MOZAMBIQUE - TRANSFRONTIER 4X4 EXPLORER

A cross-roads 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 new-found peace, and a fast growing economy recently reopened for 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 attraction of the Kruger National Park, where animals abound, living in their natural environment, with the recently initiated Transfrontier Peace Park. This new park will incorporate the existing Kruger Park as well large adjoining parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. We will traverse the entire Mozambique section, using rough bush tracks, and camping wild at remote, unspoiled, yet incredibly scenic bush camps. The tour will also visit scenic and cultural attractions in the former homeland of Venda, and will spend time at deserted Indian Ocean beaches. We end with a night in the capital Maputo, where we experience the culture, and enjoy the nightlife. A 4x4 expedition vehicle is used for this tour, but clients must expect delays, detours, and inconvenience associated with exploring such rough terrain. An open mindset is essential.

Departing at 06h30 from Johannesburg, “City of Gold”, we head for the spectacular scenery of the Mpumalanga province. We will visit numerous sights including the pioneer gold mining village of Pilgrims Rest and the Three Rondavels that tower over the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Late in the afternoon we descend from the escarpment to the Kruger area where we overnight in the comfortable DRIFTERS BUSHVELD CAMP within the Balule Game reserve adjoining the National Park. After dinner we will enjoy an open vehicle night game drive. D

Arising with the African sun, we set out on foot in this “Big 5” reserve for a lengthy walk. Our tracker will attempt to show us animals in their natural habitat and to give us some insight into the art of tracking. We return to camp for a healthy brunch and a swim before packing up and moving on to the world-renowned Kruger National Park - widely acclaimed as being Africa’s most successful Nature Reserve. We will spend our time here game driving in search of the many animal and bird species that inhabit the area, and will camp two nights in the parks rest camps. Brunch D

This entire day is for viewing animals in the Kruger from our well-equipped vehicle. We will search for the “Big 5” today, covering most of the northern area of the Park. Camp the night. B L D

This morning, after a visit to Crook’s corner, the point marking the border between South Africa Mozambique and Zimbabwe and renowned as a hideout for poachers in the colonial days, 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 toward Mapai before venturing into the heart of the wilderness. The area that we traverse over the next days is what forms the Mozambique side of the Transfrontier Peace Park and is privileged to have remained virtually unexplored by humans. 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, clients 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. B L D

DAY 6 – 7: BANHINE / ZINAVE 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 nights wild bush camping.We will attempt to traverse some of the Zinave Park, once renowned for its abundant wildlife. Few people have visited these areas in the last two decades. B L D

Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en route to the coast. Our next stop is Vilanculos - on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the Idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend the night here in casitas, situated literally on the beach. Tonight we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. (Own expense) B L D

DAY 9-10 -11: INHAMBANE

Moving south along the coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. Clients will enjoy a trip across the bay on a traditional Dhow while the guide drives around to meet them in town. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our DRIFTERS BARRA BEACH CAMP under the Coconut Palms on the beach. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort , staying in Casitas at this camp and 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. On the last night we enjoy a catered meal (own expense). Those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense). B L D DAY 12: CHIDENGUELE
After a day of crossing vast coastal flood plains and passing through forests of cashew nut trees, we arrive at our next stop - the pristine resort of Chidenguele. Situated on a sand dune, inland is thick coastal forest and large freshwater lakes; to the other side is deserted sandy beach as far as the eye can see. We have an afternoon here to explore the area and to walk to the deserted lighthouse that can be climbed for a stunning view of the surrounding area. Overnight in comfortable bungalows. B L D

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, music and bustling markets. Tonight we will eat in a local restaurant, sampling some of the local seafood (own expense). For the brave, Peri–Peri is a must. The night is spent in a comfortable hotel. B L

After crossing Maputo Harbour on the Catembe Ferry, it is with new excitement that we venture back into the bush. Driving on sandy tracks we wind our way south to the 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. We will camp the night. B L D

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 the DRIFTERS ZULULAND CAMP, a rustic camp in the sand forest on our 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 which Drifters sponsors through the benefits of tourism. B L D

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 at JOHANNESBURG in the late afternoon.

Important information: This tour covers areas of Mozambique that are virtually unexplored and as such, have little or no road or other infrastructure. A 4X4 expedition vehicle will be used but even this is no guarantee that we will always be able to stick to the planned route. Road conditions, rising rivers or other factors beyond our control may necessitate major detours and inconvenience, particularly after heavy rains. Due to the extreme nature of this tour we insist that clients travel with and open and flexible attitude, and are prepared to accept inconvenience and discomfort when necessary. We do not recommend this tour for clients over 55 years of age. For those that are looking for true adventure this is the ultimate journey, and on parts of the tour clients will be rewarded with experiencing unspoiled wilderness seldom visited by other humans.

Besides an adventurous spirit, visas are required by most nationalities for Mozambique, and these are the clients responsibility and should be obtained in advance. Malaria precautions are advised. If available, bring a mask and fins for snorkelling. Scuba diving will be available at some of the beach resorts - clients wishing to partake must bring the necessary certifications. The recommended currency for this tour is the South African Rand, and this can be purchased at the Johannesburg International Airport.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For this tour, an open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other inconveniences encountered in developing countries. Visas are required by all nationalities for Mozambique, and by some for Malawi and Zambia ; these are the client’s responsibility. Precautions against malaria are advisable. A small daypack is advisable for the hike on Mulanje. The recommended currency for this tour is the US Dollar, in small denominations.
Our price includes all transport, accommodation, entry fees and permits, game drives and walks, canoe trip, group equipment, professional guides and most meals. Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, and optional excursions are for the client’s own expense.

This tour covers areas of Mozambique that are virtually unexplored and as such, have little or no road or other infrastructure. A 4x4 expedition vehicle will be used but even this is no guarantee that we will always be able to stick to our planned route. Road conditions may necessitate major detours and 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 when necessary. We do not recommend this tour for clients over 45 years of age unless they have traveled with us previously. For those that are looking for true adventure this is the ultimate journey, and on parts of the tour clients will be rewarded with experiencing unspoiled wilderness seldom visited by other humans.

Besides an adventurous spirit, visas are required by most nationalities for Mozambique, and these are the client’s responsibility, and must be obtained in advance. Malaria precautions are advised. If available, bring a mask and fins for snorkeling. The recommended currency for this tour is the South African Rand, and this can be purchased at Johannesburg airport.