Gorongosa, Mozambique 2025

African safari photography workshops

Melody Sky Photography and Camp Photo Tours have joined forces on this unforgettable photographic adventure in the heart of Mozambique, Africa—Gorongosa National Park. This 6-day tour is designed for photographers of all levels and offers unparalleled access to the park’s diverse landscapes and magnificent wildlife.

On this immersive safari photography adventure in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, lush landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Led by expert guides and photographers, you will be able to capture breathtaking images of Africa's iconic animals in their natural habitat, from majestic elephants to elusive predators like lions and leopards. Learn valuable photography techniques and insights, honing your skills amidst the park's rich biodiversity while gaining a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation and local culture.

Beyond photography, our journey delves into Gorongosa's conservation efforts and community engagement initiatives. Explore the park's diverse ecosystems, learning about the importance of preserving these habitats for future generations. Immerse yourself in Mozambique's vibrant culture through interactions with local communities, gaining a holistic appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and wildlife. In Gorongosa, our safari photography adventure becomes a transformative experience—a blend of exploration, education, and appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Gorongosa
- Settling into Muzimu Lodge
- Lunch at the lodge
- Meet Richard, Brian and Melody for introduction to essential wildlife photography techniques
- Game drive - Wildlife and scenic photography
Aperitif at the camp bar followed by dinner

Day 2
-
Rise before dawn for the morning game drive in search of the Big Five
- Lunch at camp
- Canoe safari along the tranquil course on the Pungwe river
- Guided bush walk to get us closer to the wildlife
Aperitif at the camp bar followed by dinner

Day 3
-
Rise before dawn for the morning game drive in search of the Big Five
- Bush picnic lunch
- Meet the endangered Pangolin
- Free time to download and backup images, enjoy the lodge and pool
- Aperitif at the camp bar followed by dinner

Day 4
-
Boat safari on lake Urema in search of crocodiles and hippos
- Lakeside lunch
- Sunset and golden hour photograph
- Aperitif at the camp bar followed by dinner

Day 5
- Rise before dawn for the morning game drive in search of the Big Five
- Lunch at the lodge
- Afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five
- Apero at camp bar followed by dinner

Day 6
- Rise before dawn for the morning game drive in search of the Big Five
- Lunch at the lodge
- Afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five
- Apero at camp bar followed by dinner

Day 7 - Departure Day
- Departure breakfast at the lodge

Animals are unpredictable! But we do expect to hopefully see most of the following: Lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, pangolin, painted wolves.

 

Location

Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique

Accommodation: Mizumu Lodge

Average temperatures in Gorongosa in September/October
In Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, September and October mark the transition from dry to rainy season. Temperatures range from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F) during the day, cooling to 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) at night. September is dry and sunny, while October sees increasing chances of rain. Lightweight clothing for daytime and a light jacket for evenings are advisable. Check weather forecasts closer to travel dates for updates.

Nearest airport: The most popular route is to fly to Mozambique via Johannesburg. You can take a direct flight from Johannesburg to Beira or connect through Maputo and continue on to Beira or to Chimoio. There are also some direct international flights to Maputo. From Maputo, you then take a connecting flight to Chimoio or Beira. You will then connect via Safari Air to Gorongosa National Park. A driver will be ready to greet you and drive you to Mizumu Lodge.

Once the trip is booked we will send you a brochure with full details on how to reach Gorongosa and details on your transfer to the lodge.

Equipment

The following equipment is recommended. We will have a selection of lenses for you to try out. We also have a partnership with a reputable camera and lens rental company in Zurich, who can deliver rental equipment to us prior to your arrival (at an additional cost).

  • 2 x DSLR/mirrorless camera bodies if possible so that you avoid changing lenses (risking dust)

  • A telephoto, and super-telephoto (minimum 400mm) will be sufficient. A teleconverter is an option. I also use my 70-200mm and 16-35mm but, if I had to take only one lens, it would be the 400mm range. A 100-400mm or 200-500mm.

  • A beanbag (Monopod an option for walking safaris)

  • Spare batteries (where possible) + charger

  • Cards for your camera

  • Laptop

Rental is a great way to be able to bring lenses that you don’t own. Please get in touch for our recommended companies in which you can rent your gear.

Conservation

Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique has become a symbol of successful conservation efforts, demonstrating the remarkable resilience of nature when given the chance to recover. Following years of civil conflict that devastated the park's wildlife populations and ecosystems, extensive restoration initiatives have been implemented to revive Gorongosa's biodiversity. These efforts have included habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, community engagement, and scientific research aimed at understanding and preserving the park's ecosystems.

One of the key conservation projects in Gorongosa is the restoration of wildlife populations, including the reintroduction of species that were locally extinct due to past conflicts and poaching. Through collaborative efforts with local communities and international partners, the park has seen significant increases in animal numbers, with notable recoveries in populations of elephants, lions, and other iconic species. Additionally, community-based conservation programs have been established to empower local communities to become stewards of their natural heritage, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the park's long-term sustainability.

As a photographer returning from Gorongosa National Park, you can leverage your images to inspire action on environmental issues and conservation by crafting a compelling narrative that highlights the park's natural beauty, biodiversity, and the challenges it faces. Through your photographs, you can showcase the park's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, illustrating the importance of preserving such ecosystems for future generations. By sharing your experiences and insights gained from your time with us in Gorongosa, you can can raise awareness about conservation efforts and the need for sustainable practices, encouraging viewers to support initiatives that protect and restore the park's habitats and wildlife. Whether through exhibitions, educational workshops, or simply your social media, you as a photographer have the power to ignite passion and drive positive change for the environment and communities in Gorongosa and beyond.

Meet the team

  • Katie Reisz

    BUSINESS MANAGER MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Melody Sky

    MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY

  • Richard Camp

    FOUNDER CAMP TOURS

    https://campphototours.com

  • Maya Hutchfield

    SOCIAL MEDIA

Prices and details

Dates: May 2025 (TBC)
Cost: CHF8114

What's included:
- 6 nights + 6 days Photography guide
- 6 nights + 6 days All-inclusive lodge accommodation (double occupancy)
- All lodge meals included
- Tents, mattresses + sleeping bags provided
- Coffee , tea, water, alcoholic beverages all included
- Professional safari guide
- Professional canoe safari guide
- safari photo tours
- Light aircraft transfer

What's not included:
- Flights
- Insurance
- Photo equipment hire.

Additional Options:
- Beach or beach + Whaleshark adventure add on possible