Our Story
Air Gorongosa is a multi-faceted aviation Company, offering a wide range of fixed wing services in-, around- and out of Mozambique and Southern Africa. Safari Air was established in 2006, transporting passengers to and from lodges.
Connecting Mozambique to nature, opportunity & healthcare.
Long before Air Gorongosa existed, small aircraft were already flying into remote airstrips across Mozambique, supporting safari lodges, conservation areas, and communities far from major cities, operating as Safari Air Africa. These early bush flights helped connect wildlife reserves and remote regions that depended on aviation for access.
During these formative years, the Svendsen family became deeply involved in the aviation operations that supported these remote conservation areas.
Together, their experience and commitment helped build a strong operational foundation for what would eventually become a much larger aviation platform.
Over time, the next generation of the family became closely involved. Today, Safari Air is led by David and Tessa Svendsen, who have guided the company through a period of growth, resilience, and transformation. Their vision has always been simple: aviation should not only connect destinations, it should connect opportunity.
Flying across Mozambique reveals a country of extraordinary landscapes, from vast river deltas and coastal islands to national parks rich with wildlife.
Through this partnership, aviation became a natural extension of that vision. Together, the goal is to build an aviation platform that supports tourism, conservation, and healthcare access across Mozambique.
In doing so, aviation becomes more than transport. It becomes a bridge, connecting people to nature, connecting remote regions to opportunity, and helping support healthcare services for communities in Gorongosa.
Through years of flying across the country, from river deltas and coastal islands to national parks and vibrant cities, one thing became clear: aviation plays a vital role in keeping Mozambique connected.
Building an airline is never a straight path.
Cyclones caused widespread damage to infrastructure and tourism operations. Shortly after, the global COVID-19 pandemic brought international travel to an abrupt standstill. For aviation companies across Africa, it was one of the most difficult periods in modern history.
But during these challenges, the team behind the airline remained committed to one goal: keeping aircraft flying and keeping Mozambique connected.
Gradually, the operation rebuilt and expanded. New aircraft joined the fleet, routes grew, and the airline began supporting not only tourism but also logistics, conservation work, and medical access across the country. What started as a small aviation operation slowly evolved into something much larger; a growing aviation platform serving Mozambique.
The Birth of Air Gorongosa
This partnership brings together aviation, conservation, and community development with a shared vision for Mozambique’s future. Air Gorongosa is being built as an airline with a deeper purpose: connecting people across the country while helping support healthcare access for communities.
Through this initiative, the airline contributes directly to the development of hospital services and healthcare infrastructure in Gorongosa. It means aviation becomes more than transportation. It becomes a bridge, connecting travellers, communities, and opportunity.
