Mozambique

Mozambique: The Untamed Heart of Southern Africa

Tucked along Africa’s southeast coast, Mozambique is a country of striking contrasts and untold stories. Stretching over 800,000 square kilometers and bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and South Africa, it’s a land where wild savannahs, lush river valleys, and remote mountains meet the warm Indian Ocean.

Once a thriving hub of trade and culture, Mozambique blends Portuguese colonial heritage, vibrant African traditions, and an incredible natural heritage. After years of conservation challenges, it is now re-emerging as one of Africa’s most exciting safari destinations, offering raw, unspoiled landscapes far from the crowds.

The heartbeat of Mozambique’s wilderness lies in its national parks and reserves — from the wildlife-rich plains of Gorongosa National Park to the elephant corridors of the Niassa Reserve. Here, safaris feel pioneering, deeply connected to conservation, and rich in local culture.

Why Mozambique is a Rising Star in African Safaris

While neighboring countries like Botswana and Tanzania are well-established safari icons, Mozambique offers something refreshingly different — the thrill of discovery. It’s for travelers who crave both adventure and authenticity.

Safari Highlights:

• Gorongosa National Park – Once devastated by civil conflict, Gorongosa has become a global conservation success story. Thanks to years of restoration, lions once again roam the floodplains, herds of elephants move through the forests, and hippos fill the rivers. For bird lovers, it’s paradise — with over 400 species recorded. Gorongosa is more than a safari; it’s an inspiring glimpse of how wildlife and local communities can thrive together.

• Niassa Special Reserve – Covering over 16,000 square miles, Niassa is one of the largest protected areas on the continent. This is safari at its wildest — vast, untamed, and untouched. Here, you can track endangered African wild dogs, watch sable antelope with their striking curved horns, and witness massive herds of elephants moving across the landscape. It’s a frontier for travelers who want raw wilderness without the crowds.

• Zinave & Banhine National Parks – These parks represent Mozambique’s newest safari frontier. Once nearly empty of wildlife, rewilding projects have reintroduced species like giraffes, elephants, and zebras. Today, they’re thriving sanctuaries where conservation is unfolding in real time. A visit here feels like stepping into the pages of a new chapter in Africa’s story — wild spaces returning to life before your very eyes.

• Limpopo National Park – Part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Limpopo connects seamlessly with South Africa’s legendary Kruger National Park. Wildlife roams freely across borders, making this one of the most diverse ecosystems in Southern Africa. For travelers, it offers the chance to combine the well-known Kruger experience with Mozambique’s quieter, wilder side — an ideal blend of classic and pioneering safari.

• Beyond the Bush Mozambique’s Coastline – While the bush is the centerpiece, Mozambique’s 1,500-mile Indian Ocean coastline adds a rare opportunity: combining big game safaris with marine adventures. After days on safari, travelers can swap game drives for snorkeling with whale sharks, diving pristine reefs, or simply relaxing on powder-soft beaches. For those seeking variety, it’s one of Africa’s few destinations where bush and beach blend seamlessly.

And while the bush is the focus, Mozambique’s pristine coastline adds an optional layer of variety to your safari — perfect for those who want to end their journey with a few days of marine exploration or relaxation.

Our Featured Safari Camps & Lodges in Mozambique

Azura Marlin Beach (Optional Bush & Beach Add-On)

View Azura Marlin Beach Brochure - While our focus in Mozambique is safari, those seeking a post-wildlife escape can extend their stay to the Bazaruto Archipelago, where turquoise waters meet world-class diving and dhow sailing.

When to Go on Safari in Mozambique

• Dry Season (May–October) – Cooler temperatures, best game viewing, and easier access to remote parks.

• Green Season (November–April) – Lush landscapes, migratory birds, and dramatic summer skies.

Conservation in Action

Many of Mozambique’s safari lodges are deeply involved in rewilding projects, anti-poaching initiatives, and community partnerships. By visiting, you directly contribute to the restoration of ecosystems that were once at risk.

Mozambique Conservation Spotlight: Pangolins at Gorongosa

Mozambique is home to Africa’s first-ever pangolin rescue and rehabilitation initiative, based in Gorongosa National Park. Established in 2018, this groundbreaking program aims to protect one of the world’s most trafficked mammals by rescuing, treating, and eventually releasing individuals back into the wild.

Each year, dedicated rangers and veterinarians save pangolins intercepted near the borders with Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. Many need intensive care—some even hospitalisation—before being fit for release. The rehabilitation process includes 24/7 monitoring, satellite tracking after release, and often over a year of care for orphaned babies. Since its inception, the center has rescued approximately 150 pangolins, with over 100 successfully returned to the wild.

Education and community involvement are pillars of the program; local outreach helps reduce poaching and builds guardianship for these creatures. This project exemplifies Mozambique’s leadership in endangered species conservation; through resilient science-based strategies and genuine collaboration with local communities, safeguarding pangolins and nurturing hope for the future.

Pangolins are among the most elusive animals in Africa. So rare that even seasoned safari-goers often keep them high on their bucket list. Spotting one in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Read more about it here.