You drive out into the bush just in time for sunrise. The light is a photographer’s dream, golden rays streaming through the fever trees. All around you the forest is filled with Gorongosa’s unforgettable dawn chorus, the air bursting at the seams with birdsong. On the floodplain, huge waterbuck appear like ghosts in the rising fog. By now, Gorongosa's untamed wilderness is coming to life. Like wary soldiers patrolling a jungle full of hidden enemies, huge troops of baboons cautiously leave the safety of the trees to go foraging on the savannah. Wading birds alight on the riverbanks to begin the search for breakfast. In the treetops, a fish eagle tosses back his head and makes one of the unmistakable calls of the Gorongosa dawn: weee-ah hyo-hyo-hyo. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a pride of lions returning from a night’s hunting: mouths bloody, bellies bulging, flopping down in the shade to sleep it off.

Accompanied by a qualified, local Safari Guide, you can explore over 100 kilometers of tracks in an open Toyota Landcruiser with raised safari seats – perfect for game-viewing and long-lens photography. The morning safari departs 6am and lasts for 3 hours. (Yes, you have to get up early but it’s worth it!)

For their safety, kids under 12 aren’t allowed to ride in our open safari vehicles, but if you let us know a day in advance, we’ll arrange one of our closed Landcruisers for your family friendly safari.

Rate: 980 MT ($35 USD) per person 

*Ask about special rates for children 17 and under

This activity is provided by Girassol Gorongosa Lodge & Safari. You must be staying in one of the following accommodations to book this activity: Premium Bungalows, Standard Bungalows, Garden Rooms, or Campsite.

If you are staying at Kubatana Camp, please see the activities they offer.