MOZAMBIQUE November 2019 - October 2020 1 There would be no us without you. 2 4 Sense of Oceans - Who we are 6 About Us 8 Our people 10 Product offering 12 Sustainable tourism 14 Systems through technology 16 Regional maps 18 Parks of Mozambique 20 Attractions of Mozambique MOZAMBIQUE 22 Introduction 24 Country information 26 Tours at a Glance COMFORT TOUR 28 Mozambique Highlights CLASSIC TOUR 30 Northern Mozambique Explorer COMFORT SELF-DRIVE TOUR 32 Bush and Beach Comfort 34 Accommodation KENYA 44 Introduction 46 Country information CLASSIC GUIDED TOUR 48 Tsavo East and Tsavo West: Safari and Beach TANZANIA 50 Introduction 52 Country information CLASSIC GUIDED TOUR 54 Tanzania and Zanzibar: Safari and Beach 56 ADD ON PACKAGES 58 COMING SOON Reunion and Madagascar 60 INDEX Contents 3 Sense of Oceans… Who we are For over three decades, Tourvest Destination Management has prided itself in offering only the highest quality, most memorable and professional tour services to both local and international travellers. With our aim to grow our already expansive African footprint, we have joined hands with Mozambique Voyages to form Sense of Oceans – a division that will take both organisations into a new phase of exploring travel possibilities throughout the Indian Ocean, starting with Mozambique. Sense of Oceans combines the expertise of two successful organisations. Mozambique Voyages specialises in both self-drive and tailor-made holidays in Mozambique and are known for providing travellers with an unprecedented level of access and specialisation to ensure truly unforgettable travel experiences. On the other hand, Tourvest Destination Management’s heritage and reputation as one of the best destination management companies in Africa is proven by our inbound business unit being the largest ground handler of foreign tourists to Africa. Our network includes offices in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Uganda, creating a sustainable competitive advantage for our global network of travel partners. Combining years of experience and insight, Sense of Oceans is now the most experienced, on- the-ground tour operator specialising in Mozambique, with an impressive offering across southern Africa. Since Mozambique has so much to offer and the opportunities to explore are endless, an experienced partner like Sense of Oceans is invaluable. The country lends itself to self-drive trips, which is perfect for the more budget-conscious traveller, but can also be tailored for those who prefer to travel in luxury. 4 5 About Us “Bem Vinda!” A warm Portuguese “Welcome!” Our Home Mozambique is a country of contrasts, offering complete peace and serenity as well as the hustle and bustle of an energetic local community. From the tranquillity of its stunning azure waters and untouched white beaches to buzzing fish markets and jovial locals, a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience is guaranteed. Perhaps the most exciting travel destination on the African continent at the moment, Mozambique offers travellers a wealth of experiences to enjoy. They can delight in discovering abundant and colourful coral reefs or get up close and personal with majestic whale sharks while scuba diving. For shore-based visitors, the growing national parks and the idyllic tropical islands are great for exploring. The diverse cultural experience in Mozambique is also very unique. The Arab and Portuguese influences in its history can still be seen and experienced today, especially in its historic architecture, mouth-watering dishes and fresh seafood prepared by highly talented chefs. Considered as the last undiscovered pearl of the Indian Ocean, the country combines a wealth of sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that delight all the senses. Although there have always been spectacular beaches to explore along the Indian Ocean, the coast has seen an increase in new and intriguing eco-friendly properties being developed over the past few years, catering for a more upscale international market. With such a wide range of options on offer, Mozambique is the ideal destination for honeymooners, families, scuba divers as well as self-drive enthusiasts and can also easily be combined with other African itineraries. There is no shortage of accommodation, ranging from Self-catering, Catered, Guest Houses to Bed & Breakfasts, 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, Lodges and Resorts. There’s simply no reason not to visit! 6 7 Our People Martijn Mellaart isn’t known as Mr Mozambique for no reason. He started Mozambique Voyages 20 years ago and became the original tourism pioneer in this stunning, mostly untouched part of Africa. Martijn travelled from coast to coast to intimately get to know Mozambique and its hidden gems, along with other countries. Martijn’s team is passionate about travel and are driven to always go above and beyond to keep their customers happy and make sure their clients get exactly what they’re looking for, and more. Well-travelled and knowledgeable, our staff regularly visit our suppliers in Mozambique to gain extensive product knowledge, so that they’re able to answer any questions swiftly, accurately and with confidence. 8 9 Our Product Offering Self-Drive Travel On the road to discovery Mozambique offers self-drive options throughout the country, and along main road networks. The road infrastructure is much improved, however it is advised to book a 4WD or SUV as the higher clearance is safer. Experiential Travel A unique experience, crafted just for you Our expert consultants combine experience, creativity, skill and an ability to understand the specifics of every unique client’s travel preference to create the perfect custom designed itinerary. Packages can be amended to suite each individual traveller’s needs, budget and expectations. Family Holidays The quintessential African family holiday Mozambique is the perfect family-friendly holiday destination. There is something for everyone – from beaches and water sports for the kids, to rest, relaxation and even night life for the adults. Many of the hotels and resorts around the country are child friendly and offer child-minding facilities. Special Occasions Celebrate your special occasion in a tropical paradise There’s no better way to say “congratulations” than by spending time with friends and family on a special occasion trip – be that for a wedding, a milestone anniversary, birthday or family reunion. Mozambique is a popular honeymoon destination with a variety of luxury and private beach or island resorts to choose from. Accommodation The best that Mozambique has to offer for all tastes and budgets We pride ourselves on presenting our guests with the best properties that Mozambique has to offer. From exclusive private island resorts to family-friendly resorts, hotels and B&B’s, you can rest assured that all accommodation has been experienced first-hand and comes highly recommended. Meet and Greet services For an effortless and enjoyable travel experience From tracking down lost luggage on arrival to personalised check-ins, our highly skilled team will assist your customers to ensure a safe, effortless and enjoyable travel experience. 10 11 Sustainable tourism in practice We are responsible and accountable for the role we play in the countries in which we operate; economically, socially and environmentally. Our accountability is lived through the DNA of our core business values. O P E R A T I Our pledge O N S We realise the potential impact of tourism in sustainable economic growth. M A N We empower people in our society. We raise awareness of the value of A GE heritage in a way that protects and preserves our natural environment. MENT We support our preferred partners who share our belief in complying with sustainable animal welfare practices supported by recognised wildlife conservation standards. We know that it is only in this way that visitors will continue to appreciate our precious natural treasures. Our Green Team and Our Credentials We live our sustainable responsibility through our Green Team, volunteers within and across the business who have come together to develop a purpose-driven task force since 2010. Our sustainable projects are built around three core pillars - wildlife, people and planet - and have earned us the following certifications: • Green Leaf Eco™ Standards’ Core Status, 2011 to 2017 • Travelife for Tour Operators Partner, 2017 to date • Fair Trade Tourism approved tour operator, 2017 to date The TDM Green Seat Our guests and partners have the opportunity to purchase a ‘Green Seat’. In return they receive a badge, handmade from bottle caps recycled by our employees. As this initiative is entirely funded by Tourvest Destination Management, the full contribution per badge (R 60) goes directly to the S O project beneficiaries we support. C I A L To date, our people have collected over 5 500 bottle caps and we have paid R E S over R85 000 to produce more than 10 000 badges. P O N SIB ILITY Our Green Seat Beneficiaries Green Seat donations are apportioned between the following beneficiaries: Trees for Tourism, SANParks Honourary Rangers, and our most recent partner, The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) for their beneficiaries include Guardians of the Future and the Conservation Canine Project. E N V I R O N M E N T A L R E S PO NS IBILITY 12 Our planet. Our people. Our wildlife. We take care of our PLANET We take care of our WILDLIFE We are committed to treading lightly on this earth in our everyday actions. What would we be as an industry without our precious natural resources, including our wildlife? Our active Green Seat project on the ground is ‘Trees for Tourism’. Part of the South African Reforestation Trust, this is a vehicle for tourists and We’ve joined the fight against the ongoing and merciless slaughter of companies to counterbalance their tourism-related footprint. Indigenous rhinos in South Africa through our active project on the ground, the ‘South trees are planted in old woodland and appropriate degraded areas to re- African National Parks Honorary Rangers’.