Best of Zimbabwe and Mozambique  

  Duration20 Days

Day 1 – Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park

This morning we leave the rumble and adventure of Victoria Falls behind us as we make the journey south to Hwange National Park.  Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks and offers excellent opportunities for viewing the diversity of wildlife that calls the park home.

Day 2 – Hwange National Park

Home to the big-5, Hwange National Park also offers a wide variety of plains game and birdlife.  We will spend the day game driving (in open 4×4 vehicles) through Hwange in search of the animals.

Day 3 – Matopos National Park

After breakfast we continue south towards Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Our afternoon will be spent exploring the Matopos National Park with a local guide. The park received recognition as a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site in 2003 and includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both Black and White Rhinoceros. Named after the Ndebele word “Matobo “, whose meaning “bald heads” refers to the rounded granite hills that surround it. We return to Bulawayo and our overnight stop for the night.

Day 4 – Great Zimbabwe Ruins

Our journey today takes us to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic site. Dating back to the Late Iron Age, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. We take time this afternoon to marvel at the intricate stone work and experience the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilisation.                                

Day 5 – Tshipise

Leaving the sites of Zimbabwe behind we cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa this afternoon. Our overnight stop allows us an opportunity to end the day with a swim in the hot springs of Tshipise.  

Day 6 – Johannesburg

This morning we take the highway south to Johannesburg, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 7 – Johannesubrg – Hlane Game Reserve, Eswatini

We depart Johannesburg and travel through scenic Mpumalanga until we reach Eswatini. Crossing into the country we enter Hlane Royal NP, home numerous animal species and diverse birdlife. The 30,000 hectare Nature Reserve has a wide variety of optional activities available. 

Day 8 Eswatini

Our stay in Eswatini presents us with an opportunity to enjoy a morning game drive in Hlane Game Reserve, after which we depart Hlane and head to another great reserve of Eswatini, Mlilwane.

Day 9 – Eswatini

An interwoven network of 9 trails traverse Mlilwane and this morning you will have the opportunity to explore these trails with your guide.  After enjoying lunch the afternoon will be spent at leisure.  Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the Ezulwini Valley. 

Day 10 – Maputo, Mozambique

With the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckoning we enter Mozambique and make our first stop in Maputo, the capital city offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures. Maputo offers interesting and varied architecture and no visit to the city would be complete without a browse through a market. Tonight we eat out and get a chance to experience the night-life of this intriguing city.

Day 11 – Inhambane – Barra Beach

Setting out for the Inhambane District we travel the northern road along the coast. While it is a long day on the road there is much to see as we pass the many villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane. Our journey will bring us to the palm lined beaches for two days of relaxation and ocean fun.

Day 12 – Inhambane

With two days of beach time we have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the more adventurous can sign up for a variety of optional activities. While the beaches at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling.

Day 13 – Inhambane

Today we make the short drive to Tofo to spend the day enjoying yet another of Mozambique’s iconic beach destination. With safe swimming, a charming market and a number of popular beach bars, Tofo is perfect for a day’s outing. A second day not only ensures that you have the opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer; it also allows us some flexibility to adapt to the weather.

Day 14 – Vilanculos
This morning we make a stop in Inhambane where you will have the opportunity to explore the market and the historic streets of this former slave trading port.  This 11^th century city is surrounded by magnificent beaches and numerous coconut palms.  This city was also well known as a major centre for ivory trade, as well as for whaling.  After spending time in Inhambane, we travel north to our next stop at Vilanculos. 

Day 15 – Bazaruto Archipelago Excursion

We board a traditional dhow this morning and set sail to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, one of the largest Marine reserves in Southern Africa. We spend the day exploring the islands, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of this island paradise. Be sure to keep your sunblock handy as today is filled with sun, sea, sand and exploration. We return in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned night of rest.

Day 16 – Xai Xai District

Well rested we set course for the Xai-Xai district, arriving in the late afternoon we have time for a walk on the beach or a sundowner to bid farewell to the Indian Ocean and the pristine beaches of Mozambique.

Day 17 – Mozambique to Kruger National Park, South Africa

Shaking the sand from our shoes, we pack up and depart Mozambique for the sounds of the bush of Kruger National Park.

Day 18 – Kruger National Park

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. Returning to camp this afternoon, and after a short break, there will be an opportunity to join an optional sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.

Day 19– Panorama Route

We set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. This evening there is an opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.

Day 20 – Johannesburg
Our final road trip takes us back to Johannesburg as we reflect on the wildlife and beaches that have filled our days. We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon where your tour comes to an end upon arrival.