No two days are the same at Gorongosa National Park. There are many areas that cannot be explored on foot. Your expert safari guide takes you on a journey filled with wildlife sightings, game drives and seasonal delights that show off the beauty of this ecologically unique National Park.

Moving on from the wilderness, you fly from one superb beach destination to another, taking in Nanatha Bay near Nampula, and Matemo Island. In between you visit the World Heritage Site of Ilha de Mozambique.

Highlights include

Gorongoso National Park, Nampula, Ibo Island, Ilha de Mozambique, Matemo Island, sailing day trip

Suitability

All ages / Eco-traveller / Adventure camper

Activities

Dhow sailing, kayaking, snorkelling

Start / End

Beira (no international airfares included)

13 day Gorongosa to Quirimbas Package

This wonderful itinerary spends 5 nights in Gorongosa in a luxury mobile tented camp. The rehabilitation of Gorongosa National Park represents one of the great conservation projects in the world today.

Part of your experience here will be hearing about the visionary restoration project that is currently taking place in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. Enjoy a heart warming welcome and great hospitality from camp staff who will arrange a stunning array of experiences and game viewing activities for you to enjoy.

From Gorongosa you move on to Nampula and Nuarro Eco Luxury Lodge for 4 nights. At Nuarro you swim, snorkel and dive in superb conditions. There are many other activities including sunset cruises, kayaking, eco-trails and a full day trip to historic Ilha de Mozambique to enjoy.

Travelling via Pemba you fly on to Matemo Island – yet another ‘best kept secret’ for diving and snorkelling. You spend 3 nights in this tropical paradise in the Quirimbas Archipelago National Park.

Days 1 - 5: Gorongosa National Park

SA Airlink flights to Beira depart from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport on a daily basis. When you arrive at Beira Airport there will be a representative waiting for a meet and greet and to take you to your transfer vehicle. It is a 3 hour road transfer to Gorongosa National Park.

The Gorongosa National Park is located northwest of Beira near the border of Zimbabwe.

It comprises 1.2 million hectares of open plains, bush, waterways and swamps between the Pungwe and Urema Rivers. Greater Gorongosa is ecologically unique and situated at the very southern end of the African Great Rift Valley. This region has high species diversity and environmental features that are not found anywhere else on the sub-continent.

Accommodation at Explore Gorongosa Camp:

Day 6: Gorongosa National Park to Beira Airport

Today there is a 3 hour road transfer from Gorongosa to Beira Airport where you will take a flight to Nampula Airport. Air Mozambique flies on a daily basis between Beira and Nampula.

When you arrive at Nampula, there will be a representative waiting for a meet and greet and to take you to your transfer vehicle. It is a 3 hour road transfer to the Nampula coastline and your lodge.

Formed from ancient coral rocks which have eroded over time, Nuarro is the point at the end of the Nanatha Bay in Nampula. This beautiful spot is the site of Nuarro Eco Luxury Lodge which was built by the local people using local materials. The lodge has a Marine Activity Centre for all levels of scuba diving and instruction amongst other great activities.

Nuarro Eco-Luxury Lodge

Stay includes: Transfers; Accommodation in a beach chalets; All meals, teas, coffees and snacks; Half hour back and neck massage; Dhow cruises and kayaking; Eco trails and bike rides; EVAC Medical Insurance.

Days 7 - 9: Full day trip to Ilha de Mozambique

Relax in the blissful surroundings of Nuarro Eco Luxury Lodge, enjoying and an array of activities such as water sports, walks, bird watching and cultural interaction. During your stay there will be a full day trip to Ilha de Mozambique.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a trading post for ships on the sea route between Europe and the East Indies. This Mozambique island has an exceptional mix of architecture with a blend of Arab, Indian and Portuguese influences.

Day 10: Air Hop, Pemba to Matemo Island

Transfer operates on a Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Meet & Greet in Pemba and air transfer from Pemba Airport to Matemo Island. A 30 minute air hop over the southern islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago and National Park with its mangrove fringed coastline takes you to Matemo Island.

Accommodation on Matemo Island

Stay Includes: Return air transfers; Accommodation in a sea facing chalet; All meals; All local drinks; Non motorised watersports; Medical evacuation.

Days 11 - 12: Matemo Island

Just 8km long and 3km wide, Matemo Island is a beautiful jewel, fringed with thousands of palm trees and pristine beaches, and surrounded by turquoise seas.

This tropical paradise in Mozambique hosts some of the world's most fantastic dive sites. The abundant marine life is undisturbed in the protected waters of the Quirimbas National Park. Your Matemo Island accommodation offers a variety of land and water sports and excursions to Ibo Island.

Day 13: Air transfer from Matemo to Pemba

Your Northern Mozambique adventure draws to a close. There is a 30 minute air transfer from Matemo island back to Pemba.

You can fly from Pemba International Airport in Mozambique to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport with Air Mozambique (departures are three times a week on a Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) or with SA Airlink which flies on a Wednesday and Saturday.

Quotes for flights are available on request.

Low Season: : 1 – 20 April; 30 April – 14 July; 2 September – 15 December 2011

Mid Season: 21 -29 April

High Season: 15 July– 1 September

Please Note:

Explore Gorongosa is open from April to December and is closed during the rainy season.

The above itinerary / quote does not include flights. For details on all flight schedules, flight quotes and any assistance please contact a Siyabona Africa Travel Consultant.