MUZIMU LODGE – GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK

Gorongosa National Park lies in central Mozambique and is one of Africa’s most important conservation areas. Covering almost 4,000 square kilometres, the park includes open floodplains, miombo woodland, river systems and the forests that surround Mount Gorongosa. This variety of habitats supports an increasing range of wildlife and birdlife, making each game drive noticeably different as you move through the park.

Muzimu Lodge is situated on the banks of the Mussicadzi River and provides one of only a small number of accommodation options within the national park. With six tented suites, it offers a very different experience from larger safari lodges, with small numbers of guests and easy access to the park’s network of game viewing tracks.

A stay at Muzimu is about more than simply looking for wildlife. Gorongosa’s recovery has become one of Africa’s best-known conservation projects and the guides explain not only the animals that are seen during a game drive, but also how the park has been restored and how local communities are involved in its long-term future.

Wildlife is only one part of the experience. The changing landscapes, the seasonal movement of water across the floodplain and the diversity of habitats all contribute to a safari that differs from many better-known destinations in Southern Africa.

LOCATION

Muzimu Lodge is located within Gorongosa National Park overlooking the Mussicadzi River. The lodge provides access to the floodplain, woodland and river habitats that support much of the park’s wildlife, while Mount Gorongosa forms an impressive backdrop to the surrounding landscape.

Guests normally fly to Beira before continuing by light aircraft into the national park, where they are met by the lodge team for the short transfer to camp. Gorongosa combines well with other destinations in Mozambique or with safari itineraries in neighbouring Zimbabwe and Zambia.

LODGE

Muzimu Lodge has six spacious tented suites, each built on raised timber platforms overlooking the river. Every suite includes an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan and private deck, providing a comfortable place to relax between activities while keeping the focus firmly on the surrounding landscape.

The main lodge is centred around an open-sided lounge and dining area overlooking the river, with a swimming pool positioned a short distance away. The design is uncomplicated and makes full use of the views, with much of the day spent outdoors.

Meals are prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients and served in the central dining area or outside when conditions allow. Evenings often begin around the campfire before dinner, providing an opportunity to discuss the day’s sightings and learn more about the wildlife and ecology of the park.

With only a small number of guests staying at the lodge, game drives are naturally less crowded than at larger camps. The guides have time to explain not only the wildlife encountered during each drive, but also the changing habitats, birdlife and conservation work that have made Gorongosa one of Africa’s most closely watched conservation success stories.

ACTIVITIES

Game Drives – Morning and afternoon game drives explore the varied habitats of Gorongosa National Park, from open floodplains to woodland and riverine forest. The diversity of the landscape means that no two drives are quite the same, with guides adapting each outing according to wildlife movements, the season and recent sightings.

Walking Safaris – Exploring the park on foot offers a different perspective, allowing guests to appreciate the smaller details that are often missed from a vehicle. Accompanied by an experienced guide, walks focus on animal tracks, birds, plants and the ecology of the surrounding landscape, providing a greater understanding of how the different habitats support the park’s wildlife.

Bird Watching – Gorongosa is recognised as one of Mozambique’s premier birding destinations, with more than 400 species recorded throughout the park. From kingfishers and bee-eaters along the rivers to raptors soaring above the floodplains, the variety of birdlife adds another dimension to every game drive.

Mount Gorongosa – Subject to seasonal conditions and availability, excursions to Mount Gorongosa provide an opportunity to experience a very different environment from the floodplain below. The mountain supports rainforest, waterfalls and a unique range of plants and wildlife, while also playing an important role in supplying water to the national park.

Community Visits – Gorongosa’s conservation programme extends well beyond the park boundaries. Visits to nearby communities offer an opportunity to learn more about the education, healthcare and sustainable livelihood projects that form an important part of the park’s long-term future.

Photographic Opportunities – The changing landscapes, wide floodplains and varied habitats provide excellent opportunities for photography throughout the year. Whether capturing large mammals on the open plains, birds along the river or the changing light across the escarpment, there is always something different to photograph.

GIVING BACK

The restoration of Gorongosa National Park is recognised as one of Africa’s most ambitious conservation programmes. Alongside wildlife recovery, the Gorongosa Project invests heavily in education, healthcare, scientific research and community development, recognising that the future of the park depends upon the wellbeing of the people who live around it.

Guests staying at Muzimu Lodge contribute directly to this work through their visit. Many of the guides and staff come from neighbouring communities, and opportunities exist to learn more about the conservation, research and community initiatives taking place throughout the park. For many visitors, these projects become as memorable a part of their stay as the wildlife itself.

MUZIMU LODGE IS OPEN DURING THE GORONGOSA SAFARI SEASON. PLEASE CONTACT TRACKS SAFARIS FOR CURRENT OPENING DATES AND AVAILABILITY.

THE LODGE WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH OLDER CHILDREN. PLEASE ASK US FOR THE LATEST CHILD POLICY WHEN PLANNING YOUR HOLIDAY.