Growing interest in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, has prompted Gorongosa Collection to open Muzimu Tented Camp toward the end of the year.

The camp will be the first of several tented camps in Gorongosa and will operate from April to the end of December each year, weather permitting. The camp offers six tents overlooking the Mussicadzi riverbed.

Steve Turner-Smith, Director of The Gorongosa Collection, says: "Every day there is an increase in the interest shown in the park. There is always so much going on, be it the world-class research and science conducted daily or the wonderful community projects surrounding the park or just your average tourist going on safari, creating memories for a lifetime. This holistic experience is second to none, in my opinion.”

Deciding to invest in the park was an easy decision, Turner-Smith says. “It was a two-fold decision, the first being my love of Mozambique, and the second, believing in an already amazing product that can only get better. Developing tourism and ultimately being a part of the restoration of this National Park, is truly a privilege.”

Gorongosa’s wildlife population decreased significantly due to the decades-long civil war. The 2 400 sq km floodplain in Mozambique was restored over the past decade, becoming a sanctuary for such species as elephant, hippo, buffalo and antelope. Today, wildlife has rebounded in the park, with large animal numbers exceeding 70 000.

“Gorongosa National Park is a story of recovery, of hope, of restoration. And so we are here to help heal this magnificent ecosystem, and at the same time a little part of ourselves too,” says Paola Bouley, Gorongosa Lion Project Director and Founder.

 “The addition of this tented camp within Gorongosa provides our international customers with a wonderful base from which to explore a rich ecological treasure that the world did not have access to for many years,” says Natalie Tenzer-Silva, Dana Tours Director. Craig van Rooyen, Director at Tour d’Afrique also highlights the destination’s uniqueness.  “It’s untouched. Not a lot of people have been there.”

However, access remains a concern.  Van Rooyen says infrastructure and connectivity for their clients to Gorongosa is a challenge that pushes pricing up.