safari guides
Be a part of our experiences, led by our seasoned safari guides, who not only possess extensive experience but also an unreplicable passion for wildlife.
At the forefront of our team is Robert, a certified professional safari guide holding the prestigious FGASA Apprentice Field Guide (NQF2) certificate. With a multilingual proficiency in Spanish, Catalan, English, Italian, and Portuguese, Robert ensures that language is never a barrier, making your safari experience not only thrilling but also comfortably accessible.
Our guides go beyond being mere experts, they are dedicated wildlife enthusiasts committed to providing you with an immersive and enlightening journey through the Gorongosa National Park and Zinave National Park in Mozambique and Kruger National Park and Pridelands Conservancy in South Africa. Robert's expertise extends beyond the technicalities of safari guiding; he possesses a deep understanding of animal behavior, ensuring that every encounter is respectful and in harmony with the natural rhythm of the wild.
When you choose our safari experience, you're not just selecting a guided tour; you're entrusting your adventure to individuals who have crafted a reputation for delivering exceptional sightings and patient photography opportunities.
With care and a thoughtful approach towards each individual guest, our guides have become synonymous with offering unforgettable moments without disrupting the animals' natural behaviors.
Join us for an unforgettable safari where you can trust in the expertise and genuine passion of our guides, ensuring that every moment is curated with a profound appreciation for the wonders of nature.
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About the Zinave National Park
Where Zinave Fits in Africa’s Great Wilderness
Hidden deep in the southern reaches of Inhambane Province, along the banks of the Save River, lies Zinave National Park, one of Mozambique’s most extraordinary secrets, a place where the wilderness still feels untouched, where silence stretches across ancient riverbeds, and where nature is writing one of Africa’s greatest comeback stories.
Covering roughly 400,000 hectares (about 4,000 km² / 1,540 sq miles), Zinave is vast, larger than many small countries and bigger than some well-known national parks elsewhere in Africa.
It sits at a unique ecological crossroads between wetter tropical lands to the east and dry inland savannah to the west, a transition zone that supports a remarkable diversity of habitats from riverine forests to mopane and miombo woodlands.
The park also forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), a vast 10‑million‑hectare landscape shared with Zimbabwe and South Africa that supports wildlife migrations and ecological connectivity on an unprecedented scale.
Mozambique’s wild heart reborn
Created in the 1970s (officially declared in June 1973), Zinave was once a vibrant wildlife refuge, but years of conflict left its plains quiet and nearly empty. Today, thanks to the dedicated work of the Mozambican authorities and Peace Parks Foundation, this landscape is alive again. Over the last decade, Zinave has undergone one of the most ambitious rewilding projects on the continent, with thousands of animals (elephant, buffalo, sable, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and many more) carefully reintroduced to their ancestral home. Even rhinos have returned to these soils after more than forty years, marking a historic milestone for Mozambique and restoring the essence of a true African ecosystem.
What makes Zinave so special is not only its wildlife, but the feeling it gives you. This is not a polished, commercial safari destination. This is raw Africa, wild, remote, authentic, and wonderfully unpredictable. The Save River winds through woodlands of mopane and miombo, past giant baobabs and acacia-dotted plains, drawing life in every direction. Hippos grunt from hidden pools, birds call across the floodplains, and the big mammals move freely through a landscape that still belongs entirely to them.
For travellers, Zinave offers something rare: a safari that feels intimate, genuine, and deeply connected to the place.
No crowds. No rush. No staged experiences.
Just the rhythm of nature, the comfort of a simple camp, and the freedom to explore a park that remains almost unknown to the outside world.
At Mozambique Experience, we have watched Zinave transform year after year. We have seen the first elephants return, the first calves born, the first predators track across reopened corridors. And because we’ve spent over 15 years living here, watching this country grow and change, we know exactly how precious a place like Zinave is, a wilderness still in its purest form, where tourism hasn’t reshaped the landscape, and where every sighting feels like a privilege.
Bringing our guests to Zinave is not just about offering a safari.
It’s about inviting them to witness the rebirth of a national park, to support conservation that truly matters, and to experience Mozambique as we know it: authentic, wild, soulful, and unforgettable.
Zinave is not just a destination.
It is the Mozambique we fell in love with, still alive, still raw, still real.
Game Drive
Our game drives in Zinave typically last around three hours, offering an exciting journey through the park’s diverse landscapes. We set out during the best wildlife viewing times, early mornings and late afternoons, when animals are most active. From open savannahs to lush riverbanks, we explore different habitats, increasing our chances of spotting a wide variety of species.
Our guides are not just drivers, they’re passionate storytellers, conservationists, and wildlife experts. They know how to track animals, share fascinating insights, and ensure a comfortable and engaging experience for everyone. We take our time, making stops to fully appreciate sightings, observe animal behavior, and take photos. Every drive is different, and that’s what makes Zinave so exciting, nature always has surprises in store.
Accommodation & Camp
We believe that where you stay is just as important as the safari itself. That’s why we choose accommodations in Zinave that offer comfort while staying true to nature. Whether it’s an eco-friendly lodge or a cozy tented camp, each option is designed to blend seamlessly with the environment.
Our lodges prioritize sustainability, using solar power, locally sourced materials, and responsible water management to minimize their impact. After a full day of exploring, there’s nothing better than unwinding under the stars, listening to the sounds of the wild, and enjoying warm Mozambican hospitality.
Average Maximum Summer Temperature (October–March): Daytime temperatures typically reach around 31°C (88°F) during these months.
Average Minimum Winter Temperature (April–September): Nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of 13°C (55°F) in the coolest months, such as June, July, and August.
Safari Vehicle
For our safaris, we use sturdy 4x4 vehicles specially designed for Zinave’s terrain. With open sides for unobstructed views, these vehicles are perfect for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. We keep them well-maintained to ensure safety and comfort, and we always follow strict environmental guidelines to minimize our impact on the park. Our goal is to get you as close to the wildlife as possible while respecting the animals and their space.
What To Bring
A list of the recommended material to bring for a land safari: Please note, early hours experience low temperatures.
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Proper neutral coloured clothing and comfortable shoes (in case of walking safari)
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Warm jacket and jersey
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Gloves, beanie and scarf as it gets chilly in the mornings and evenings during winter
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Hat for protecting both the head and neck
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Binoculars
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Camera and extra batteries
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Flashlight
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Cash (South African Rands, US Dollar)
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South African adaptors (can be purchased in Kruger) to charge batteries
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Mosquito prophylaxis, Insect repellent
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Sun Block (cream, sunglasses, hats..)
POSSIBLE SIGHTINGS
In 2024, Zinave National Park offers an exciting and diverse range of wildlife sightings, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers. Elephants, giraffes, and zebras are frequently seen roaming the park’s open plains and woodlands. Several antelope species, including impala, kudu, and sable, thrive in the area. Predators such as lions and leopards, which have been successfully reintroduced, add to the park’s growing biodiversity. Bird enthusiasts can look forward to spotting African fish eagles, vultures, and a variety of waterbirds near the Save River. With its ongoing conservation efforts, Zinave continues to re-establish itself as a prime wildlife sanctuary.
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CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Zinave isn’t just a national park, it’s a place of restoration and hope. Thanks to partnerships with organizations like the Peace Parks Foundation, Zinave has become a model for conservation in Mozambique. Over the years, key species have been reintroduced, reviving the park’s ecosystem and bringing balance back to the land.
We strongly believe in responsible tourism, and by visiting Zinave, you’re directly contributing to its ongoing protection. Anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs all play a crucial role in keeping the park thriving. The work being done here is making a real difference, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
For us, Zinave isn’t just a destination, it’s a mission. And we love sharing it with guests who want to experience something meaningful, wild, and unforgettable.
