Gorongosa Wild Camp

Chicari Camp is accessed via charter aircraft or road transfer from Beira, Mozambique. Light aircraft flights from Beira International Airport to Chitengo Airstrip take approximately 45 minutes, followed by a 30–45 minute road transfer to camp. Road transfers from Beira take 4–5 hours and are only practical during the dry season (May–November). Most international visitors fly into Beira via Johannesburg or Maputo.

The best time to visit is May through November, during the Southern African dry season when the camp operates. May–July offers cool weather and excellent wildlife visibility. August–September provides hot conditions with sustained wildlife activity. October–November features hot, dry weather with exceptional wildlife concentration as natural water sources diminish. The camp closes during the rainy season (December–April) when roads become impassable.

Rates range from approximately $715 to $1,100 per person per night for all-inclusive packages, depending on season and room type. Prices include accommodation, all meals, game drives, guided bush walks, and laundry service. Rates exclude international flights, park entry fees (approximately $20 USD for international visitors), conservation levies, and light aircraft transfers from Beira (approximately $250–$350 per seat). Rates include 16% Mozambique VAT and are quoted in US dollars.

Children aged 12 and above are permitted at Chicari Camp at adult rates. Children aged 12–16 must share accommodation with an adult family member. Children under 12 years old cannot be accommodated. All children aged 12+ are welcome on game drives and guided activities with qualified guides.

Chicari Camp overlooks a permanent pan that concentrates wildlife throughout the dry season. Common sightings include African elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, impala, warthogs, and various antelope species. Predators including lions, hyenas, and leopards are drawn to the pan, particularly during night hours. Over 400 bird species have been recorded across Gorongosa National Park. Wildlife viewing is observational and photographic rather than trophy-focused.

Primary activities include twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles (early morning and late afternoon/evening), guided bush walks for closer engagement with wildlife and landscape ecology, and night drives to observe nocturnal species. All activities are conducted with qualified professional guides. Birdwatching is strong throughout the year. Visitors are not permitted to explore independently; all activities are guide-led for safety and wildlife protection.

Chicari Camp does not offer Wi-Fi due to its remote location and low-impact design philosophy. Cell service is limited or unavailable in the camp area. The camp is designed to encourage digital disconnection and immersion in the natural environment. Guests should plan accordingly if they need to remain connected to the outside world.

Chicari Camp maintains a secure, well-managed environment with trained staff and professional guides. The camp's small size (maximum 20 guests) creates a community atmosphere. All game drives and bush walks are conducted with qualified guides, ensuring safety during wildlife encounters. However, Mozambique requires standard international travel safety precautions. It is advisable to check current travel advisories and purchase comprehensive travel insurance before booking.

Chicari Camp operates under Turismo da Gorongosa, the hospitality entity of the Gorongosa National Park restoration program. All accommodation fees contribute directly to park management, wildlife protection, and community development initiatives. The camp's low-impact design—limited guest capacity, seasonal operation, minimal infrastructure—reflects conservation principles. The operating model prioritizes local employment and community benefit. Gorongosa National Park has undergone extensive restoration since 2008, transitioning from a poaching-devastated landscape to a functioning ecosystem.

Contact Gorongosa Safaris directly at res@gorongosasafaris.com or visit gorongosa.org/accommodation-at-gorongosa for current rates and availability. Alternatively, use SafariFind.com to compare verified operators, read guest reviews, and book Chicari Camp through verified safari partners. Advance booking is essential as the camp operates seasonally (May–November only) and capacity is limited to 20 guests.