For many, Mozambique is synonymous with beach vacations, but there’s much more to this country than sandy shores. Among its natural wonders is the Gorongosa National Park, located in the heart of Mozambique. Renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity and breathtaking landscapes, Gorongosa offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Let’s see what makes the park special and what you can expect when visiting Gorongosa.
Overview
Gorongosa National Park covers an area of approximately 4000 km² and is situated at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in the heart of central Mozambique. The park is unique because of its diverse ecosystems, ranging from grassy plains with acacia trees to dry sand forests, savannahs, sandstone gorges and tropical rainforests. Gorongosa is considered to be one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, according to naturalists and leading scientists worldwide. It’s also home to Mount Gorongosa, standing at 1862 meters above sea level. Rivers originating from Mount Gorongosa flow through the surrounding lands, often causing seasonal floods. The park is renowned for its variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, servals, hippos, zebras and kudus.
Park History
In 1920, the lands around Mount Gorongosa were designated as a hunting reserve. Initially spanning 1000 km², the reserve was intended for hunting for the exclusive use of high-ranking officials of the Portuguese administration and their guests. By 1935, the reserve’s area had expanded to 3200 km². The most appreciated hunting trophies were the unique black rhinos, which Gorongosa National Park used to be home for.
However, Mozambique’s government soon proposed banning animal hunting. Tourism infrastructure began to develop within the park, attracting a significant number of visitors. In 1960, Gorongosa was granted national park status, leading to substantial financial investments. The transition to national park status also increased the government’s support for conservation efforts.
Unfortunately, in 1977 Mozambique was engulfed in a civil war, resulting in the closure of the park. Its territory became a battleground, with devastating consequences for Gorongosa’s wildlife. By the end of the 20th century, animals populations had declined by 95%, leaving only a handful of species remaining.
In 2004, the Mozambican government, in collaboration with international conservation organizations, embarked on a mission to restore the park’s wildlife population and tourism infrastructure. Over the years 2004 to 2007, more than $10 million was allocated to this cause, resulting in the establishment of a wildlife reserve and the restoration of several animal populations.
Gorongosa Today
Today, Gorongosa National Park stands as a testament to the power of conservation and restoration. Through collaborative efforts involving the government, non-profit organizations and local communities, the park has experienced a remarkable recovery, with wildlife populations rebounding and tourism once again flourishing.
The park has always been renowned for its diverse birdlife, with over 400 bird species, many of which are endemic to the area. Today, Gorongosa is home to approximately 300 elephants, as well as buffaloes, leopards, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, baboons, monkeys and others. One of its main attractions in the park is the “Lion House”. Originally constructed as a tourist lodge in the early 20th century, this building transformed during Mozambique’s civil conflict in the late 1970s. The lodge was abandoned by its human occupants, and nature began to reclaim the structure. Over time, the empty building became a refuge for wildlife, particularly lions, seeking shelter.
The best time to visit
The changing seasons in Gorongosa significantly impact the park’s wildlife. March is considered the best time to visit, following the end of the rainy season when you can witness a profusion of wildlife amid a lush green oasis. The plains are covered with wildflowers in spring (September to October), while migratory birds return to Gorongosa in November and December.
Getting to Gorongosa
Gorongosa National Park is located in the Sofala Province, 150 kilometers north of the city of Beira. Beira can be easily reached by direct flights from Johannesburg or the Mozambican capital, Maputo. To reach the safari lodge in the national park, your best option would be renting a car. Gorongosa National Park can be explored both independently and as part of a tour group. Within the park, there is a complex of villas and bungalows with a spa center and a restaurant, as well as camping sites with equipped tents and parking facilities.
Gorongosa National Park promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness, where conservation, adventure and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. If visiting Gorongosa is on your bucket list, Africa Brut can help you to make it happen! Find more details here.
