Explore Mozambique

Group Size: 4 – 22 Passengers                                                      Tour Length: 21 days

Day 1 Johannesburg- Thsipise

Today is unfortunately spent driving from Johannesburg towards Thsipise – a mineral hot springs resort. This evening the Tour Leader will give an extensive briefing and oversight of the itinerary and there will be lots of time to ask questions.

Day 2 - 3 Louis Trichardt – Bulawayo

Today we will be driving to Buluwayo, which is the second largest city in Zimbabwe. You will be pitching your tents to overnight for two nights here in this private game lodge. The next day you will have the opportunity to visit the Matopos National Park with its spectacular granite landscapes.  These wind eroded rock formations have been dated back to millions of years. The vista from Worlds View where Cecil John Rhodes is buried is breathtaking. In the park you will have a good chance of seeing White Rhinos, Giraffes, Sables, Eland and Zebras.

Days 4 - 6 Bulawayo - Livingstone

Today’s drive will take you to Victoria Falls (the locals call it Mosi-Oa-Tunya - the smoke that thunders) and then on to Livingstone. You can see the misty haze above the falls from far away as you approach the town. The 1.7 km wide Zambezi River falls pushes 55 000 cubic meters of water per second for a 107meters down into the narrow gorge. Due to the tremendous mist that erupts from the gorge a rain forest has grown in the area, which is home to various species of apes and buck.

You will be staying here for 2 days, which will give you ample time to explore the town and area on your own. Victoria Falls is the adrenaline capital of Zimbabwe. Those who dare can take on the rapids of the Zambezi (with names like the Washing Machine and Terminator!!) with your fellow travellers and an experienced guide. Be warned though that the ride can get rough and you will need all your strength to stay on board.

Go and take a Flight of the Angels - a flight in a light aircraft or ultra light plane – flown at low altitude over the Victoria Falls. When Livingston arrived at the Falls for the first time he said that ‘Angels must be speechless when flying over such beauty.

Day 7 Livingstone - Lusaka

You will be travelling further Northwards into Zambia today. The long drive today will be characterised by lots of smiles and waves by the locals and stunning landscapes. Zambia is a relatively new destination for tourists and is thus still very unspoilt. We will set up camp on the outskirts of Lusaka.

Day 8 Lusaka – Petauke /Chipata

We will be travelling past huge Baobab trees and potholed roads today and the going might be slow. Depending on the road and weather conditions we might overnight in Petuake or in Chipata.

Day 9 – 10 Petauke /Chipata - Senga Bay

We cross the border into Malawi today and go past the town of Lilongwe and Salima before we come to the shores of Lake Malawi. Senga Bay is a rustic fishing community rich in culture and identity. During your stay here you can walk to town and barter for curious if you like, you can go snorkel in the fresh water lake or catch a tan on the shores on the beach! Malawi is well known for its quality light wood carvings therefore it would be a good idea to make use of this opportunity.

Day 11 Senga Bay – Blantyre

As with most big African cities, there is little of interest to do other than to buy books and maps, get visas (for those that would need it) and relax at the many cafes and restaurants. The National Museum is worth a visit to view traditional weapons and artifacts, but on a hot afternoon check out the Carlsberg Brewery for a guided tour and a free tasting session!

Day 12  Blantyre – Bandula

Departing early today the long drive will take you over the border with Mozambique to the small settlement of Bandula. The majority of the day will be spent driving along the Tete corridor. 

Day 13 – 15  Bandula – Vilanculos (Benguerra Excursion)

Continuing towards the coast you will arrive in Vilanculos in the early afternoon. Most people skip pitching their tents and run over the white sandy beach into the warm aquamarine water! The camp is located on the beach and within walking distance of convenience stores and bars.

Off the coast of Vilanculos lies the island chain of Paraiso and the Bazaruto National Park.  The islands are known as the most beautiful in Africa due to the tropical waters, coral reefs, and white palm lined beaches. The waters around the islands are protected for the purpose of conservation. The extremely rare Dugong is found in the shallows here and with a little luck will be spotted. You will head over to the island of Benguerra on a traditional Dhow sailing boat on day 14 where you will have ample time to explore. You will be staying on Bounty Island this evening in a beach side ‘Cabana”.

Day 16 – 17 Vilanculos - Inhambane

Continuing South today you will head to the former Portuguese slave trading town of Inhambane. Before heading out to your accommodation you will be given time to browse the local markets. Exotic fruits, spices and fresh fish are the order of the day. Staying on the beach again for two days you can choose exactly what you would like to do! Numerous water sports are available such as Scuba diving, snorkeling or even try your hand at sailing a Dhow.

Day 18 Inhambane - Maputo

Enjoy your last day in Mozambique while you head South to the capitol city Maputo. During today’s drive you will see the new Mozambique come to the fore. Maputo is the most developed area in the country and is the driving force behind the countries economy. 

Day 19 - 20 Maputo - Kruger NP

Leaving Mozambique today you will re-enter South Africa and after a short drive will enter the Kruger National Park. The rest of the day will be spent game driving in the park. Everyone will be keeping their eyes open for the ‘Big Five’ but there are hundreds of others species of animals and birds to look for as well. Kruger is the largest game park in South Africa and boasts all major predators including the very rare Wild Dog and Cheetah. Kruger has recently removed its fences bordering Mozambique and Zimbabwe to allow traditional migratory patterns of elephants and other species to re-establish. The excellent facilities in the park and well stocked stores will be a treat to all.

Day 21 Kruger NP – Pretoria/ Johannesburg

The early morning game drive today will mark the end of activities with the whole group. The drive to Pretoria/ Johannesburg this afternoon will highlight yet again the contrasts in scenery and vegetation found in South Africa . The tour will terminate when you are dropped off at the Airport or the departure point.