17 Days Zimbabwe & Mocambique

MOZAMBIQUE

Palm trees line the tropical beaches. Crystal clear water, snorkeling and scuba diving, fresh seafood. A 

holiday in Mozambique includes these and so much more. 

MAPUTO – The capital is a blend of Portuguese culture from the colony and African culture. A vibrant lively city built around the harbor. The cafe culture and nightlife of Maputo are not to be missed. Dinner of fresh seafood particularly the deliciously spicy peri-peri LM prawns, can be topped off with a nightcap of live music in the local bars and nightclubs.

INHAMBANE – moving north up the coastline towards Inhambane and the tropical paradise of Barra you travel through cashew nut and coconut plantations. Inhambane is steeped in history with its roots in the Arab slave and spice trade. Barra point is a scuba divers paradise, with whale sharks, coral reefs and humpbacked whales.

VILANKULOS – further north is the fishing port of Vilankolus. From this sleepy town it is possible to explore the beautiful islands of Margaruque, Bazaruto and Benguerra. Magnificent beaches and amazing snorkeling.

GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK – is at the southern end of the Great African Rift Valley in the center of Mozambique. The 4,000 square km park includes the valley floor and parts of surrounding plateaus. Rivers originating on nearby 1863-m Mount Gorongosa water the plain. In July 2010, the Government of Mozambique increased the area of the Gorongosa NP which incorporated Mount Gorongosa (above 700 m). It was also announced that the official establishment of a Park buffer zone of 3,300 square km.

B=Breakfast   L=Lunch        D=inner

Day 1 & 2 Victoria Falls
We enjoy the guided tour of the Victoria Falls locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). We explore the falls on the Zimbabwe side and walk back to the hotel before sunset. Take a flight over the falls or any optional activity on the following day. B&B

Day 3 & 4 Matobos National Park
We travel from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo in Matabeleland, and stop in Matobos National Park. Our lodge is on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon we enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park. The following morning, we visit World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient bushman paintings, which we visit while on our game walk with a local guide. DB&B

Day 5 Masvhingo – Greater Zimbabwe
We leave Bulawayo and drive to Masvhingo province. We visit the Great Zimbabwe Monuments: these well-preserved ruins are some of the oldest and largest stone structures in southern Africa, built during the 11th to 14th centuries. We explore these ancient stone structures on an informative walk with a local guide. DB&B

Day 6 Mutare 
Manicaland is one of the unspoiled regions between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We overnight outside the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe, Mutare, before entering Mozambique. The hotel is located near Bvumbi mountains, which are famous for hiking, with a golf course (top 10 in Africa). DB&B

Day 7-9 Gorongosa National Park
We visit a hidden gem and one of the most celebrated wildlife restoration areas in Africa. Parque Nacional de Gorongosa was almost closed, with wildlife wiped up during the civil war, and has gone from less than 10 000 animals to more than 100 000 animals within 10 years. We spend three days exploring the place voted best to visit by National Geographic readers in 2019, with local knowledgeable guides. Full board.

Day 10 & 11 Vilanculos
We reach the Indian Ocean in Vilanculos late in the afternoon, check in and relax. We have the following day to explore the Magaruque Island on a local dhow, a traditional ocean-going trade vessel. Beautiful blue sea, snorkelling, expansive white beaches and some excellent seafood are available. Immerse yourself in local life and make your day a memorable one. Half board.

Day 12 & 13 Inhambane
We travel south along the Indian Ocean coastline, driving through villages, and mango and cashew nut plantations en route to Inhambane. The Arabic influence can be seen in this town as they explored it during the gold rush, as well as for slavery exchange and spice trading. We walk Inhambane and visit its 200-year-old cathedral and visit the enchanting fresh produce market before we reach the lodge. We have the whole day to venture into different optional activities. B&B

Day 14 Maputo
We reach the capital city of Mozambique late in the afternoon and visit some of the remaining Portuguese influenced buildings including the Paroquia Santo Antonio church. We check in and have some time to relax. Late in the evening we go out for dinner (own expense). The city is live at night, mingle with the locals for real experience. B&B.

Day 15&16 Inhaca Island
We take the boat and cross to Inhaca Island. We have two days to relax on the white beach of Inhaca Island or explore the surroundings with local guides. Full board

Day 17 Johannesburg
The tour ends after breakfast. We drive to Maputo International Airport for our flight to Johannesburg and connect our flights home. B&B

Note: Local payment of $300 is due on the day of trip departure.