Mozambique: Gorongosa - Chitengo Camp **

Chitengo Camp in Gorongosa National Park - the accommodation currently consists of 6 old-style bungalows, which are situated in the midst of the camp near the restaurant and pool. The pool is in a fenced grassed area (also a separate kiddies pool); it is a shady area and a nice place to cool oneself off in; there are loungers for relaxing on. The older rooms are spacious and bathrooms are clean; and 5 new bungalows, situated further away from the restaurant. These bungalows are also comfortable but smaller than the older-style rooms. Gardens around the new bungalows are currently being developed. Currently all the staff of Gorongosa National Park live within the Chitengo camp and it is thus very busy and noisy at times.



All bungalows have 'windows' screened with fly-netting (no glass)(too hot for glass). Practical bathroom with good shower pressure and hot water. Two lounge chairs in the bedroom. Mirror table and chair. Beds with good mattress and linen. Extra blankets available. Fluffy towels and hand soap supplied. Bottled mineral water in the rooms on arrival. Insect spray in the rooms. Presently the camp power is supplied by generator which is turned off between 22h00 to 06h00 (there is air-conditioning in the new rooms - they are expecting to get mains electricity within the year). The hot water boilers (donkeys) are lit every morning and evening to ensure that clients have hot water. There is one "Presidential Bungalow" with a TV and could be used as a Family room.



At the time of visit (May 2007) meals are served in a lively atmosphere with a mingling of scientists, tourists and employees. Since everyone lives at Chitengo the food is presented buffet style. The staff speak English (some better than others), Portuguese and the local dialect of Shona. The camp is wireless connected and there is a good cellular phone connection (cell-tower in camp).



The camp is quite extensive and fenced, the inner sector is planted with introduced Cassia trees and some bougainvillea but further afield the camp has some good thorn bush, palm and thicket vegetation. Birding in camp is good with a resident pair of Black-and-White (Vanga) Flycatchers, East Coast (Mozambique) Batis, Greater and Lesser honeyguides, Collared Palm-thrush, African Hoopoe, White-crested and Retz's Helmet-shrikes, African Cuckoo-hawk, Red-necked Falcon, and a lot more.



Getting there : Fly Johannesburg to Chimoio (via Beira) or direct to Beira. From either place a road transfer can be arranged through Chitengo Camp. The transfer from Chimoio to Chitengo (110 kms) takes approximately 1-2 hours or 3 hours from Beira (200kms). The roads are in excellent condition. Please be aware that the gate to Gorongosa National Park closes at 6pm.There is an airstrip and it ispossible to arrange for an air charter direct to Chitengo Camp.







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