Mozambique National Park Fees & Availability 2026

Quick Answer: Mozambique National Park Fees at a Glance

Mozambique's national parks charge international visitors between 600 MZM and 900 MZM per person per day (approximately USD 9–14), depending on the park. Vehicle fees range from 900 MZM to 1,500 MZM. Payment is accepted in Mozambican Metical or South African Rands at park gates; no advance online booking is required for day visits, though lodge accommodation must be reserved separately. Mozambique safari costs vary widely by park and season, with fees typically lower than neighbouring Tanzania or Kenya parks.

Mozambique National Park Fees by Park (2026)

Gorongosa National Park

Gorongosa is Mozambique's flagship conservation area and the most visited national park. International visitors (non-SADC residents) pay the highest daily conservation fees.

Visitor Category	Daily Fee	Currency
International Adult	900 MZM	Mozambican Metical
SADC Resident Adult	600 MZM	Mozambican Metical
Mozambique National Adult	400 MZM	Mozambican Metical
Children (0–12 years)	Free	—

Important: Gorongosa does not currently permit self-driving; all safaris must be conducted with a licensed guide from Chitengo Camp or Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge. This is a conservation measure and ensures visitor safety in the park.

Parque Nacional de Banhine

Banhine is a smaller, less-visited park in southern Mozambique, offering a more intimate safari experience.

Visitor Category	Daily Fee	Vehicle Fee (1–6 seats)
International Adult (13–64 years)	900 MZM	900 MZM
SADC Resident Adult	600 MZM	900 MZM
Mozambique National Adult	400 MZM	900 MZM
Senior (65+ years)	Free	—
Children (0–12 years)	Free	—
Larger Vehicle (18 seats)	—	1,500 MZM
Camping (per night, 6 pax)	200–300 MZM (basic to equipped)

Bazaruto Archipelago National Park

Bazaruto is a marine-protected area spanning 1,430 km² off Mozambique's coast, home to the region's last viable dugong population and sea turtles. It is managed by African Parks in partnership with the Mozambique government. Specific daily conservation fees are not published online; costs vary by lodge and activity (diving, snorkelling, boat trips). Confirm current fees directly with your lodge operator or the park office.

Tourism revenue contributions are structured to benefit local communities: 20% of annual tourism revenue supports projects that directly benefit local people, including marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

How Conservation Fees Are Used

National park fees in Mozambique fund critical conservation work. At Mozambique's parks, daily conservation fees directly employ game scouts, support anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and ranger training. Gorongosa's fees, for example, support satellite tagging of endangered species and community development projects in surrounding villages. Bazaruto's revenue goes toward dugong and turtle protection, with regular ranger patrols reducing fishing-net mortality.

Payment Methods & Gate Procedures

Accepted Currencies

• Mozambican Metical (MZM): Primary currency; all parks accept cash in Metical.
• South African Rand (ZAR): Widely accepted at gate offices; exchange rates are applied at the point of payment.
• Credit/Debit Cards: Not typically accepted at park gates; bring cash.

Where to Pay

Payment is made at the park entrance gate or at lodge reception (if staying on-site). For Gorongosa, fees are collected at Chitengo Camp or your lodge. For Banhine, payment occurs at the park headquarters upon arrival. Bazaruto fees are typically arranged through your lodge's booking agent.

Payment Timing

Fees are paid on the day of entry; multi-day passes are not offered. If you visit on consecutive days, you pay the daily rate each day. Most parks do not require advance online payment or permits for day-visit entry.

Permits, Advance Booking & Availability

Do You Need a Permit?

For general game drives and wildlife viewing at Gorongosa and Banhine, no special permit is required beyond paying the daily conservation fee. However, all visitors must bring valid identification (passport) to the gate.

Lodge & Accommodation Booking

While day-visit entry does not require advance booking, accommodation at park lodges must be reserved well ahead, especially during peak season (June–October). Popular lodges include:

• Gorongosa: Chitengo Camp, Montebelo Gorongosa Lodge, Chicari Camp, Muzimu Tented Camp
• Bazaruto: Benguerra Island Lodge, Bazaruto Island Lodge (availability varies; many are seasonal)

Book through your safari operator or directly with lodge websites. Mozambique safari lodges range from luxury tented camps to budget beach resorts, and prices vary significantly by season and location.

Firearms & Restricted Items

Any firearm, explosive, trap, or poison must be declared at the park gate. Hunting is strictly prohibited. The park reserves the right to search vehicles suspected of illegal hunting activities.

Seasonal Considerations & Peak Periods

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season (June–October): Dry season, best wildlife viewing, coolest temperatures. Parks are busier; book lodges 2–3 months ahead. Park fees do not vary by season.

Green Season (November–May): Warmer, wetter, lush vegetation. Wildlife is dispersed; fewer tourists. Lodge availability is better, but some camps may reduce operations or close temporarily. Confirm with your lodge before booking.

Park Closures

Gorongosa and Banhine remain open year-round. Bazaruto's access depends on weather and boat availability; cyclone season (November–March) can limit marine activities. Always confirm current conditions with your lodge 1–2 weeks before travel.

SADC Resident Rates & Transfrontier Benefits

If you are a citizen of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) country and present your passport, you qualify for reduced rates. SADC member states include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

For example, a South African or Zimbabwean visitor to Gorongosa pays 600 MZM instead of 900 MZM per day. You must present your passport at the gate to claim this rate.

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel in Green Season (Nov–May): Lower lodge rates and fewer tourists, though wildlife viewing is less concentrated.
• Bundle Accommodation + Park Fees: Many safari operators offer all-inclusive packages that spread costs over multiple days, making the daily park fee less noticeable.
• Bring South African Rand: If crossing from South Africa, ZAR is widely accepted and may offer better exchange rates than converting USD at the gate.
• Group Discounts: Large groups (8+ people) may negotiate reduced rates; inquire with lodge management.
• Compare Multi-Park Visits: Combining Mozambique parks with Zanzibar or neighbouring countries can offer better value if planned strategically.

Before You Travel: Visa & Health Requirements

Ensure you have a valid passport (6+ months validity) and check Mozambique visa requirements for your nationality. British, American, Australian, and most Western passport holders require a visa, obtainable on arrival or in advance. Vaccinations for Mozambique typically include yellow fever, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis, depending on your itinerary and medical history.

Is Mozambique Affordable for Safari?

Yes. Compared to East African parks like Serengeti (USD 83–200 per day) or Kenya's Masai Mara (USD 100–200), Mozambique's daily conservation fees (600–900 MZM ≈ USD 9–14) are significantly lower. However, total safari costs depend on lodge quality, guiding, meals, and transfers. Budget safari packages start around USD 150–250 per day all-inclusive; luxury camps exceed USD 500 per day. Mozambique offers strong value for wildlife viewing, particularly for marine and coastal safaris, though it is less developed than Kruger or Serengeti for Big Five encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current entry fee for Gorongosa National Park for international visitors?

International (non-SADC) adults pay 900 MZM per day (approximately USD 14 at 2026 rates). Children aged 0–12 are free. SADC residents pay 600 MZM; Mozambique nationals pay 400 MZM.

Do I need to book a permit in advance to visit Mozambique's national parks?

No special permit is required for general wildlife viewing. Day-visit entry fees are paid at the gate on arrival. However, if you are staying in park accommodation, book your lodge 2–3 months ahead during peak season (June–October).

Can I self-drive in Gorongosa National Park?

No. Self-driving is not currently permitted. All game drives must be conducted with a licensed guide from your lodge (Chitengo Camp, Montebelo, Chicari, or Muzimu). This is a conservation and safety measure. The park is working to identify areas suitable for self-driving in the future.

What currencies are accepted at Mozambique national park gates?

Mozambican Metical (MZM) and South African Rand (ZAR) are accepted in cash. Credit cards are not typically accepted at park gates. Bring enough cash in one of these currencies.

Are park fees cheaper in low season (November–May)?

No. Conservation fees are flat year-round; they do not vary by season. However, lodge accommodation rates are typically lower in green season, reducing your overall trip cost.

What is included in the daily conservation fee?

The daily conservation fee funds game scouts, anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, habitat restoration, and community development projects. At Bazaruto, 20% of tourism revenue is dedicated to local community benefit projects.

Can I visit Bazaruto Archipelago as a day trip?

Bazaruto is typically accessed via overnight lodge stays on the islands (Benguerra, Bazaruto, or Paradise Island). Day trips by boat from Vilanculos are possible but not standard; confirm availability with your lodge or tour operator. Fees vary by activity and operator.

Do children get discounted entry to Mozambique national parks?

Yes. Children aged 0–12 are free at Gorongosa and Banhine. At Bazaruto, child rates depend on the lodge and activity; confirm with your operator. Teenagers aged 13+ typically pay adult rates.

What identification do I need to enter a Mozambique national park?

A valid passport is required. All adults must carry ID; the park may ask to verify your passport to confirm your visitor category (international, SADC resident, or national) to apply the correct fee rate.

Are there group discounts for park entry fees?

Standard daily fees apply to individuals. Large organized groups (8+ people) may negotiate reduced rates directly with lodge management or the park office. Inquire when booking your safari package.

When is the best time to visit Mozambique national parks for wildlife?

June–October (dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing, cooler temperatures, and the easiest game drives. However, parks are busier and lodges are more expensive. November–May (green season) has fewer tourists and lower lodge rates, but wildlife is dispersed and some camps close. Both seasons are open year-round.

Can I pay park entry fees online or in advance?

No. Park entry fees are paid in cash at the gate on the day of arrival. Advance online payment is not available for day visits. Lodge accommodation must be booked separately through your lodge operator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current entry fee for Gorongosa National Park for international visitors?

International (non-SADC) adults pay 900 MZM per day (approximately USD 14 at 2026 rates). Children aged 0–12 are free. SADC residents pay 600 MZM; Mozambique nationals pay 400 MZM.

Do I need to book a permit in advance to visit Mozambique's national parks?

No special permit is required for general wildlife viewing. Day-visit entry fees are paid at the gate on arrival. However, if you are staying in park accommodation, book your lodge 2–3 months ahead during peak season (June–October).

Can I self-drive in Gorongosa National Park?

No. Self-driving is not currently permitted. All game drives must be conducted with a licensed guide from your lodge (Chitengo Camp, Montebelo, Chicari, or Muzimu). This is a conservation and safety measure. The park is working to identify areas suitable for self-driving in the future.

What currencies are accepted at Mozambique national park gates?

Mozambican Metical (MZM) and South African Rand (ZAR) are accepted in cash. Credit cards are not typically accepted at park gates. Bring enough cash in one of these currencies.

Are park fees cheaper in low season (November–May)?

No. Conservation fees are flat year-round; they do not vary by season. However, lodge accommodation rates are typically lower in green season, reducing your overall trip cost.

What is included in the daily conservation fee?

The daily conservation fee funds game scouts, anti-poaching patrols, ranger salaries, habitat restoration, and community development projects. At Bazaruto, 20% of tourism revenue is dedicated to local community benefit projects.

Can I visit Bazaruto Archipelago as a day trip?

Bazaruto is typically accessed via overnight lodge stays on the islands (Benguerra, Bazaruto, or Paradise Island). Day trips by boat from Vilanculos are possible but not standard; confirm availability with your lodge or tour operator. Fees vary by activity and operator.

Do children get discounted entry to Mozambique national parks?

Yes. Children aged 0–12 are free at Gorongosa and Banhine. At Bazaruto, child rates depend on the lodge and activity; confirm with your operator. Teenagers aged 13+ typically pay adult rates.

What identification do I need to enter a Mozambique national park?

A valid passport is required. All adults must carry ID; the park may ask to verify your passport to confirm your visitor category (international, SADC resident, or national) to apply the correct fee rate.

When is the best time to visit Mozambique national parks for wildlife?

June–October (dry season) offers the best wildlife viewing, cooler temperatures, and the easiest game drives. However, parks are busier and lodges are more expensive. November–May (green season) has fewer tourists and lower lodge rates, but wildlife is dispersed and some camps close. Both seasons are open year-round.