Zimbabwe & Mozambique Discovery

Our incredible African adventure starts in Victoria Falls town. This morning we visit the spectacular Victoria Falls. Be prepared to get wet and dressed accordingly as the spray from the falls can be seen up to 20 miles away! 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 jumping to admiring the view, Victoria Falls has it all.

Please note: Please arrive in Victoria Falls 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 starts at 8am on day 1. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book a an airport arrival transfer and pre-tour accommodation upon request.

Victoria Falls - 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 – Bulawayo. Our journey continues on day 3 as we head south to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second city. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend at leisure exploring this pleasant city with its broad tree-lined avenues and wide-open spaces.

The next 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 nature 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 – Masvingo. Today we journey toward the east of the country 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 and 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 – Bandula area (Mozambique). Our day starts very early as we begin our 400 km journey into Mozambique. Our first stop along the way is Mutare and if time permits, we will stop at the spectacular Birchenough Bridge. Crossing the border into Mozambique we make our way to the Bandula area near the Chicamba Dam. We’ll settle in our campsite that is located within a 550-hectare conservancy.

Bandula – Vilanculos area. We leave Bandula 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 8 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 – Tofo. The morning of day 9 we head further down the scenic coast through Inhambane to Tofo, our base for the next 2 nights. Tofo is a beautiful little beach town with open beaches, the slow-paced atmosphere is a great place for us to relax. Check out the local bars and restaurants, sample the local seafood as you take in the resident culture. If you wish, you can also take a trip into Inhambane, the second oldest town in Mozambique.

Day 10 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 the colourful marine life found in this warm watery haven.

Tofo - Bilene. Today we journey south of Tofo to Bilene, our last coastal stop in Mozambique. Bilene 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 campsite for the evening is located on top of the dunes overlooking the stunning lagoon.

Praia do Bilene - Hazyview - Kruger National Park (South Africa). From Bilene we cross the border into South Africa and head for our camp in Hazyview, just outside Kruger National Park, southern Africa’s game reserve. The 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. In the evening we relax and enjoy Shangaan tribal dancing and singing around an open fire.

On the morning of day 10 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 will 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 – Pretoria. We leave Kruger behind and make our way to Pretoria where our incredible African adventure comes to an end late afternoon/ early evening, as we bid farewell to our guide and our fellow travellers.

Please note: We recommend that you spend the night in Pretoria. Pretoria accommodation and a transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport can be booked locally or in advance.