Mozambique Transfrontier Safari

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Departing at 06h30 from Johannesburg, we head for the spectacular scenery of the Mpumalanga province. We will visit the pioneer gold mining village of Pilgrims Rest and the Three Rondavels that tower over the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve along the way. Late in the afternoon we descend from the Blyde escarpment to the Balule Game reserve adjoining the Kruger National Park. After dinner enjoy an open vehicle night game drive in this "Big 5" reserve.
meals: dinner
accommodation: accommodated

Day 2

Arising with the African sun, we set out on foot for a lengthy walk in search of animals in their natural habitat. During the walk our tracker will give us some insight into the art of tracking, before returning to camp for a healthy brunch and a swim before packing up and moving on into the Kruger National Park – widely acclaimed as being Africa's most successful Nature Reserve. We will spend two nights in the Park's rest camps and our time will be spent game driving in search of the many animals and bird species that inhabit the area.
meals: Brunch & dinner
accommodation: camping

Day 3

This entire day is for viewing animals from our well-equipped vehicle. We will search for the "Big 5" today, heading north in the in the Kruger National Park .
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
accommodation: camping

Days 4 & 5

This morning, we cross the border into Mozambique. At this point the road becomes a bush track, and we will follow the path of the Limpopo River before venturing into the heart of the wilderness. The area that we traverse over the next days has remained virtually unexplored by humans and forms the Mozambique side of the Limpopo Transfrontier Peace Park (which includes Kruger and parks in Zimbabwe). 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 two nights camping wild, exploring both on foot and by vehicle and enjoying the serenity of the wilderness. Road conditions are rough and river crossings numerous, you will be expected to assist in difficult sections, but for those seeking true adventure and unspoiled Africa, there are few areas that compare with this.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
accommodation: bush camping

Days 6 & 7

Leaving the Transfrontier Park, we make our way across the Limpopo River and into the heart of the Banhine / Zinave wilderness region where we will spend two more nights wild bush camping. The Zinave Park was once renowned for its abundant wildlife and we will attempt to traverse the park. Few people have visited these areas in the last two decades.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
accommodation: camping

Days 8 & 9

Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en-route to the Mozambique coast. Our next stop is Vilanculos - on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the Mozambique islands of the idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. Two nights will be spent here in local style "casitas", situated literally on the beach. We will enjoy a traditional Dhow trip to the islands and will have the opportunity to snorkel along a reef in this marine reserve (dependant on weather conditions). On one night in Vilanculos we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. (Own expense)
meals: breakfast & lunch on both days, dinner on 1 day
accommodation: accommodated

Days 10, 11 & 12

Moving south along the Mozambique coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our beach camp on the Barra Peninsula under the Coconut Palms. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort, staying in casitas relaxing, snorkelling, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. For those who wish, there are options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense). On the last night at Barra beach we enjoy a catered meal (own expense).
meals: breakfast & lunch on both days, dinner on 2 days
accommodation: accommodated

Day 13

Well relaxed and sun-drenched, we continue down the coast to the Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, where we spend some time driving around and exploring this once grandiose city. Maputo boasts a Latino culture of street cafés, music and bustling markets. We cross the bay on the Catembe Ferry to our overnight stay in a comfortable hotel. Tonight we will eat in a local restaurant, sampling some of the local seafood (own expense). For the brave, traditional Peri–Peri is a must.
meals: breakfast & lunch
accommodation: accommodated

Day 14

It is with new excitement that we venture back into the bush. Driving on sandy tracks we wind our way south to the Maputo Elephant reserve where we will spend the entire afternoon exploring the coastal flood plains and surrounding forests in search of these larger than average African elephants. Somehow, during the war years these elephants survived by moving down the Futi channel into South Africa, it is one of nature’s miracles that they have now returned in large numbers.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
accommodation: camping

Days 15 & 16

Returning to South Africa today via the Ponta do Ouro border post, we enter the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu. We will spend two nights at a rustic Zululand camp in the sand forest on a private reserve adjoining Lake St Lucia near Hluhluwe. During our stay we will enjoy game walks through the forest, experience an open vehicle game drive in Hluhluwe Game Reserve and will visit a rural Zulu school sponsored through the benefits of tourism.
meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner
accommodation: accommodated

Day 17

Our journey today takes us through the heart of Kwazulu - Natal, we will pass many rural Zulu villages and some spectacular scenery en-route back to Johannesburg. We arrive back in Johannesburg in the late afternoon.
meals: breakfast

To ensure plenty of time to enjoy all there is on offer in Johannesburg/Pretoria we can organise any accommodation you may require if you want to arrive early or stay on after your tour ends. We can book airport transfers and additional accommodation, please contact us for assistance.

Price Includes

Itinerary as specified, fully equipped safari vehicle, services of tour leader and camp courier, all accommodation, all camping and catering equipment and National Park entrance fees. Meals as specified.

Price Excludes

International Airfares, travel and medical insurance, personal spending money, visas, passports, vaccinations, personal taxes (including departure and border taxes) all optional activities, unscheduled or optional national / game parks and other activities, gratuities, sleeping bag, restaurant meals and all other items of a personal nature. All drinks, even on days with full board basis.