Re-Wilding in Mozambique with Dolphins and Pangolins
9 Nights | 10 Days
A deep dive into conservation and meaningful wildlife encounters
Immerse yourself in one of Africa’s great wilderness restoration stories and Mozambique’s protected marine sanctuary. This journey weaves together immersive land and sea experiences — from wildlife encounters, guided walks, and meaningful community connection to golden beaches, ocean stillness, and ethical dolphin encounters. Guided by the ancient rhythms of land, ocean, and wildlife, the journey invites a deep return to self.
Why you’ll love this journey
Conserve. Community. Joy.
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Explore Gorongosa National Park, a leading conservation success story
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Stay inside the park at Chicari Camp, surrounded by wildlife and birdlife
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Enjoy guided game drives and nature walks across diverse ecosystems
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Visit the pangolin rescue centre and join a guided foraging walk (subject to availability)
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Connect with local communities and grassroots projects
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Stay in a private beachside villa with ocean views and direct beach access
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Join ethical dolphin encounters, with opportunities to swim with and connect
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Snorkel coral reefs, with chances to see turtles, rays, and seasonal whales
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Travel in a small, like-hearted group
Experience Highlights
Your Itinerary
Day 1
From Beira Airport we take our scenic charter flight into Gorongosa National Park. Bem Vindos — welcome to Chicari Camp, your home for the next five nights, set deep in pure wilderness and overlooking a bird-filled pan.
Day 2
Today is a deep nature-immersion in Gorongosa — a vibrant mosaic of savannah, palm-lined floodplains, and fever-tree forests. We’ll set out on a storytelling game drive and a guided walk, where every track, tree, and bird becomes part of the park’s living message.
Day 3
Today we experience Gorongosa’s conservation-meets-community story, with a slow village visit to meet the local community and see inspiring projects, including Gorongosa Girls Club. The afternoon is yours: choose an optional game drive, or simply watch the wildlife and birdlife drifting past camp.
Day 4
This morning we go behind the scenes at the pangolin rescue centre, with the chance to join a rehabilitation foraging walk for an intimate encounter with one of the world’s most endangered animals (subject to availability). The afternoon is free — opt for a game drive, or unwind at camp as wildlife and birdlife pass by.
Day 5
Today is pure Gorongosa — a morning nature walk followed by an afternoon game drive, with spacious time in between to be still, listen to birdsong, and watch wildlife gather at the waterpan in front of camp.
Day 6
We farewell Gorongosa and travel onward to Maputo, then transfer to the golden beaches of Ponta Malongane. Settle into our private ocean-view villa, tucked into the coastal forest — your home base by the sea.
Day 7
Wake to dreamy ocean blues and discover why this coastline became a marine sanctuary, home to reef life, dolphins, rays, turtles — and seasonal whales. Today includes a snorkelling introduction and, conditions allowing, a first boat outing to meet wild dolphins. This evening is free to wander into Ponta Malongane village for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8
We move with the ocean’s unhurried rhythm today. Weather permitting, we head out for a boat excursion and snorkel, with hopes of meeting the resident wild bottlenose dolphins through a respectful, non-invasive approach. In the evening, Courtney guides a beautiful sound journey, connecting us to the time of our ancestors when we lived in harmony with the Earth.
Day 9
Weather permitting, we head out again for a boat journey and wild dolphin swim — one of the most profound experiences on this coastline. We may also be lucky enough to spot humpback whales on their migration. Back on land, there’s relaxing beach and rest time, along with a visit to the local community school supported by Halo Gaia.
Day 10
A slow morning at your own pace with time for reflection before our last communal brunch together. Transfer back to Maputo where we say our goodbyes and “tschau” until our paths next join.
Meet Your Journey Host
Adele, Founder of Retreat to Africa
Born in Cape Town and with an unquenchable love for travelling in Africa, Adele brings positive and calm energy into everything she does and to everyone she connects with. Her favourite pastime is sitting under a big tree writing stories in her journal or listening to the dawn chorus of birdsong in wild places. A lifelong student, she believes Nature is her greatest teacher.
With over 30 years of experience designing and leading immersive safaris, Adele has hosted countless journeys across Africa - sharing her deep connection to the land, people and wildlife.
Meet Your Dolphin Host & Facilitator
Courtney Ward, Founder of Halo Gaia
Ocean lover. Sound healer. Creative entrepreneur
More than two decades ago, Courtney pioneered and now subsequently works alongside Complexo Turístico da Ponta Malongane to facilitate ethical wild dolphin encounters and transformational retreats, sharing the joy, simplicity, and deep belonging that arise when humans meet nature with respect.
Gorongosa Safaris
Meet the dolphins...
Who We Are Supporting
Gorongosa Girls Clubs aim is to keep young girls in school and avoid early pregnancy and marriages. Girls meet every weekday in a safe and nurturing environment to study and learn life skills, go on excursions / summer camps and receive academic scholarships.
Where We Stay
Gorongosa National Park
Chicari Camp
Ponta Malongane
Private Villa
The Journey Map
Notes on this Journey
For our full FAQ and info download our brochure
Inclusions -
- Private charter flight Beira-Gorongosa Park
- Local flight Chomoio-Maputo
- Airport meet and greet
- All road transfers Gorongosa-Chimoio, Maputo-Ponta Malongane-Maputo
- Accommodation in exclusive luxury tent and beachside villa room
- All meals (except 1 free night in the village at Ponta Malongane)
- Local beverages
- Donation to our chosen project
- A personal travel journal
- Safari activities in Gorongosa including 4×4 safari drives, walks
- Conservation visit to the Pangolin Rescue Center and walk with a pangolin custodian
- Visit to community projects
- Conservation and community levy fees
- Ethical snorkeling with dolphins boat excursions
- A sound journey with host Courtney
- Live Q&A before the trip to ask your questions
- Professional & knowledgeable safari and community guides
- English-speaking journey hosts
Exclusions +
- Flights to the start point at Beira Airport and from end point at Maputo
- Medical travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for guides/drivers or to lodge staff (at your discretion)
FAQ +
How do I sign up for this journey?
- A 25% non -refundable deposit secures your place. There are limited single rooms available so booking well in advance is advised.
Where does the journey start from and where does it end?
- The start point is at Beira Airport and end point at Maputo
Can I sign up as a solo Traveller?
- Yes absolutely. You will need to pay the single room supplement which we have kept as low as possible. There are a limited number of single rooms so book yours as soon as possible.
How safe is Mozambique?
- We will be staying in a wilderness reserve surrounded by wildlife; however the camp is very safe and there are professional game rangers and staff who will be looking after you at all times. Ponta Malongane is a peaceful haven with small vibrant village.
What will the weather be like ?
- August is dry season with warm days and cooler evenings. Average daytime temperatures: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F). Water temperatures are comfortable for swimming (around 23–25 °C / 73–77 °F) This is an ideal time for wildlife viewing, beach time, ocean activities and whale watching. April is the end of the rainy season with some residual showers still possible. Expect humidity and hot temperatures. Average daytime temperatures: 26–31 °C (79–88 °F). Water temperatures are very warm (around 27–29 °C / 81–84 °F). The landscape is lush and green. A good time for snorkelling and marine life encounters
How fit do I need to be ?
- This is a moderate activity journey with leisurely paced walks in the wilderness and snorkelling in the ocean. For those who prefer you may stay on board the boat and observe the marine life from above. All wilderness walks are optional.
