Mozambique wasn’t the first place I thought of when planning a wildlife safari, but after spending a week exploring its wild side, I can honestly say it was one of the most surprising and rewarding trips I’ve taken. A safari in Mozambique offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to more famous destinations like Kenya or South Africa. What it lacks in crowds, it makes up for in raw beauty, coastal landscapes, and the thrill of discovery.
I visited both Gorongosa National Park and the Niassa Reserve, and while they offer very different experiences, they both showed me just how underrated Mozambique is when it comes to African safaris.
Key Points
- Gorongosa is your best bet for a structured, conservation-focused safari with guided game drives.
- Mozambique safaris pair well with coastal escapes; consider splitting your time between the bush and the beach.
- It helps to work with a tour operator who knows the region well, especially if you’re going to remote places like Niassa.
Planning a Safari in Mozambique
If you're looking into where to go on a safari in Mozambique, you’re likely already the kind of traveler who enjoys the road less traveled. Mozambique isn't as polished as some of the best-known safari countries, but that's what makes it interesting. There's a sense of rediscovery here.
Most trips begin or end in Maputo or Beira. Gorongosa is accessible by a short flight from Beira, while Niassa requires more effort, often involving charter flights or long drives. I flew into Beira, spent four days in Gorongosa, then traveled up north toward the coast to relax before heading home.
Choosing Between Gorongosa and Niassa
Gorongosa is the most accessible and organized park. It's been the focus of one of the most inspiring conservation stories in Africa, with animals being reintroduced and habitats restored after years of civil war. The guides here are top-notch, and I felt safe and well-informed throughout.
Niassa, on the other hand, is wild. It covers over 16,000 square miles and feels untouched. I wouldn’t recommend it for a first safari unless you're going with an expert guide or outfitter. There aren’t many lodges, and sightings can be less frequent, but the vast wilderness is unforgettable.
Costs and Logistics
A safari in Mozambique isn’t cheap, mostly because of the remoteness and limited tourism infrastructure. But it can be worth it if you want a truly unique experience. Gorongosa has some budget options, but Niassa tends to be more expensive due to access and limited accommodations.
In Gorongosa, you can expect to pay around $250–400 per person per night for lodging and game drives at mid-range camps. Budget options may start around $150 per night, especially if you're staying outside the park and booking drives separately. Higher-end lodges (when available) can reach $600+ per night with all-inclusive service.
Niassa is more logistically challenging. Lodges there may cost $400–800 per person per night and often require a charter flight, which can add $500–1,000 roundtrip depending on your departure location. You may also need to factor in extra nights on either end of your stay due to travel time.
Domestic flights between major cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula usually range from $100–250 each way. Charter flights to remote reserves add significant cost, so I recommend working with a local safari operator who can package your itinerary efficiently.
If you're looking for a more all-inclusive safari experience, you may want to combine Mozambique with a neighboring country like South Africa or Zimbabwe. South Africa is often used as a launchpad, offering easier international access and more predictable infrastructure.
Wildlife You Can Expect to See
This isn't the Serengeti, so don’t expect massive herds or guaranteed Big Five sightings. That said, there are some amazing species here.
Gorongosa Highlights
- Lions (they're making a comeback!)
- Elephants (including some with impressive tusks)
- Waterbuck, sable, kudu, and nyala
- Hippos and crocodiles along the rivers
- Over 400 bird species
Niassa Highlights
- Wild dogs (a rare and exciting sight)
- Elephants and buffalo
- Leopards and lions (but more elusive)
- Unique antelope species like the bohor reedbuck
For a full overview of animals to spot across Africa, check out this African safari animals list.
Combining Safari with the Coast
One of the best things about Mozambique is that after a few days tracking lions, you can unwind on some of the most stunning beaches in Africa. I ended my trip with a few days on the Bazaruto Archipelago and it was absolute bliss—soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and hardly anyone else around.
Mozambique is ideal if you want both wildlife and water. There are marine reserves where you can snorkel with sea turtles, dive with manta rays, and explore coral reefs. Two-tank scuba dives in Bazaruto usually run around $100–150 depending on the operator, and guided snorkeling trips are more affordable at about $30–50 per person. Lodging on the islands or coastal towns like Vilanculos can range from $80 per night in a boutique guesthouse to $500+ for upscale beach resorts.
Domestic flights from safari regions to the coast (for example, from Beira to Vilanculos) can cost $150–300 one-way, so it’s smart to book them well in advance or include them in your safari package if you’re working with a tour operator. If you’re traveling independently, budgeting at least $200–300 for post-safari beach time is realistic, not including accommodation.
How Mozambique Compares to Other Safari Destinations
If you’re curious how it stacks up against more popular spots, I’ve written about other countries too. Mozambique is quieter and less predictable, but for me, that added to the magic. Here's how it compares:
- Safari in South Africa: More polished and beginner-friendly
- Safari in Kenya: Great migration, lots of animals, very popular
- Safari in Tanzania: Iconic landscapes and dense wildlife
- Safari in Zimbabwe: Great guides, fewer crowds
- Safari in Malawi: Similar off-the-beaten-path feel
I also wrote a list of safaris that are more dangerous or remote if you're into that kind of thing.
Where to Stay During Your Safari
There are fewer safari lodges in Mozambique, but that also means fewer tourists. Some of my favorite options:
- Muzimu Tented Camp (Gorongosa) — Intimate, comfortable, and right in the heart of the park
- Nkwichi Lodge (Lake Niassa) — Not a traditional safari lodge, but a beautiful eco-lodge with access to Niassa Reserve
- Bahia Mar Boutique Hotel (Vilanculos) — Ideal for post-safari relaxation on the coast
For more recommendations, you can browse African safari hotels.
Is Mozambique good for safari?
Yes, especially if you're looking for a more raw and quiet experience. Gorongosa is the standout park, with growing wildlife numbers and excellent guides.
Which African country has the best safari?
It depends on what you’re after. South Africa and Kenya are great for first-timers, but Mozambique is perfect if you want something more remote and less commercialized. You can compare more countries here.
Is Mozambique good for tourists?
Yes, but it's still developing its tourism infrastructure. That said, people are friendly, the landscapes are stunning, and there’s a lot to see both inland and along the coast.
Can you see the Big 5 in Mozambique?
Not reliably. Lions and elephants are around, but rhinos and leopards are harder to spot, especially outside Gorongosa. If Big 5 is your priority, pair Mozambique with a destination like Botswana or South Africa.
How safe is Mozambique for travellers?
Most areas visited by tourists, especially Gorongosa and the southern coast, are generally safe. Always check travel advisories and use a reputable guide or tour company.