Plizio Visual Lab

Gorongosa National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Gorongosa National Park, located at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in central Mozambique, is celebrated as one of the most successful ecological restoration stories in the world. Originally established as a hunting reserve and designated a national park in 1960, it was once home to some of the densest wildlife populations in Africa before being devastated by the Mozambican Civil War. In 2004, a landmark partnership between the Government of Mozambique and the US-based Carr Foundation launched the Gorongosa Restoration Project. Covering 4,000 square kilometers, the park features a diverse array of habitats, including vast floodplains, fever-tree forests, and the unique rainforest ecosystem of Mount Gorongosa. Extensive reintroduction programs have successfully replenished populations of elephants, lions, buffalo, and various antelope species. The park also serves as a hub for advanced scientific research and provides critical healthcare and education services to the over 200,000 people living in its buffer zones. Today, Gorongosa is a premier destination for sustainable ecotourism, demonstrating how nature conservation can thrive alongside community development.

Location: Mozambique
Nearby: Nhamatanda (44 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	26	25	23	22	21	23	26	28	29	28
Rain mm	227	172	176	86	30	23	36	7	17	36	89	215

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from May to October gives the best wildlife viewing, as animals gather at remaining water sources. In the rainy season, vegetation is denser and animals are more scattered.

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Best time of day

Early morning and late afternoon game drives are most successful, when predators like lions are most active. Most animals spend the midday heat in shade.

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Etiquette

Stay inside the vehicle during game drives - exiting is allowed only at designated spots. Do not feed animals or discard litter.

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What to bring

Good binoculars and a camera with zoom lens are essential for wildlife viewing. Light, beige-colored clothing, sun hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.

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Getting there

The park is about 200 kilometers north of Beira, accessible via a paved road. The main entrance is at Chitengo Safari Camp; advance booking is advisable.

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What to expect

Large predators like lions are not always easy to spot - be prepared for long drives and waiting. The diversity of birdlife and landscape, however, compensates for every quiet moment.

Geography

Coordinates

-18.98000, 34.45000

Facts

The park was officially established in 1960.
It covers an area of approximately 4,000 square kilometers.
Located in Sofala Province within the Great Rift Valley.
The restoration project began in 2004 with the Carr Foundation.
Mount Gorongosa, part of the park, rises to 1,863 meters.
Home to the state-of-the-art E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nhamatanda44 km · SWExplore →

Mount Gorongosa44 km · EExplore →

Gorongosa Mountains47 km · EExplore →

Savane Lake48 km · WExplore →

Gorongosa51 km · SEExplore →

Mafambisse Sugar Mill54 km · WExplore →

Inchope wildlife refuge78 km · SExplore →

Beira Railway Station89 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Gorongosa National Park (1)

Parque Nacional da Gorongosa📍 landmark

Gorongosa National Park lies in the southern section of the Great Rift Valley and is renowned for its diverse wildlife.

🌐 gorongosa.org

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a safari?

The dry season from June to October is good.

Do you need a guide?

Yes, tours with a certified guide are mandatory.

Is there a malaria risk?

Yes, prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

How do I book accommodation?

Booking is done directly via the official park website.

Are kids allowed in the park?

Yes, but activities often have minimum age requirements.

Gorongosa National Park: where is it located?

Gorongosa National Park is located in Mozambique.

Gorongosa National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Gorongosa National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Gorongosa National Park, located at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in central Mozambique, is celebrated as one of the most successful ecological restoration stories in the world.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →