Gorongosa, Mozambique
MAY 2025
Photo Safari Gorongosa National Park Mozambique
May 27 - June 02 2025
Melody Sky Photography and Camp Photo Tours have joined forces on this unforgettable photographic adventure in the heart of Mozambique, Africa—Gorongosa National Park. Featured in National Geographic and the New York Times, the park is a jewel rebounding from the ashes of conflict, bringing benefits to nature and community in ways no other African National park can claim.
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
- Arrive Beira, BEW, Mozambique
Your arrival from international connections in Beira, BEW is the official kickoff for our photography safari.
After high tea, at 3:30 PM, we’ll head out for our first game drive. You’ll notice our Land Rover has been equipped with sand bags to help assist you with achieving steady shots on longer lenses. We return at dusk to enjoy cocktails, dinner and conversation around the fire, before retiring to our luxury safari tents. You’ll be met at the airport by a Camp Photo Tours representative who will whisk you off to your hotel. At 5:00 that evening, our group will meet in the hotel lobby for orientation. Dinner on your own that evening.
Day 2
- Gorongosa National Park - Game Drive
Our adventure begins today. A shuttle takes you from your hotel in Beira back to the airport for your Safari Air bush flight to Gorongosa National Park.
Even before you land in Gorongosa in the late morning, you’ll get a sense of what makes the park extraordinary: the vast flood plains, the shimmering reflections of Lake Urema, multiple hues of color that define unique landscapes. At the bush airstrip, a representative of the Gorongosa Safari team will greet you. A brief, happy welcome (you’re home now!) and we’ll be off on the shuttle to Mizimu Camp where we will be staying.
At Mizimu Lodge you’ll have time to freshen up before heading back down to the main tent. We’ll go over the tour schedule, as well as the do’s and don’ts of Safari safety. You will meet with Wildlife photographers Richard Camp and Melody Sky for an introductory workshop. You’ll learn essential techniques for capturing wildlife action, mastering low-light photography, and composing captivating wildlife shots.
After high tea, at 3:30 PM, we’ll head out for our first game drive. You’ll notice our Land Rover has been equipped with sand bags to help assist you with achieving steady shots on longer lenses. We return at dusk to enjoy cocktails, dinner and conversation around the fire, before retiring to our luxury safari tents.
Day 3
- Morning & Afternoon Game Drives Unveiling the Treasures of Gorongosa
Rise before dawn for the morning game drive. As the park awakens, witness a spectacle of nature unfold. Capture elephants silhouetted against the rising sun, lions emerging from tall grasses, and painted wolves engaging in pre-hunt behavior. Our expert local guides will navigate you to prime wild- life viewing spots, placing us where we need to be to get great photos.
Every day offers a chance to explore more of the park’s hidden gems. Opportunities include a canoe safari along the tranquil course of the Pungue River, photographing an abundance of birdlife and hippopotamuses as the sun cuts through the morning mist. We’ll also take guided bush walks, getting closer to wildlife and learning about animal signs and tracks.
Day 4
- Meeting the Endangered Pangolins & Game Drives
Our early morning activity introduces us to one of the most endangered residents of the Gorongosa, the Pangolin, the most trafficked endangered species in the world. We have the exclusive opportunity to walk with pangolins.
Their custodians break open termite mounds and ant nests to feed pangolins. This is part of a structured rehabilitation program for eventual release in to the wild.
After lunch you will have an opportunity to relax and catch up on backing up images and work with our photography guides to post-process your images. Every afternoon is teatime. Enjoy a light pastry with a cold iced tea. Mizimu’s pastry chef always has tasty delights. We head out at 3:30 PM for the afternoon game drive.
Day 5
- Boat Safari - Lake Urema - LR Instruction
Today we spend the day on a boat safari to Lake Uremu. Lake Uremu is teeming with wildlife, including enormous crocodiles, pods of Hippos and aquatic wildlife. During golden hour the sky is ablaze with color giving us fantastic photo opportunities in the fading light.
Day 6
- Morning Bush Walk & Afternoon Game Driver
One of the best ways to experience Gorongosa’s wilderness is on foot. Our morning bush walk will take us along animal paths, and watering holes that bring us even closer to natural wonders. After lunch we will conduct post processing Lightroom session, and review our images for export. The afternoon game drive allow us to pick up shots of specific wildlife we may have missed. For our participants who have opted at extra cost for aerial photography, we’ll conduct early and late afternoon flights in a Cessna 206 with the door removed to capture scenery and animals in the best light. Please let us know if you are interested in taking a flight.
Day 7
- Mount Gorongosa - A Change in Climate
After our breakfast, we’ll drive to Mt Gorongosa. Here we will enconter higher elevation wildlife, including bird species not found in the lowlands. We’ll visit a restored coffee farm to view coffee production first hand. Mt. Gorongosa is also home to the amazing local honey you’ve enjoyed at breakfast. As we observe the local farmers, we may have the opportunity to respectfully practice our informal portrait techniques.
A Special Evening:
On our last night we will return to a special bush camp dinner located in the field. Chef will make traditional Mozambique dishes for us to enjoy.
Day 8 - Departure Day
- Morning Drive - Image Critique
On your final full day, enjoy a relaxed morning game drive, cherishing the last glimpses of Gorongosa’s wonders. After breakfast, we share and critique your favorite images with the group. Depart with a newfound appreciation for Gorongosa’s captivating wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
NOTE
Exact itinerary is subject to change and times are approximate. Richard and Melody are available in the afternoons for Lightroom instruction. The lodge has a pool and spa services are available on request for extra charge.
Extended Travel
For clients that wish to extend their African vacation, why not contrast the wilderness experience with the urban and culinary experience of Cape Town. Our travel partner, Briggate Travel is available to help you research other stellar destinations.
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
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Katie Reisz
BUSINESS MANAGER MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Melody Sky
MELODY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
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Richard Camp
FOUNDER CAMP TOURS
https://campphototours.com
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Maya Hutchfield
SOCIAL MEDIA
Prices and details
Dates: 27 May - 02 June 2025
SINGLE OCCUPANCY
One Photographer - $9,995
SHARING
Two Photographers Sharing - $7,995 each
NON-PARTICIPANT DOUBLE
One Photographer, Plus One - $11,995
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Included in the price:
• Airport transfers from Beira to your hotel
• RT flights from Beira to Gorongosa Bush Airstrip
• Twice daily game drives
• All meals and drinks including non-premium alcoholic beverages
• Park entrance fees
• Daily laundry at Muzimu Lodge
• Expert photographic instruction
Excluded in the price:
• Staff and Guide Gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• International airfare to Beira, (BEW), Mozambique
• First night stay and meals in Beira
• VISAS if required by country of origin
• Medical Expense, Vaccines and/or medications
DEPOSIT
A $2000 non-refundable deposit is due within 7-days of confirmation and reserves your spot. The balance is due 60 Days proir to the date of travel.
FOR BOOKINGS AND QUESTIONS
Please contact us at rcamp@campphototours.com, or call Richard Camp at +1-415-309-5450
ASSUMPTION OF RISK & LIABILITY RELEASE
Prior to your travel departure we require a signed Assumption of Risk & Liability Release. We provide a copy of the release with your pre-workshop checklist. Camp Photo Tours, LLC, cannot be held liable for any costs incurred due to factors beyond our control. These include (but are not limited to): Force majeure, war, the threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, epidemics, pandemics, health risks, and changes due to rescheduling or cancellation of flights by an airline or alteration of the airline or aircraft type; closed or congested airports or ports, hurricanes and other actual or potential severe weather conditions, and any acts of God.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Cancellations and Refunds of Payments. If we cancel a program – If we cancel a tour/workshop, you will receive a 100% refund of your payment within 30 days of the program’s cancellation (including deposits). A cancellation is rare and would happen no later than two weeks before the start of the program. We can not be responsible for airfare, accommodations, rental cars, or any other costs incurred by the cancellation. We require you to purchase travel insurance to help defray incurred costs in the event of a cancellation. Travel policies may also protect your camera gear from damage or loss. We recommend World Nomads travel insurance.
If you cancel – If you cancel for any reason after a payment is made, the deposit is non-refundable. The remaining amount paid will be refunded in full if your cancellation is outside 60 days from the program’s start. Unfortunately, if you cancel within 60 days or are a no-show, we can not refund any of your payment. After a commitment to join a tour, the logistics to accommodate you begin immediately. If the tour or workshop you cancel fills, we will gladly refund your deposited amount, provided it is within the 60-day limitation (less any bank processing fees). All cancellations must be made in writing to info@campphototours.com
RAIN & WEATHER POLICY
Rain and inclement weather can spoil shooting conditions on tours or workshops. We choose locations during a time of year to minimize this possibility. This gives us better shooting conditions. Occasionally, uncontrollable circumstances force us to change plans. We will do everything we can to deliver a quality learning experience given the conditions we face. Despite inclement weather, there are plenty of ways to improve your photographic technique. Unfortunately, if we do experience weather that impacts our itinerary, we cannot refund any part of your payment.
AIRCRAFT WEIGHT LIMITS
For bush flights, smaller aircraft are used and weight limits vary by carrier, approximately 20-25Kgs inclusive of all luggage. Soft duffel bags approximately 12” high by 24” long are required. No hard cases. We’ll include a final recommendation in your trip checklist.
