Gorongosa National Park is one of the world’s most ambitious and celebrated wildlife restoration projects, often hailed as “Africa’s Lost Eden.” Located at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in central Mozambique, the park was once one of the most biodiverse places on the continent before a prolonged civil war decimated its large animal populations. Today, thanks to a landmark co-management agreement between the Mozambican government and the Gorongosa Project, a U.S. nonprofit organization, the park is undergoing a remarkable recovery. It stands as a powerful symbol of ecological resilience and a pioneering model for how conservation, scientific research, and community development can work together to bring a landscape back to life.

Name and Location

• Name: Gorongosa National Park (Parque Nacional da Gorongosa).
• Location: Sofala Province, Mozambique. The park is situated at the southern end of the East African Rift Valley.

How to Get There

Accessing Gorongosa involves traveling to the central region of Mozambique.

• By Air: The main gateway is Beira Airport (BEW), which receives flights from Maputo and Johannesburg. From Beira, visitors can take a small charter flight directly to the park’s airstrip or undertake an approximately 3-4 hour drive to the park entrance.

Landscape and Ecosystems

The park’s location in the Rift Valley has created an incredibly diverse mosaic of habitats.

• Natural Landscape: The heart of Gorongosa is the vast floodplain and savanna that surrounds Lake Urema. This ecosystem is fed by rivers flowing down from the majestic Mount Gorongosa, an isolated massif that is also part of the park and features a unique montane rainforest. The park’s diverse landscapes include grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and lush riverine forests, creating habitats for a wide array of species.
• Ecosystem Restoration: The park is a living laboratory of ecosystem restoration. The successful reintroduction of species and the natural recovery of animal populations following decades of conflict are the defining features of its modern landscape.

What Makes It Famous

Gorongosa’s fame is built on its incredible story of rebirth and its forward-thinking conservation model.

• The Gorongosa Project: The park is renowned for its 21st-century conservation model, a long-term partnership focused on restoring the ecosystem while simultaneously providing healthcare, education, and employment to the local communities living around the park.
• Wildlife Recovery: It is a world-famous example of successful large-scale ecological restoration. Wildlife populations, once reduced by over 95%, have made a spectacular comeback, with elephant, lion, and wildebeest herds once again thriving.
• Scientific Research: The E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory in the park is a state-of-the-art research facility that attracts scientists from around the globe, making Gorongosa a major center for biodiversity research in Africa.
• “Africa’s Lost Eden”: The park’s dramatic history and inspiring recovery have been the subject of numerous documentaries and articles, cementing its reputation as a symbol of hope for conservation worldwide.

Differences from Other Wonders

Gorongosa National Park offers a profoundly different experience from the island luxury of Benguerra.

• Environment (Inland Restoration vs. Pristine Marine): Gorongosa is a land-locked, terrestrial ecosystem focused on the restoration of savannas and forests. Benguerra Island is a pristine marine environment defined by its beaches and coral reefs.
• Core Story (Rebirth vs. Untouched Paradise): Gorongosa’s identity is shaped by its history of conflict and its inspiring story of recovery and human-led restoration. Benguerra’s identity is that of a remote, largely untouched natural paradise.
• Primary Attraction (Conservation Safari vs. Beach Holiday): The main draw of Gorongosa is the opportunity to witness a large-scale conservation success story on a classic safari. The primary attraction of Benguerra is its “barefoot luxury” appeal for diving, snorkeling, and exclusive beach relaxation.
• Type of Experience: A visit to Gorongosa is an educational and inspiring safari experience centered on wildlife and conservation science. A trip to Benguerra is an exclusive tropical island getaway focused on marine activities and leisure.