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Camping with the lions

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liesel-muller in Mozambique,, African Adventures,, Inspirational Stories,, On Safari,, Wildlife,,
July 15th, 2011 at 9:31am
Tags: africa,, Family,, Gorongosa,, Kids,, Lions,, Mozambique,, Namibia,, south africa,, Wildlife,, Zimbabwe,

My Mom's Father used to take them camping in the Gorongosa when she was in primary school, just at the time it was becoming a National Park in the 60s. He'd pack up the car and pack in the kids and head for  Mozambique. He wasn't a big fan of crowds or comfort so he'd set up camp on a floor covering and make a shelter from palm tree leaves, build a fire on either side of them and pray the lions wouldn't come.

My colleague reckons "a documentary made in 1972/3 proves that it was difficult to aim a camera in any direction in Gorongosa and not fill your screen with running, hunting, flying, grunting herds, prides and flocks."

Modern camping in Gorongosa

When my Mom tells me that story I find it hard to believe, but then if you grew up in the Namibia & Zimbabwe bushveld like my grandfather did I guess this would have been a fairly normal family holiday, though I've come to believe my grandmother threatened divorce when she got the low down from the kids.

But after years of neglect, poaching and civil war devastation, the park that has recently been put back on the map thanks to the government and a group of philanthropic conservationists, led by Greg Carr Foundation, has just received three new cheetah that have been translocated from South Africa in a bid to strengthen the reserve's wildlife population, adding to the growing numbers of big game already re-introduced to the diverse park.

These days modern camping allows for a little more protection but offers just as much of a remote wildelife experience.

Read more about the park in my colleague Sandy's article and check out this great video to give you an idea of the area

Next time I head to the Mozambique beaches, I think I need a stop over in Gorongosa, who knows what they'll have re-introduced by then.

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  • 1: 

    I always read all the updates on Gorongosa, it’s such an incredible destination and I find the work of the Greg Carr Foundation inspiring.

    I’ve been promising myself a trip there for a while - walking safaris and bush time in Gorongosa followed by diving and beach time at Nuarro.

    What do you reckon?

    Professional Expert
    sandramallinson
    July 15th, 2011 at 1:19pm

  • 2: 

    Ooh yes please take me with you. There are direct flights between Bazaruto Island and Gorongosa though so maybe an island stay at Azura or Indigo afterwards would be in order, though I’m very keen to check out Coral Lodge and Nuarro - two off the beaten track lodges on private coastlines in Moz.

    Professional Expert
    liesel-muller
    July 15th, 2011 at 1:53pm

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