Gorongosa Safari & Benguerra Island Getaway
A domestic safari and beach combo: fly into the park via Beira, then take a light aircraft to Bazaruto.
Spend four nights in Gorongosa exploring floodplains, lion prides, and conservation projects, and head up Mount Gorongosa to visit coffee plantations. Then, fly to Vilankulo and transfer to Benguerra Island for a four-night stay. This itinerary relies entirely on flights to bypass roads in Sofala Province that have travel advisories. While pricier, it saves time and is perfect for couples and returning travelers who want to see Mozambique's wildlife without going to Kruger.
The park is closed from mid-December to February; some safari tracks open later after the rains.
Day by day
Day 1 · Fly from Beira to Gorongosa
Beira → Gorongosa National Park（Chitengo Camp）
Fly from Johannesburg to Beira, transfer to a light aircraft (approx. 35 mins) to Chitengo, and check into the camp in the afternoon.
Light aircraft only operate on certain days; if you arrive in Beira in the afternoon, you must stay overnight.
Stay: Chitengo Camp
Day 2 · Urema Plains Safari
Gorongosa National Park（Urema Floodplain、Lion House (Casa dos Leões)）
Join the park's morning and evening game drives (approx. 3 hours each); self-drive safaris are not permitted.
Safari activities must be booked in advance; children under 10 are not allowed in open-top safari vehicles.
Stay: Chitengo Camp
Day 3 · Lake Area & Scientific Laboratory
Gorongosa National Park（Lake Urema、E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory）
Take a safari vehicle to the Lake Urema area in the morning, and return to camp to visit the laboratory in the afternoon.
Boat safaris on the lake are seasonal and only operate when water levels are sufficient.
Stay: Chitengo Camp
Day 4 · Mount Gorongosa & Coffee Plantation
Gorongosa National Park（Mount Gorongosa、Gorongosa Coffee）
Join a park-guided tour from the camp, traveling up the mountain for a full day of hiking and picnicking, returning to camp in the evening.
The mountain coffee tour is restricted to ages 12 and up; confirm with the park in advance.
Stay: Chitengo Camp
Day 5 · Light Aircraft to Benguerra Island
Gorongosa National Park → Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago（Benguerra Island）
Take a light aircraft to Vilankulo (approx. 2 hours), then transfer to Benguerra Island by helicopter or speedboat.
Direct flights are not always available and may transit through Beira; luggage weight limits are strictly enforced.
Stay: Benguerra Island
Day 6 · Two Mile Reef Snorkeling
Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago（Two Mile Reef）
Take a resort speedboat to the reef area (approx. 30 mins) and return to the island after midday.
Stay: Benguerra Island
Day 7 · Bazaruto Dunes & Lighthouse
Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago（Bazaruto Island Dunes、Bazaruto Lighthouse）
Take a speedboat north to Bazaruto Island, climb the sand dunes, visit the lighthouse at the northern tip, and return to Benguerra in the afternoon.
Stay: Benguerra Island
Day 8 · Magaruque & Island Leisure
Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago（Magaruque Island）
Take a boat to the shallows of Magaruque Island in the morning (approx. 30 mins), and return to the island to relax after midday.
Stay: Benguerra Island
Day 9 · Return to Vilankulo & Departure
Vilanculos & Bazaruto Archipelago
Take a speedboat or helicopter back to Vilankulo, and fly to Johannesburg or Maputo after midday.