Below is our list of the top five things to see and do while visiting Mozambique:

Uncover “Africa’s Lost Eden”: Named “Africa’s Lost Eden” by National Geographic, Gorongosa National Park, located at the southern tip of Mozambique’s Great Rift Valley, is a majestic paradise characterized by surreal beauty and captivating energy. With a fascinating history, matched only by a few other places in the world, Gorongosa has experienced unrivaled stardom, one of the world’s worst civil wars, and a remarkable and highly successful restoration phase—all within the last 50 years. Today, visitors can witness the Gorongosa that received so much attention by celebrities in the 1960s, thanks to recent conservation efforts. While visiting Gorongosa you’ll have the opportunity to embark on exciting game drives and bush walks to witness The Big Five, breathtaking landscapes, and an abundance of birdlife.

Where to stay: Explore Gorongosa Camp

Visit Ibo Island: Many travelers have probably never heard of Ibo Island, which is why this secluded Mozambique destination has remained a hidden treasure for so long. Comprised of unspoiled coral reefs, charming coves, expansive beaches, and enchanting mangrove forests, visitors have the opportunity to explore fascinating eco-systems, unique biodiversity, and exceptional beauty. One of the most intriguing elements about this island is its historical reputation as a haven for pirates and ivory trading.

Some of the best activities to take part in while visiting Ibo Island include cultural and historical island tours, shipwreck snorkeling excursions, and kayaking safaris through the mangroves.

Where to stay: Ibo Island Lodge

Relax on a Benguerra Island beach picnic and island drive: Embark on Azura resort’s Southpoint Beach Picnic and Island Drive excursion through Benguerra Island, where you’ll learn from experienced environmentalists and community guides about the island’s people, culture, and unique biodiversity. Specifically, you’ll visit a local village, before enjoying a nice scenic drive to Southpoint. On your way to Southpoint, Azura’s environmentalist will educate you on the indigenous fauna and flora species. Upon arrival at Southpoint, you’ll be escorted to the area’s swimming hot spot where you can enjoy a calming swim in the water or a relaxing nap on the beach as your guide sets up a delightful picnic.

Where to stay: Azura resort

Scuba Dive at Two Mile Reef: Located in the Bazaruto Archipelago of Mozambique lies an enchanting dive sight, Two Mile Reef. With some of the best variety of marine life to witness, Two Mile Reef has been attracting seasoned divers for years and is perfect for all levels of divers. Some of the creatures often witnessed at Two Mile Reef include hundreds of species of colorful reef fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, stingrays, and stunning hard and soft corals.

Where to stay: Marlin Lodge

Go Island Hopping: Enjoy a relaxing sunset Dhow cruise to Linga Linga, a peninsula located in the Inhambane Province of Mozambique. For those of you who might not know what a Dhow is, it’s a traditional Arab sailing vessel, operated by a sail and crew. On your sunset cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to sip a sundowner cocktail while searching for the elusive dugong. A close relative of the elephant, Dugongs are endangered underwater creatures that closely resemble the appearance of a manatee. Long ago, men at sea believed these creatures were mermaids or sirens.

Where to stay: Flamingo Bay Water Lodge

Want to get an even deeper insight on Mozambique? View our Mozambique safari tours video here.

Imagine a place where thousands of animals roam freely without the constraints of fences or boundaries—a place where stunning, unexplored land stretches as far as the eye can see. This place exists at the southern tip of Mozambique’s Great Rift Valley. This place is Gorongosa National Park.

But Gorongosa’s past wasn’t always filled with indescribable beauty. Rather, the area experienced one of the ugliest civil wars in history that turned its reputation from a celebrity retreat to devastated ruins. And now, it’s coming back full circle to claim its spot as one of the world’s most acclaimed destinations.

Below is a brief timeline that explains Gorongosa’s history and its path toward a brighter future:

1960s: A Bustling Hot Spot

Gorongosa was in its heyday in the 1960s, attracting dozens of celebrities and internationally-known personalities to its stunning landscape. Jetsetters and wealthy individuals would come to Gorongosa for some relaxation and exceptional game viewing opportunities. As one of the most wildlife-rich regions in all of Africa, Gorongosa received much acclaim for its plentiful wildlife.

During the 60s, Gorongosa was celebrated for its . . .

• Wildebeest population of 6,400.
• Hippo population of 3,500.
• Zebra population of 3,300.
• Somewhat plentiful black and whit rhino population.

Click image of video below to view historical Gorongosa:

1980s: The Fall

As the 80s approached, Gorongosa began to see political and social unrest. A civil war broke out, lasting more than 15 years. As the war continued through the years, Gorongosa’s once thriving land, wildlife, and people were devastated by the haunting effects. In total, over a million people and animals were killed during these brutal years, making this civil war one of the worst in history.

After the war diminished, Gorongosa was left in ruins, and to witness an animal in the wild was a rare sighting. If the wildlife that lived there wasn’t killed off, they were in hiding.

2000s: A Rebirth

Enter Greg Carr. As a former corporate CEO, Carr decided he wanted to start a new chapter in his life in the early 2000s, one that would allow him to give back to communities in need. Gorongosa struck his eye and he realized that this land had the potential to be brought back to its once magnificent and unspoiled condition.

Collaborating closely with the Mozambique government, Greg Carr established The Carr Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring Gorongosa’s wildlife, economy, and communities. In January, 2008, The Carr Foundation signed a 20-year contract that set in motion a $40 million mission that would introduce wildlife back into the region and spark growth in the local economy.

The primary focus of this 20-year contract is to create a self-sustaining Mozambique. In other words, the vision of the Foundation is to restore Mozambique to its original condition, while providing employment to locals, building educational and health care facilities, and reintroducing wildlife back into Gorongosa.

Because Gorongosa does not contain any fences around its perimeter, animals may roam freely in and out of this national park. And while the war was in full swing, hundreds of animals retreated to other locations in search of sanctuary. Today, the animals’ fears are beginning to diminish and they are slowly starting to trickle back into the park. With a little help from South Africa, The Carr Foundation was able to relocate buffalo, wildebeest, elephant, and hippos from Kruger National Park to Gorongosa. Now, Gorongosa has a strong wildlife base for breeding.

Carr believes that once the wildlife and communities have been restored in Mozambique, tourism will increase and travelers will pour into the area once again to witness a restored legendary land.

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Comprised of diverse eco-systems, and a unique cultural and historical heritage, Gorongosa National Park has positioned itself as Mozambique’s ultimate walking safari destination. Situated among the Lower Zambezi and delta systems, Gorongosa is saturated with exotic wildlife that thrives thanks to these powerful, neighboring water sources.

Famous for its rainforest, roaring waterfalls, mysterious caverns, rivers, grassy floodplains, woodlands, Albida forests, and sprawling pans, the Gorongosa is the premier destination for those looking to gain a broad insight into some of the world’s most fascinating eco-systems. Since Gorongosa’s natural world is defined by its complex eco-systems, having the best guides on your walking safari through the National Park is an absolute must.

One such safari provider, Explore Gorongosa, is an eco-tourism company that prides itself on its expert guides and their ability to combine all the social, historical, cultural, and ecological elements of the region into their guided tours.  Because of the area’s deeply rooted history and its affect on Mozambique’s natural world, no other destination in Africa provides a more well-rounded insight into a specific region quite like Gorongosa National Park. This historical heritage is arguably the strongest element that sets Gorongosa apart from other popular walking safari destinations.

Incorporating the history of the land and its affects on the region’s fragile bio-diversity, the exceptional walking safaris offered by Explore Gorongosa provide an all-encompassing and highly educational experience for all visitors. On these walking safaris, you’ll learn how the region’s history of ancient civilizations, Arabs, and gold, ivory, and slave traders, tribal conflicts, and restoration projects, has shaped Gorongosa into the exciting place it is today. In addition, you’ll be able to see the direct affects this history had on the wildlife population and how conservation efforts over the past several years have transformed the area into one of Africa’s most stunning destinations.

In addition to employing the most knowledgeable locals in the area as certified guides, Explore Gorongosa accommodates guests in semi-mobile, luxury tents. Housing up to eight guests, Explore Gorongosa’s accommodations offers an intimate atmosphere and safari experience for all its visitors. Since each walking safari incorporates the minute details of nature, as well as larger details, Explore Gorongosa only provides private safari tours to ensure you experience the entire detective aspect of a walking safari.  

Since there are no set safari itineraries, you can choose to enjoy whichever aspect of Gorongosa National Park you wish. Whether you’re looking to experience a theme-based walking safari—such as a birding safari, or an all-encompassing walking safari, Explore Gorongosa will cater to your every individual preference. 

Exclusive walking safari excursions:

If you’re interested in a more niche-oriented safari excursion that combines your favorite interests, some detective work, surprise, excitement, and inspiration, Explore Gorongosa provides a series of special interest safari excursions throughout the year. In the coming year, choose from individual expeditions such as birding, species re-introduction, photography, artistic, anthropological, Gorongosa Mountain, and lion studying.

All encompassing walking safaris:

As you journey through the varying terrain of the Gorongosa on an Explore Gorongosa walking safari, you’ll learn to listen for the distinct callings of Mozambique’s wildlife, search for animal markings, and track paths of residential lions and elephants with the invaluable expertise of Gorongosa’s certified local guides. These highly knowledgeable guides introduce you to the hidden elements of Gorongosa’s indigenous wildlife that ranges from larger game to intricate wildlife hidden beneath rocks and inside crevasses.

Fascinating birdlife including the green-headed oriole, African fish eagle, Egyptian geese, a wide variety of crane species, and much more can be seen during your comprehensive tour through the Mozambique bush. Many of the larger species of animal spotted are Nile crocodiles, lions, hippos, antelopes, and elephants.

In contrast to ecological tours, community tours allow you to discover inspirational elements of the local culture and take a deeper look into how culture has been shaped by Mozambique’s history. You’ll also be able to tour the newly built school and hospital in the Vinho community and observe the positive effects it has had on the locals.

As you observe Mozambique’s bio-diversity, you’ll learn about the direct correlation between the region’s empowering history and its wildlife population, as well as the numerous conservation efforts that helped save this region’s species.