Mozambique & Zimbabwe Discovery

Pretoria - Hazyview. Our incredible African adventure begins today. Early this morning we depart for Kruger; southern Africa’s premier national park and camp outside the reserve in Hazyview. Kruger national park and the surrounding reserves are unfenced allowing abundance of wildlife to roam free. Kruger has every major Africa mammal including all the Big Five and over 500 species of birdlife. This evening we relax and enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around an open fire as we learn more about the fascinating people and their cultures.

Please note: Please arrive in Pretoria at least one night before your tour. There will be a pre-departure meeting at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure and the tour departs at 8am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions for more information. We can book an airport transfer from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport and Pretoria pre-tour accommodation upon request.

Today we board our specialised 4x4 game drive vehicles for a rewarding day in Kruger National Park. Going in search of the Big Five and other resident wildlife on a morning and afternoon game drive. We break for lunch and wait for the hottest part of the day to pass allowing the animal to be more active for our afternoon game drive.

Hazyview - Bilene. We leave Greater Kruger and journey into the picturesque Mozambique today. Our first night along the beautiful Indian Ocean coast is Bilene, also known as Praia do Bilene. The town is famous for the Uembje Lagoon (or San Marthino lake) where you can try out one of the best loved activities in Bilene - snorkelling! Our camp for the evening is located on top of the dunes overlooking the stunning lagoon itself. It’s here we spend the night lulled by the sound of the ocean and enjoy the fresh breeze as we unwind from our day.

Praia do Bilene – Tofo. The morning of day 4 we head further along the scenic coast via Inhambane to Tofo, our base for the next 2 nights. Tofo is a beautiful little beach town with open beaches and the slow pace of life makes it a great place for us to relax. There are many activities on offer such as horse riding, snorkelling and scuba diving. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays inhabit the coastline all year round but are in larger numbers in the summer months (November to March). Humpback whales usually arrive around mid-June and are present until mid-October. Check out the local bars and restaurants and sample the tasty seafood. If you wish, you can also take a trip into Inhambane, the second oldest town in Mozambique.

Day 5 is free to spend at leisure, discover the local tropical beaches or the many optional activities on offer. Why not climb the ladder at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Conception in Inhambane or head out to explore the reefs and see the colourful marine life found in this warm watery haven.

Tofo - Vilanculos. After breakfast on day 6 we leave Tofo and head to the spectacular Indian Ocean coast. We stop in the small town of Vilanculos, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Here we gather our luggage and snorkels for tomorrow’s island trip and board our traditional dhow boat to sail to our ‘rustic ‘bush camp. The beach camp is located on a remote stretch of the coast approximately 90 minutes sail from Vilanculos town itself. Arriving in the late afternoon and settle into our beach camp for the next 2 nights.

On day 7 we board our dhow boat to Magaruque Island, the third island in the archipelago and the closest to Vilanculos. Magaruque is the perfect place to relax and unwind. You're free to explore this beautiful island at leisure, snorkel and swim in the turquoise water, soak up the sun on the powdery-white beach. A delicious seafood lunch is included and we return to our campsite late afternoon.

Vilanculos area – Bandula Area. This morning we head back to our vehicle and travel inland. We set up camp close to the Chicamna dam and enjoy our last night in Mozambique before crossing the border into neighbouring Zimbabwe tomorrow. Our campsite is located within a 550-hectare conservancy.

Bandula Area - Masvingo (Zimbabwe). Our day starts very early as we begin our 400 km journey into Zimabwe, to the small town of Masvingo. Nearby is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Africa: the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. We camp nearby with ample time to explore the ruins at leisure with a local guide who will give you basic information of the area. If you have the energy there is the opportunity to trek to the top of the Hill Enclosure to enjoy a wondrous African sunset.

Masvingo – Bulawayo. Our journey continues as we head to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure to explore the pleasant city with broad tree-lined avenues and wide-open spaces.

This morning we take a short drive to Matabo National Park. Here, we enjoy a half day tour of the park with our local guides. Matabo is a remarkable park and has the largest number of Black and White Rhinos, leopards and black eagles. Our tour guide will take us on a game drive and a wilderness walk, where we can experience some of the more secluded places in search of these incredible animals.

The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you can book an optional extension to today's tour. Head into the Matobo Hills to see some of the ancient Bushmen paintings in the area, and visit the grave of Cecil Rhodes.

Bulawayo - Hwange National Park. Today we head to Zimbabwe’s largest and best-known park, Hwange National Park. In the early 19th century, it was the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi. Spanning across 14,600 square kilometres, Hwange is known for its population of African wild dogs and over 100 mammal species including Africa’s Big Five and abundant bird species. In the afternoon, we take a guided open vehicle game drive with the hope to spot some of the park's wildlife before returning to camp the night.

Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls. This morning we leave Hwange National Park and make our way to Victoria Falls town, where we visit the spectacular falls and see the mighty Zambezi River. After our visit the rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure or consider one of the optional activities that are on offer. From bungee jumps and gorge swings to helicopter flights and sunset cruises, Victoria Falls has it all.

Our 14 day Africa exploration comes to an end today, as we bid farewell to our guide and fellow travellers.

Consider extending your stay to partake in more optional activities at Victoria Falls. Post tour accommodation can be booked locally through your tour guide or in advance.