Explore the beauty of Mozambique, its ecologically unique Gorongosa National Park and its deserted, unspoiled beaches.  Gorongosa is a fragile and very special national treasure of Mozambique, and is being restored to its former glory in one of the world’s great conservation projects.  The coast of Mozambique is lined with pristine beaches and stunning waterscapes.  Enjoy all of these wonders while staying in innovative eco-lodges that benefit the surrounding communities.

Day 1 – GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK: Arrive in Beira and transfer into Gorongosa NP (approx. 3 hrs by road). Overnight Explore Gorongosa Tented Camp. The tented camp features just four spacious and quirky safari tents outfitted with an alfresco bush bathroom complete with eco waterless toilets and a 'wash-in-the-wild' shower. Hammocks dot the camp and a lounge and library tent are the perfect place to read or nap! Meals are home-made, sundowners are cold and the campfire is always warm. (D, Dr)

Day 2-4 – GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK: Explore the park on foot, by boat and on game drives with the region’s best guides. Spot elephant, buffalo, lion and myriad birdlife in the park’s diverse habitats. Fly-camp for a night in Explore Gorongosa’s ‘Sky Beds’ with lions roaring in the distance. The Carr Foundation has teamed with the Government of Mozambique to protect and restore the ecosystem of Gorongosa National Park and to develop an ecotourism industry to benefit local communities.  The rehabilitation of Gorongosa represents one of the great conservation projects active in the world today. (B, L, D, Dr)

Days 5-7 – BEACH/VARANDA: After breakfast you will transfer to Beira (approx. 3 hrs) for your flight to Nampula.  Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Coral Lodge (2 hrs road plus 10 min boat ride).  Each villa at the lodge is spacious with a sitting area and private terrace. The lodge is located in Varanda, a privately-owned nature reserve with dunes, beaches and mangroves. Varanda lies at the tip of a peninsula and is only a short distance from Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), the former capital of Mozambique and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Some of the Lodge staff are from the surrounding Macua villages; you will have the opportunity to visit the local market and villages during your stay to learn about the people and their traditions.  Additionally, you can relax on the beach, enjoy water sports including diving to view sea life and 17th century shipwrecks, beach based whale watching (seasonal), canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, dhow cruises, local cuisine cooking lessons, nature walks, birding and more.  Motorized activities & diving at an additional cost. (B, L, D, Dr)
       
Day 8-10 – BEACH/GULUDO: Today you will transfer to Nampula for your flight to Pemba where you will be met and transferred to Guludo Beach Lodge, located on one of the top rated ‘deserted beaches’ on Earth.  The Lodge was created as an innovative and sustainable model to relieve poverty and to protect the environment and has been formally recognized for its approach with a TODO award, an award that recognizes the most socially responsible tourism projects found around the globe.  The Lodge’s foundation, Nema, is funded by the Lodge’s donation of 5% of all profits and currently works with 12 local communities funding and administering various projects including hunger relief, clean water, mosquito net distribution and funding local schools.  During your visit you can enjoy visiting a local village (and perhaps join a football game!), a sunset cruise, traditional fishing, beach archery and pot making, or , or you can just relax on one of the most beautiful beaches found anywhere.  For an additional cost, you can enjoy whale watching (seasonal), Scuba diving, visits to Rolas Island for fishing or to Ibo Island with its ancient Portuguese town.  Rooms at the lodge blend luxury with a mix of traditional and contemporary styles and with the highest of eco and social integrity. Rooms are carefully designed so you can watch the sun spectacularly rise over Rolas Island from the comfort of your own, extravagant king-sized bed.  (B, L, D)

Day 11 – FLIGHTS: This morning you will be escorted to the airstrip for your onward flights, likely to OR Tambo International Airport.  (B)