Bush and Beach Safari
Mozambique
Mozambique Bush and Beach Safari
Details
11 DAYS FROM $12,360 PP
Best time to go
June to October
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Mozambique Bush and Beach Safari
Gorongosa and Bazaruto, Two Sides of Mozambique
This 11-day Mozambique bush and beach safari pairs two very different sides of the country. You begin in Gorongosa National Park, one of Africa's most remarkable stories of ecological recovery, then fly to the warm waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago for a restful finish by the sea.
Five nights in Gorongosa, split between Chicari Camp and Muzimu Lodge, bring game drives across the floodplains, walking safaris, night drives and a close look at the conservation work behind the park's revival, including a pangolin foraging walk. Five nights at Azura Marlin Beach on Benguerra Island follow, with dhow cruises, snorkelling and island picnics.
Every journey is tailor-made around your dates and interests. For a shorter, conservation-led option, see our Gorongosa Conservation Safari, or explore more of Mozambique.
Why you'll love this trip
- Two worlds in one journey: Gorongosa's floodplains and woodland, then the white sand and turquoise water of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
- Gorongosa's conservation story: visit the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Lab and community projects that sit behind the park's recovery.
- Walk with pangolins: join the vets and rangers caring for rescued pangolins, one of the most threatened animals on earth, as they forage (subject to availability).
- A beachfront finish: five nights at Azura Marlin Beach, with a sunset dhow cruise, snorkelling and island picnics.
- Small, intimate camps: Chicari Camp has just nine tents and Muzimu Lodge sleeps a maximum of 18 guests.
Eleven days from Gorongosa's floodplains to the beaches of Bazaruto, with game drives, walking safaris, conservation experiences and time by the sea.
Day 1: Arrive in Gorongosa National Park
Fly from Johannesburg to Beira, then take a short flight to Chitengo Airstrip in Gorongosa National Park. A 45-minute transfer brings you to Chicari Camp, a seasonal tented camp of nine en-suite tents set around a natural pan. This afternoon, head out on a game drive that pauses for sundowners in the bush.
Overnight: Chicari Camp, Gorongosa National Park
Day 2: Game Drive and Pangolin Foraging Walk
Start with a morning game drive across the floodplains, then join the vets and rangers of the Pangolin Rehabilitation Centre as rescued pangolins forage in the wild. It is a rare, close-up encounter with one of the most threatened animals on earth, and a chance to learn about the work involved in their care.
Overnight: Chicari Camp, Gorongosa National Park
Day 3: Science and Community
Visit the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Lab to meet the Gorongosa Restoration Project scientists documenting the park's plants and animals, then spend a morning with the community partners behind the park's recovery, from schools and Girls' Clubs to farming and beekeeping projects. Return to camp for lunch and an afternoon game drive.
Overnight: Chicari Camp, Gorongosa National Park
Day 4: Chicari Camp to Muzimu Lodge
After a morning game drive, transfer 15 minutes to Muzimu Lodge on an oxbow of the Mussicadzi River. Recovering populations include African elephants, African lions and wild dogs, and the afternoon drive ends with sundowners in the bush.
Overnight: Muzimu Lodge, Gorongosa National Park
Day 5: Walking Safari and Night Drive
Explore on foot with an armed guide in a group of no more than four, noticing the tracks and smaller details that are easy to miss from a vehicle. After dinner, a night drive reveals the park's nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Muzimu Lodge, Gorongosa National Park
Day 6: Fly to the Bazaruto Archipelago
Enjoy a final morning game drive, then transfer to Chitengo Airstrip for your flight to Vilankulo. An eight-minute helicopter transfer takes you to the islands and on to Azura Marlin Beach on Benguerra Island. Settle in and join a sunset dhow cruise this evening.
Overnight: Azura Marlin Beach, Benguerra Island
All included at Azura Marlin Beach: this is barefoot, all-inclusive beach living. Every meal is taken care of, and local beers and spirits, house wines, soft drinks, tea, coffee and bottled water flow freely throughout your stay. Each day ends with a sunset cocktail, your Mozambican host looks after you from arrival, and the Peri Peri Beach Club is yours to enjoy. Paddle out on the kayaks and paddleboards, and begin it all with a sunset dhow cruise on your first evening.
Day 7: Island Hopping Picnic Day
One of the highlights of a stay on Benguerra is an optional island-hopping day. Head out by speedboat to climb Bazaruto Dune for views across the islands, walk the shell-strewn sandbank of Pansy Island and snorkel at Two Mile Reef, finishing with a picnic lunch at North Point. Departure times depend on the tide, so your host will shape the day around it.
Overnight: Azura Marlin Beach, Benguerra Island
Day 8: A Day on Benguerra Island
A free day to settle into island life. Make the most of what is included: the kayaks and paddleboards, the Peri Peri Beach Club and your daily sunset cocktail. If you would like to do more, there are plenty of optional experiences to choose from, including a guided seahorse snorkelling experience, a tide-dependent marine walk, stargazing with a local expert, diving with the PADI 5-Star Dive Centre or a fishing trip.
Overnight: Azura Marlin Beach, Benguerra Island
Day 9: Snorkelling at Two Mile Reef
An optional guided boat trip takes you to Two Mile Reef, within a protected marine reserve, where clear water brings sightings of reef fish, turtles and smaller rays. Equipment is provided and the trip suits all levels. Prefer a slower day? The beach, kayaks and paddleboards are on your doorstep.
Overnight: Azura Marlin Beach, Benguerra Island
Day 10: Beach Day and Optional Excursions
Spend a final full day by the sea, with the choice of a quiet day on the beach or a last optional adventure. Options include a private picnic on the Wild Side of the island, fishing, diving or horse riding, all subject to availability. Whichever you choose, finish with a last sunset cocktail.
Overnight: Azura Marlin Beach, Benguerra Island
Day 11: Depart
Transfer by boat and helicopter to Vilankulo, then fly to Johannesburg for your onward connection.
Your Accommodation
Chicari Camp
3 nights | Gorongosa National Park
Hidden within a band of forest overlooking a natural pan, Chicari Camp offers an immersive wildlife experience in the heart of Gorongosa.
Its nine en-suite safari tents each have a private deck facing the water, where waterbuck and birdlife can often be observed without leaving camp. Walking safaris, game drives and night drives reveal the park's diverse habitats, while the intimate setting allows guests to enjoy the sounds and rhythms of the African bush.
Muzimu Lodge
2 nights | Gorongosa National Park
Set beside an oxbow of the Mussicadzi River, Muzimu Lodge offers an intimate base from which to explore Gorongosa's wildlife and conservation projects. Its name means 'Guardian Spirit', reflecting its connection to the surrounding wilderness.
Spacious en-suite safari tents sit on raised wooden decks overlooking the river, with private verandas and comfortable interiors. The lodge's location provides convenient access to the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Lab and community initiatives, alongside guided game drives and walking safaris.
Azura Marlin Beach
5 nights | Benguerra Island, Bazaruto Archipelago
Azura Marlin Beach is a beachfront retreat of ten villas along a one-kilometre stretch of Benguerra Island, within the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park. Reopened in 2025 on the site of the former Marlin Lodge, it offers six Beach Villas, three Beach Villa Grandes with private plunge pools and the two-bedroom Villa Vista, each with a dedicated Mozambican butler-host.
All included: every meal, plus local beers and spirits, house wines, soft drinks, tea, coffee and bottled water. Toast each day with a sunset cocktail, unwind at the Peri Peri Beach Club, glide out on kayaks and paddleboards, and be welcomed with a sunset dhow cruise on your first evening, all looked after by your Mozambican host.
Optional experiences include snorkelling at Two Mile Reef, seahorse snorkelling, diving with the PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, fishing, horse riding and a private picnic on the Wild Side of the island. Park fees are payable on arrival.
Dates & Prices Mozambique Bush and Beach Safari
| Date | Passengers | Trip Length | Trip Style | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 11 Days | Tailor-made | $11,500 | ||
| 2028 | 11 Days | Tailor-made | $13,596 |
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