14-Day Mozambique and Zim Explorer Adventure Camping Tour from Pretoria

14-Day Mozambique and Zim Explorer Adventure Camping Tour from Pretoria

Discover Southern Africa’s paradise and its many treasures; from the crystal waters and sun kissed beaches of Mozambique. Heading to the heart of Southern Africa, Victoria Falls, through rustic yet beautiful Zimbabwe. Travel from sandy beaches to bountiful game parks for ‘Big 5’ viewing, explore ancient Zimbabwe Ruins, walk with the rhinos and much more in this increasingly popular tour.

Please note: Due to weather conditions in Mozambique, an alternative itinerary has been put in place for April and May bookings.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pretoria – Hazyview

Stop At: Hazyview, Hazyview, Mpumalanga
From Pretoria, South Africa’s Administration city - we travel via the panoramic region of Mpumalanga with its beautiful scenery and dramatic escarpment views, to South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park and spend the night outside the reserve. Fences between the National Park and surrounding private reserves were removed several years ago to form the Greater Kruger, an area of some 24000 sq. km. Wildlife is free to roam the whole enormous area and it has become incredibly diverse in both fauna and flora. From the dwarf mongoose to the ‘Big Five’, almost every major African mammal (148 species) is present. There is also prolific birdlife (over 505 species) and over 330 varieties of trees.

This evening we immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around an open fire to learn more about these fascinating people.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Numbi, Hazyview,South Africa

Day 2: Hazyview – Kruger National Park

Stop At: Kruger National Park, South Africa
a resident guide for an intense but rewarding day in Kruger National Park. The impressive atmosphere of the park enables you to see why it is held in such high esteem amongst visitors from all over the world. We game drive in the morning and afternoon in search for the abundance of wildlife including the ‘Big 5’ – Rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard and lion together with a high density of other mammals and diverse bird species such as eagles, hornbills, vultures and bee eaters. We break during the middle of the day to enjoy the peace of the rest camp and wait out the hottest part of the day (when wildlife is usually less active). We then continue our game drive through the park exiting in the late afternoon and continue to our accommodation for the night.


Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hotel Numbi, Hazyview, South Africa

Day 3: Kruger National Park – Praia do Bilene

Stop At: Bilene, Bilene, Gaza Province
Today we cross the border to Mozambique and make our way to Bilene for our first night along the tropical coast. You’ll immediately notice the pace of the tour change in Mozambique. Travelling is generally slower and road conditions more demanding making for an excellent opportunity to take in the surrounding scenery and village life. Campsites are not as well appointed but compensate with amazing location and views. Towns and shops have fewer goods or less variety so it’s essential to pack must-have items before arrival to Mozambique. While this can sometimes be frustrating most travellers find they’ve settled into the surroundings and realise this is one of the more appealing and attractive aspects of their adventure tour. We are sure you will enjoy Mozambique but do try to warn you not to expect things to be the same as elsewhere in Southern Africa.

Bilene, also known as Praia do Bilene and was once called San Marthino is located 180km north of Mozambique and 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
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Laguna Camp, Bilene, Mozambique

Day 4: Praia do Bilene - Inhambane

Stop At: Inhambane, Inhambane, Inhambane Province
Today we travel along this scenic coast via Inhambane to Tofo where we will spend the next 2 nights. Tofo is a small beach town with lovely open beaches, where the pace of life slows allowing you to relax and soak up the atmosphere. 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. The natural vegetation of the coastal plain is dune forest, but this has largely been replaced by coconut palms, planted by the Portuguese and local Bitonga people to supply the thriving copra trade. There are some exciting bars and restaurants in the area - sample the local seafood, the area is famous for it - and the local beer (called ‘2M’) or else simply relax and enjoy a good read.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Fatima's Nest or similar, Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 5: Inhambane

Stop At: Inhambane, Inhambane, Inhambane Province
Today is a free day to enjoy the local tropical beaches and the many activities on offer. Nearby Inhambane has a rich history and offers a great opportunity to go out and explore the old city. Climb the ladder at the Cathedral of our lady of Conception Inhambane for fantastic 360-degree views of the surrounds. The local markets are also a highlight with fresh fish, seafood and farm produce on sale. You’ll soon see the mix of Arabic and African cultures that create a vibrant, eclectic style of its own.

If the delights of the ocean are your forte, then head out and explore the reefs and colourful marine life found in this warm watery haven.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Fatima's Nest or similar, Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 6: Inhambane – Vilanculos

Stop At: Vilanculos, Vilanculos, Inhambane Province
Leaving Inhambane we take the coastal route arriving at Vilankulo (or Vilanculos), the Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Named after a local tribal chief Gamala Vilankulo Mukoke, the town itself is only 5km long yet is a hive of activity, has a lively atmosphere and friendly people. On arrival, we gather our luggage and snorkels for the following day’s island trip and board our traditional dhow boat 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. We arrive in the late afternoon and settle in to our beach camp for the next 2 nights.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chigamane Camp or similar, Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 7: Vilanculos

Stop At: Magaruque Island, Mozambique
After breakfast we take our dhow boat to Magaruque Island, the third Island in the archipelago and the closest to Vilanculos. Here you can enjoy the island at leisure, snorkelling, swimming, walking or simply enjoy lazing on the pristine beach. A delicious seafood lunch is included in our Dhow Safari. With its powdery-white beaches, turquoise waters, and superb all-year round climate, Magaruque is perfect to relax, unwind and explore the local marine life. We return to our beach camp in the late afternoon to overnight.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chigamane Camp or similar, Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 8: Vilanculos area – Bandula Area

Stop At: Manica, Manica, Manica Province
We bid our seaside camp farewell and head back to our truck and then inland of Mozambique where we stop for the night in the Bandula area near the Chicamba Dam. Our campsite is located within a 550-hectare conservancy. The dam is a favourite for bass fishing where a catch and release program ensures the fish are conserved and can continue to grow in number. There is also a local environmental centre that aims to educate the local school children in the importance of conserving the local fauna and flora.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Casa Msika lodge, Bandula area, Mozambique

Day 9: Bandula Area – Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Stop At: Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Masvingo Zimbabwe
We depart early in the morning and cross the border into Zimbabwe and if time allows stop at the spectacular Birchenough Bridge (named after Sir Henry Birchenough). The bridge spans the Save River on its 400 km journey through Zimbabwe and Mozambique and is one of many scenic features of eastern Zimbabwe. We then make our way to Masvingo. Nearby is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Africa: the Great Zimbabwe National Monument. Dating back to 1200 AD this was once the home to an indigenous population of some 10,000 people. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area holds special significance to the country which took its name. Legend says this was the city where the Queen of Sheba resided, and archaeological finds uncovered gold, coins and porcelain from as far afield as Persia and China, highlighting the importance of the city as a trading post.

We camp nearby for easy access and ample time to explore the ruins at leisure with a resident guide who will explain the significance, history and culture 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 with spectacular views of the surrounds

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Norma Jean's Resort, Masvingo, Zimbabwe

Day 10: Masvingo – Bulawayo

Stop At: Bulawayo, Bulawayo, Bulawayo Province
Departing Masvingo, we drive to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city where we stop for supplies before heading to our campsite. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the surrounds at leisure.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Burke's Paradise, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Day 11: Bulawayo – Matobo National Park

Stop At: Matobo National Park, Matopos road, Bulawayo Zimbabwe
We explore the Matobo National Park on our half day guided tour. The wind-sculptured Matobo Hills are the site of numerous Bushman paintings and the area holds a special cultural and spiritual importance to the indigenous people. The reserve also has a large concentration of the Black and White Rhino and providing it’s safe to do so our guides will lead us on foot to search for these magnificent animals. Approaching these massive beasts is a heart racing, breath-taking and memorable experience. At such times it may be comforting to remember that rhinos are herbivores. The park also has a dense population of leopard and black eagle and we hope to catch sight of either (or both) of these creatures. We also keep a look out for giraffe, zebra, ostrich and a variety of antelope and buck species.

Note: There is an option to upgrade to a full day Matobo tour to include various historical sites. The price is listed in the optional excursions and can be arranged with your crew on the day.

Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Burke's Paradise, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Day 12: Bulawayo – Hwange National Park

Stop At: Hwange National Park Zimbabwe
Today we leave the picturesque Matopos area and head for the world-famous Hwange National Park. This is Zimbabwe’s largest and best-known park and was (in the early 19th century) the royal hunting grounds of the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi. In 1929 it was set aside as a National Park for the benefit of all Zimbabwe’s peoples. The park covers an area of over 14,600 sq km and is particularly known for its elephant but contains over 100 mammal species including Africa’s “Big 5" (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and buffalo), as well as giraffe, cheetah, gemsbok and the brown hyena and abundant bird species. Hwange is also known for its population of the Wild (Painted) Dog. Late in the day we take a locally guided open vehicle game drive and hope to glimpse some of the wildlife in the park before returning to camp for overnight.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Hwange Rest Camp or similar, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 13: Hwange National Park - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Stop At: Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province
Leaving the wilderness of the Hwange National park, we make our way to Victoria Falls, where we have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular ‘Falls’ themselves and the mighty Zambezi River. The Zambezi boasts one of the world’s highest rated rivers for best white river rafting with its many challenging as well as novice rapids. After our visit to the falls there are many optional activities to do and you will have the opportunity to enjoy these at leisure. Explore the colonial town on foot and visit the local trading markets. Some choose to cross the border for a day to visit into the neighbouring Zambia town, Livingstone; or take a leap of faith bungee jumping to the foot of the falls. From game walks, helicopter flips or jet boating to name a few, Victoria Falls will capture and fulfil your imagination, validating the myths of the African spirit.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at the Victoria Falls Rest Camp, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Day 14: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Stop At: Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province
Arrangements end after breakfast on Day 14.
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.