L (Lunch) D (Dinner) B (Breakfast) BR (Brunch)
Mozambique --a crossroads of civilizations, cultures and landscapes, influenced from the early days by nomadic tribes, Arab traders, British sailors and Portuguese colonials, then torn apart by over 20 years of civil war. With newfound peace, and a fast growing economy recently reopened to tourism, Mozambique offers the explorer a wealth of treasures in the form of untouched wilderness areas, natural beauty, deserted beaches, and unique cultural heritage. This tour combines the well-known attractions of the Kruger Park in South Africa where animals abound, living in their natural environment, with the recently initiated Transfrontier Peace Park. The same Park incorporates the existing Kruger Park as well as large adjoining parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The tour will traverse the South African and the Mozambique sections, using rough bush tracks for the Mozambican part. The tour will also include visits to natural and cultural attractions, pristine Indian Ocean beaches, including the Bazaruto Archipelago. We enjoy a night in the capital Maputo, where we experience the Latino culture, and enjoy the city.
DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Departing at 6h30 from Johannesburg, "City of Gold", we head for the spectacular scenery of the Mpumalanga province. By midday we enter the Kruger Park and start to search for the “Big Five”. We will overnight in a bungalow or safari tent.
DAY 2: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK LD
This entire day is for viewing animals in the Kruger Park from our well-equipped vehicle. We will search for the "Big 5 and overnight in a private game reserve. After dinner we will enjoy an open vehicle night game drive.
DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK B
Arising with the African sun, we set out on foot for a lengthy game walk. Our tracker will show us animals in their natural habitat and he will give us some insight into the art of tracking. We return to the camp for a healthy brunch before doing our last game drive and spending the night in the park.
DAY 4: TRANSFRONTIER PARK - XAI XAI (MOZAMBIQUE)
This morning, we cross the border into Mozambique. At this point the road becomes a bush track, which we will follow, venturing into the heart of the wilderness. The area that we traverse today is the Mozambique side of the Transfrontier Peace Park. This section is privileged to have remained virtually unexplored by travelers. The bush is exceptional, and offers areas of exquisite natural beauty and wildlife. The diversity of the flora ensures some of the finest birding in Africa. We will spend our first Mozambican night in Xai Xai. Road conditions are rough, clients will be expected to assist in difficult sections, but for those seeking true adventure and unspoiled Africa, and there are few areas that compare with this.
Located near the provincial capital of Gaza, Xai Xai has one of the single most beautiful beaches in Southern Africa. Enjoy the great expanse of clean sand along these warm tropical waters, as well as small tidal pools teeming with sea life. A great reef runs parallel to the beach, providing a natural protection against strong waves. We will overnight in Bungalows on the dunes with uninterrupted views of the ocean.
DAY 5 - 6: INHAMBANE BLD
Moving north along the coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. Our adventurers will enjoy a trip across the bay on a traditional Dhow. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our lodge on the seaside. During our time here we will relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. Those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach.
DAY 7- 8: MORRUNGULO BLD
Morrungulo Bay is at the end of a 13 kms sand road for which a 4x4 is compulsory. The road takes you through the coconut groves and past many local settlements. Morrungulo is situated in an unspoiled natural bay amongst thousands of palm trees and is considered by many as the most picturesque area on the mainland south of the Bazaruto Islands. Along this stretch of coastline you will overnight in casitas between groves of palm and casuarinas trees. This isolated area features a well-established dive center offering diving instruction, snorkeling, swimming and excellent big game fishing!
DAY 9 - 10: VILANCULOS BLD
Our next stop is Vilanculos, on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the Idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend two nights here in casitas, situated literally on the beach. Weather permitting, we will enjoy a traditional Dhow trip to the islands and have the opportunity to snorkel along a reef in this marine reserve.
DAY 11: VILANCULOS - XAI XAI
Going to Maputo, we will stop over in Xai Xai for a last swim in the warm Ocean. We will overnight at the same lodge where we slept on day 4.
DAY 12: XAI XAI MAPUTO BL
Well relaxed and sun-drenched, we continue down the coast to the capital Maputo where we spend some time driving around and exploring this once grandiose city. Maputo boasts a Latino culture of street cafés, live music and bustling markets. Tonight we will spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse and eat in a local restaurant, sampling some of the fresh local seafood. For the brave, Peri–Peri is a must. A music tour is planned for those who want to discover the sounds of Lourenço Marques (former colonial name for Maputo).
DAY 13: Maputo - Johannesburg B Johannesburg, South Africa. Today is our last day of this expedition. We end our long journey in Johannesburg. Here we can drop you off at the airport or at your accommodation in Johannesburg. Those with more time are invited to continue the adventure with a trip through South Africa. Either way, we hope you will never forget this diverse and adventurous trip.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tour covers areas of Mozambique that are virtually unexplored and as such, have little or no road and other infrastructure. A 4x4 expedition vehicle is used but even this is no guarantee that we will always be able to stick to our planned route. Road conditions, rising rivers or other factors beyond our control may necessitate detours and/or inconvenience - particularly after heavy rains. Due to the extreme nature of this tour we insist that clients travel with an open and flexible attitude, and are prepared to accept inconvenience and discomfort. For those that are looking for true adventure, this is the ultimate journey. You will be rewarded with the experience of unspoiled wilderness.
Besides an adventurous spirit, visas are required by most nationalities for Mozambique. All passport holders will obtain their visa at the Mozambican border. Seasonal Malaria precautions are advised and are locally obtainable. If available, bring a mask and fins for snorkeling. Scuba diving will be available at some of the beach resorts - clients wishing to partake must bring the necessary certification. The recommended currency for this tour is the South African Rand, and this can be purchased at Johannesburg airport. Our price includes all transport, accommodation, meals as specified, entry fees, and permits. Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, optional excursions and items of a personal nature are for the client's own expense.
*If you are more than 6 participants, we will be able to supply and additional vehicle/trailer.
One of the participants will be driving the second vehicle. The tour leader will always be in touch with the second vehicle.
SAFARI LODGE, NON PARTICIPATION
These safaris run with a maximum of 6 clients, accompanied by a guide, who is also the driver. The same guide will take care of you and will organize any kind of reservations (activities). Most of the lunches are provided in the restaurants of the Lodges and included in the tour. If some lunches are not included in the tour, decision will be taken by the participants for other alternatives (self catering or restaurant) this is a non-participation trip.
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