GORONGOSA PARK

The rehabilitation of Gorongosa National Park in Central Mozambique represents one of the great conservation opportunities in the world today. Gorongosa is a region of high species diversity and ecological features found nowhere else. The key to continued species diversity on the planet is to protect critical areas.

The 4,000 square kilometer Park is located at the southern end of the Great East African Rift Valley. The Park includes the valley floor and parts of surrounding plateaus. Rivers originating on nearby 1862-meter Mount Gorongosa water the plain.

ACCOMMODATION:

Chitengo Safari Camp
First constructed in 1941, Chitengo hosted thousands of visitors from all over the world until 1983, when Mozambique’s civil war shut it down. It was mostly destroyed during the war, but re-opened in 1995. We are now restoring and rebuilding it with many modern conveniences.

As part of our continuing effort to improve and expand our facilities and accommodations at Chitengo Camp, we are undertaking some construction activities that may, during some daytime hours, interrupt the normal tranquility of some parts of Chitengo.  Please bear with us as we work to make Chitengo an even better place from which to base your Gorongosa experience.

Cabanas : We currently have 9 modern and comfortable double cabanas located in a tranquil area of Chitengo, for a total of 18 separate rooms, each with 2 single beds or 1 double bed. All have mosquito netting, en-suite toilets, air-conditioning, and thatch chairs. Maximum occupancy: 2 persons.

Camping

ACTIVITIES:

Gorongosa National Park offers something for everyone interested in African wildlife and spectacular scenery.

We have lions, elephants, buffalos, and many kinds of antelope, with frequent sightings of sable, impala, oribi, bushbuck, reedbuck, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, and (less frequently) zebra, hartebeest and eland. Lake Urema and its waterways support healthy populations of crocodiles and hippos.

The park’s birdlife is fantastic! About 400 species have been sighted in recent years. Many are endemics or near-endemics prized by birders. The Green-headed Oriole, for example, is found in southern Africa only on Mount Gorongosa, and the Moustached Warbler has been sighted at Chitengo and on the mountain.

Wildlife Game Drives (3 Hours)
Our trained guides can take you on early-morning and sunset game-viewing drives to view wildlife on the approximately 100 kilometers of game roads from Chitengo. The drives will traverse various ecosystems, including floodplains, miombo forest, and lowland savanna. Please make advance arrangements to make sure we can accommodate you. We’ll take you out in our Toyota Landcruiser with raised safari seats.

Self Game Drives
If you prefer to drive your own vehicle you can do a wildlife self game drive. Please get your ticket at Chitengo Camp reception and do not forget to hand it in at the gate before you enter the road network. You will be given a brief course on the safety rules for self driving on Park roads. If you want to be accompanied by a guide, there will be at an extra cost of 240 MT ($10 USD). Be sure your vehicle is four-wheel drive with good ground clearance. Sedan cars are not recommended for game drives.

Trip to Vinho Community (2-3 Hours)
Take a 30 - 45 minute walk with our guide to the community of Vinho just outside the Park boundary. It is a 2km walk to the Pungue River, with some birding along the way. At the Pungue River there will be a short trip in a small boat. You may greet many of the Park's employees as they commute from Vinho on their way to work. You will also visit the new school and hospital that was recently built in the community.

Bué Maria Sundown (2-3 Hours)
This approximately 2-3 hour visit takes visitors to Bué Maria which overlooks the Pungue River to experience the beauty of a spectacular sunset. We will offer our guests a sundown drink and a peaceful moment with a beautiful view.