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Gorongosa Adventure
August 13 - August 21
Join MOI for the adventure of a lifetime at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique
up to 23 guests | Register here
What’s included
- air travel between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
- hotel accommodations for one night in Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as dinner and breakfast in the hotel
- seven days of accommodations, meals, safaris, excursions, and activities in Gorongosa National Park
What’s not included
- travel between the US and Johannesburg, South Africa
- optional items such as additional activities, alcohol, and gratuity for guides and others
About Gorongosa National Park
Gorongosa National Park is perhaps Africa’s greatest wildlife restoration story, thanks to a partnership between the Government of Mozambique and the Carr Foundation, an Idaho Falls-based nonprofit started by MOI founder Greg Carr. The Gorongosa Restoration Project has rehabilitated the wildlife — lions, elephants, hippos, zebras, and more — following devastating war in Mozambique between 1964 and 1992. By adopting a 21st-century conservation model of balancing the needs of wildlife and people, the team is protecting and saving this beautiful wilderness, returning it to its rightful place as one of Africa’s greatest parks. Gorongosa regularly receives high acclaim from international press, including National Geographic, who in 2019 named it one of the world’s best places to visit. View the Gorongosa website.
Draft itinerary (details and times subject to change)
Saturday, August 12
- Depart from USA by this date (though you may choose to depart earlier to enjoy more time along the way)
Sunday, August 13
- Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa
- Travel to Southern Sun Hotel (at O.R. Tambo International Airport) via free airport shuttle
- Meet up with the group, including MOI Executive Director Jeff Carr and Gorongosa National Park (GNP) staffers
- Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant and sleep off the time difference
Monday, August 14
- Morning – Full English breakfast at the hotel
- Morning – Free shuttle to airport (runs every 15 mins.)
- 11:40am – Departure to Beira, Mozambique, via South African Airlink
- 1:10pm – Arrival in Beira
- 2:30pm – Air travel to GNP
- 3:30pm – Sundowner safari drive
- 7:00pm – Dinner
Tuesday, August 15
- 6:00am – Morning walking safari
- 9:00am – Breakfast
- 10:30am – Tour of the E.O. Wilson Laboratory
- 12:00pm – Lunch
- 3:00pm – Afternoon safari drive
- 7:00pm – Dinner
Wednesday, August 16
- 6:00am – Morning safari drive
- 9:00am – Breakfast
- 10:00am – Visit to the Vinho community
- Late morning – Tree planting w/Park Warden Pedro Magura
- 1:00pm – Lunch
- 3:00pm – Afternoon safari drive
- 7:00pm – Dinner
Thursday, August 17
- 6:00am – Breakfast
- 7:00am – Nhambita Agricultural Project, Girls Club presentation, tour of Community Education Centre
- 1:00pm – Lunch
- 3:00pm – Afternoon safari drive
- 6:00pm – Science presentation w/research fellows
- 7:00pm – Dinner with Gorongosa Restoration Project founder (and Museum of Idaho benefactor) Greg Carr at his residence
Friday, August 18
- 6:00am – Breakfast
- 7:00am – Full-day safari drive
- 1:00pm – Lunch at the Lion House
- 2:30pm – Full-day safari drive continues
- 7:00pm – Dinner
Saturday, August 19
- 6:00am – Morning game drive or walking safari
- 9:00am – Breakfast at Muzimu
- 12:30pm – Community cycling
- 1:00pm – Lunch
- 3:00pm – Afternoon safari drive or walking safari
- 7:00pm – Bush dinner
Sunday, August 20
- 6:00am – Morning safari drive
- 7:00am – Visit Gorongosa Coffee project
- Swim and lunch by the waterfall
- 7:00pm – Dinner
Monday, August 21
- 6:00am – Morning safari drive
- 9:00am – Breakfast
- Air travel to Beira. Gorongosa Tours staff says goodbye.
- 1:40pm: Departure to Johannesburg via South African Airlink (Some travelers may choose to visit another place in Africa, such as Victoria Falls, the beaches in Mozambique, or Cape Town. Such can be arranged separately. Or, of course, you may choose to return to Idaho via flights leaving this evening. Either way, you’re on your own now.)
Accommodations and pricing
Rates include hotel accommodations in Johannesburg for one night (as well as dinner and breakfast in the hotel), travel from Johannesburg to Gorongosa, lodging/meals/activities in Gorongosa, and return travel to Johannesburg. $500 of the total cost is a tax-deductible contribution to the Museum of Idaho. Precise rates depend on your choice of accommodations at Chitengo Camp in Gorongosa. Learn more about accommodation options (scroll down to Chitengo Camp) and about amenities such as meals, swimming, and internet.
2023 rates:
- shared garden room (fits 2 people): $4400 per person
- shared standard bungalow (fits 2 people): $4700 per person
- shared premium bungalow (fits 2 people): $4900 per person
- add $500 to any of the above for private (1-person) accommodations
Registration and payment
A $500-per-person deposit to hold your place is due to the Museum of Idaho at the time of registration. Registration is first-come, first-served. After you have paid your deposit, the remaining balance will be due by June 1.
- Click/tap below to register
Please note that a 3.5% credit card fee is automatically added to online purchases. If you prefer, you may also pay (deposit and/or balance) with checks made out to the Museum of Idaho, with “Gorongosa” in the memo line. Checks may be brought to the museum in person or mailed to 200 N. Eastern Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
Cancellation policy
No refunds will be given after June 1, 2023. However, the trip is fully refundable if cancelled by the Museum of Idaho or Gorongosa National Park. We recommend purchasing travel insurance through Travel Guard or a similar service.
Important info
- This excursion includes opportunities for physical activity, including hiking, biking, and swimming, as well as vehicle-based safaris, and visits to research centers, agricultural projects, and local communities. All activities are optional, and travelers may choose instead to enjoy luxury amenities in and around park headquarters at any time.
- US citizens require visas to enter Mozambique (but not South Africa). We recommend applying ahead of time rather than waiting to purchase one at the airport in Beira. Some vaccinations may also be required, depending on your recent travel history.
- Gorongosa can accommodate children, but this trip is recommended for travelers 12 and older. Some restrictions on activities and additional travel documents may apply for minors (under 18), so please let MOI know if you plan to bring kids.
- Please note that US State Department travel warnings for Mozambique apply only to a province several hundred miles away from Gorongosa. Learn more. The park and its surroundings have an excellent safety and security record.
- Please visit the Gorongosa website for recommendations on what to bring, health and safety, and other topics.
Terms and conditions
Travelers must accept certain terms and conditions at the time of registration. Or view the document ahead of time.
Questions? Please contact Jeff at 208-522-1400 ext. 3006 or email.
