crocodile occur, whilst on the floodplains zebra, impala, monkeys and baboons are to be found. Nyala and bushbuck can be seen frequently in the forests, whilst bush pigs are sometimes also encountered. Nocturnal species include serval, honey badgers, civet, genet, both bushbaby species, many mongoose species and porcupine. Birding at Gorongosa is incredible with excellent quality and quantities of special and endemic birds such as the Collared Palm Thrush, the Green Coucal, Narina Trogon and African Skimmer. Lake Urema provides a home to a huge number of water birds and one can literally sit for hours watching them flock.
BEST TIME TO COME
"The months of June to early-September are the coolest and driest months, whilst August to October has some of the better game-viewing out on the floodplains. Best birding is early or late in the season, with great activity as the surface water subsides around April to July. Seasonal variations in vegetation and wildlife densities make it essential that you return to explore Gorongosa again and again at various times of the year!
SAFARIS
EXPLORE GORONGOSA SAFARIS
Explore Gorongosa currently offer two different safari options, with more planned for the future.
The first one is a classic safari experience based out of the luxurious seasonal tented camp. They are in a fortunate position to be the only private operator within the park, offering a unique safari experience that is predominantly walking and vehicle based but which, in time, will also include certain water-based adventures. The guests can enjoy a walk in the morning led by a top regional professional guide, before boarding in the open game-drive vehicle for an afternoon exploration of some of the farther reaches of the park. Evening drives under spotlight reveal the nocturnal critters that abound in Gorongosa. But since they are relatively flexible in the schedule, they can offer any blend of adventure, relaxing, and exploring the guests wish for. The key, they feel, is to provide more of a real experience; to offer the guests more a voyage of discovery than a destination holiday. They are constantly exploring the many layers of the visionary restoration project taking place in Gorongosa’s natural wonderland. This includes options of visiting the local park-inspired projects in surrounding communities, climbing Mount Gorongosa, observing park ecological management activities, and generally having fun exploring this unique series of habitats. Their exclusive safaris appeal to a wide range of safari enthusiasts from first-timers to Africa to more habituated Africaphiles, from budding bird-nerds to bird buffs, from amateur point-and-shooters to professional wildlife photographers.
In addition to these classic safari experiences, the other safari offering is in the form of special interest safari expeditions. These once-off expeditions have a specific focus on one of the myriad distinctive features of planet Gorongosa such as birding specials, wilderness trails, big game reintroduction, mountain climbing, community give-back experiences, as well as artistic and photographic workshops. These special interest safaris are constantly being imagined and developed and will be advertised around specific dates and events.
CAMP EXPLORE GORONGOSA
EXPLORERS SEMI-PERMANENT CAMP TENTS
15m2 classic cottage style semi-permanent tents. All tents are completely bug-proof (with stylish mosquito netting window and door inners), with additional draped mosquito nets above each bed for extra precaution. Tents can be fitted with hand-crafted twin singles or a king-size bed, and also contain a clothes rack, baggage stand, vanity table and stool, side tables and floor rugs, all made by local craftsmen and women. Each tent includes a spacious ’en-tent’ bathroom with open-air hot bucket shower, ‘earth closet’ eco-toilet, and canvas basin and relevant amenities. Tents are oriented lengthways with large double ‘window-doors’ (which can be fully rolled up to create open front) on river or view-facing front, opening onto a shaded sitting area with reclining camp chairs. The quirky alfresco bathroom is attached to the side of tent, so also view-facing – loos with a view! Funky crafted wooden support poles with unobtrusive guy ropes complete the design
4 tents, 8 guests maximum.
FOOD Minimal red meat and unnecessary fats; largely wholesome, home cooked with regional Mozambican influences. Light, original meals served plated, three courses for dinner, two each for lunch and breakfast. Lunches taken alfresco picnic-style. Recommended wines (mostly South African & Portuguese) and beverages optimally matched to meals. Innovative serving and taste-harmonizing techniques.
