Gorongosa Adventure

Join MOI for the adventure of a lifetime at Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique

up to 20 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, driving and walking safaris, excursions to local communities, behind-the-scenes tours of science labs and park infrastructure, and other activities in Gorongosa National Park
• association with a community of fellow travelers, including MOI Executive Director Jeff Carr and Director of Development Kim Lee, Gorongosa officials including restoration project head Greg Carr, and expert local wildlife guides, educators, scientists, and human development professionals
• high-quality MOI programming on wildlife photography and other relevant topics prior to the trip
• an MOI-branded safari shirt and other keepsakes

 

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.

 

Testimonials from MOI travelers in 2023

• “MOI has enriched my life through its exhibits, which I’ve enjoyed with my family, and through the life-changing experience of the 2023 trip to Gorongosa National Park.” — Bob P.
• “By far, traveling to Gorongosa National Park with MOI was the most enriching travel experience of my life.” — Sarah G.
• “The trip was not just a vacation, but a transformative experience.” — Jen Y.
• “I traveled with the Museum of Idaho to Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique for the wild game drives, but returned with a renewed faith in humanity.” — Faye S.

 

Draft itinerary (details and times subject to change)

Saturday, July 27

• Depart from USA by this date (though you may choose to depart earlier to enjoy more time along the way)

Sunday, July 28

• Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa
• Two-minute walk from the O.R. Tambo International Airport terminal to City Lodge
• Meet up with the group, including MOI Executive Director Jeff Carr and MOI Director of Development Kim Lee
• Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant and sleep off the time difference

Monday, July 29

• Morning – Full English breakfast at the hotel
• Morning – Walk back to the airport terminal
• 11:40am – Departure to Beira, Mozambique, via South African Airlink
• 1:10pm – Arrival in Beira
• 2:30pm – Air travel to Gorongosa National Park (GNP)
• 3:30pm – Sundowner safari drive
• 7:00pm – Dinner

Tuesday, July 30

• 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; one group dines with Gorongosa Restoration Project founder (and Museum of Idaho benefactor) Greg Carr at his residence

Wednesday, July 31

• 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; some groups leave for Wild Camp and Muzimu Lodge
• 7:00pm – Dinner; one group dines with Gorongosa Restoration Project founder (and Museum of Idaho benefactor) Greg Carr at his residence

Thursday, August 1

• 6:00am – Breakfast
• 7:00am – Nhambita Agricultural Project, Girls Club presentation, tour of Community Education Centre
• 1:00pm – Lunch
• 3:00pm – Afternoon safari drive; some groups leave for Wild Camp and Muzimu Lodge
• 6:00pm – Science presentation w/research fellows
• 7:00pm – Dinner

Friday, August 2

• 6:00am – Breakfast
• 7:00am – Full-day safari drive
• 1:00pm – Lunch at the Lion House
• 2:30pm – Full-day safari drive continues; some groups leave for Wild Camp and Muzimu Lodge
• 7:00pm – Dinner

Saturday, August 3

• 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; first groups leave for Wild Camp and Muzimu Lodge
• 7:00pm – Bush dinner

Sunday, August 4

• 6:00am – Morning safari drive
• 7:00am – Visit Gorongosa Coffee project
• Swim and lunch by the waterfall
• 7:00pm – Dinner

Monday, August 5

• 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

The Museum of Idaho is keeping rates considerably lower than similar for-profit adventures in keeping with MOI’s nonprofit mission to bring Idaho to the world and make world-class experiences as accessible as possible for members of our community. The rates below 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 per-person cost is a tax-deductible contribution to the Museum of Idaho. Base rates for the trip depend on your choice of accommodations at Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge, at the park’s main camp (room type is subject to availability — first-come, first-served). You may also choose to take one of your nights instead at Wild Camp (a unanimous highlight of the 2023 trip), and/or another night at Muzimu Lodge (a brand-new option in 2024).

2024 base rates:

• shared garden room (fits 2 people): $4900 per person
• shared standard bungalow (fits 2 people): $5200 per person
• shared premium bungalow (fits 2 people): $5400 per person

Optional add-ons:

• private (1-person) accommodations at the main camp: add $500
• spend a night at Wild Camp: add $300/person for a 2-person tent or $360 for a private tent
• spend a night at Muzimu Lodge: add $700/person for a 2-person chalet or $850 for a private chalet

Learn more about amenities such as meals, swimming, and internet.

 

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 May 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 May 1, 2024. 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 the amenities in and around park headquarters at any time.
• Some vaccinations are highly recommended, and others may also be required, depending on your recent travel history. However, US citizens do not require visas to enter Mozambique or South Africa.
• Gorongosa can accommodate children, but this trip is recommended for travelers 14 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?

Contact Jeff at 208-522-1400 ext. 3006 or email.