Explore Gorongosa
In the heart of the Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, beneath the shadow of the mountain that shares its name, is Explore Gorongosa Safari Camp. The first private ecotourism initiative in this area, the camp boasts of safaris that focus more on what guests learn and do through their five senses than on forcing the bush to mimic the sophistication and style of places half a world away. The professional guides aim to provide a safari that will not only entertain and relax but also change the way your view of the world.
The semi-permanent tented camp, Explorers, is located in a private operational area within the Gorongosa National Park. Boasting quirky, spacious tented suites, Explorers keeps safari accommodation simple, but special. Suites offer double or twin single beds with soft down quilts, cotton linen and towels of highest quality. With an alfresco 'en-tent' bathroom, an eco-friendly, waterless toilet and wash in the wild shower (combining privacy and freedom), comfort is never hard to find. A central area offers a social ambience and includes an open-air library, lounge, and dining tables. And after meals, or in between, there are hammocks to relax in, trees perfect for climbing, and campfires to contemplate
Explorers has discovered that ‘home-base’ is the way to go, even on safari and the staff strive to provide as much of the local produce and cuisine as possible. From home-made plum jam to freshly baked pot-bread, the food is delicious and filling.
Wildlife safaris are led by expert guides who are familiar with the most scenic and wildlife rich areas the park has to offer and wherever possible walking safaris are encouraged. This allows guests to experience the bush just as African wildlife see it, smell it and feel it, giving you a much greater appreciation for its beauty. Common sightings on safari often include the African elephant, Green-Headed Oriole and Gorongosa lions.
Besides walking safaris and game-drives, activities include canoeing and overnight trips (one or two nights) to the incredible sites such as the Murombodzi waterfalls and the top of Mount Gorongosa. These trips must be planned in advance, permission is required as the sites are sacred to the local community and ceremonies are often held there. Nights in the wilderness fly-camp are the best way to see this towering, rain-forest canopy. The vegetation and bird-rich wonder contains flower-dotted highlands, cloud-forest and waterfall-pocketed grassy plateaus. The region is rich in environmental diversity with deep, bat-filled caverns and gaping limestone gorges - you will witness cascading waterfalls set in threatened cloud forest and baobab-dotted broadleaf.
Although the focus of the camp is on the wildlife, the cultural, social and historical importance of this region is not lost on the camps management who plan special interest safaris to run over the course of each year. Using leading experts they hope to touch on anthropological, artistic, birding and lion studies, photography and species re-introduction.
Whether you enjoy a slow lunch in the bush, spend the afternoon in a hide overlooking a waterhole or sleep overnight at the top of a sacred mountain, Explore Gorongosa is the ideal destination. Discover the unusual, the out of the ordinary and the exceptional at Explore Gorongosa.
