Gorongosa National Park

Gorongosa National Park is a large protected area in central Mozambique’s Sofala Province that contains diverse habitats from floodplains to mountain forest. It is one of Mozambique’s most important parks for biodiversity and conservation efforts.

The seasonally flooded Urema Basin and Lake Urema, extensive savanna plains that support elephant, buffalo and antelope, and the forested slopes of Mount Gorongosa which contain endemic plant species. Visitors come for game drives, birding and guided walks that showcase the park’s recovery programmes and habitat diversity.

The park was established in the mid-20th century and suffered major wildlife declines during Mozambique’s civil war; international partnerships and restoration initiatives in the 21st century have focused on rebuilding populations and infrastructure. Reintroductions, anti-poaching work and community programmes have been central to recent management.

Gorongosa lies in central Mozambique, roughly inland from the coastal city of Beira, occupying flat floodplain areas and rising to forested highlands around Mount Gorongosa.

• Restoration efforts: Restoration and species reintroduction programmes have been active since the early 21st century after heavy declines during the civil war period.
• Best time to visit: Large mammal sightings are concentrated in the dry season when animals aggregate near permanent water; the park supports a mix of savanna, woodland and montane habitats.

What to See #

• Mount Gorongosa: A volcanic mass and scenic highland area with forest patches and cultural significance to local communities.
• Urema Basin (Lake Urema): A central wetland and shallow lake system that expands seasonally and supports waterbirds and hippos.
• Central plains: Open savanna and plains that support large herbivore populations in the dry season and seasonal predator movements.