Mozambique & Zim Explorer (19NMZE14) – Tour Dossier
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Mozambique & Zim Explorer (19NMZE14) – Tour Dossier Included Highlights Kruger NP, Open Vehicle Game Drive with resident guide Victoria Falls Visit Khami Ruins Bilene and Tofo Beach, Inhambane Matobo NP, Open Vehicle Game Drive with resident guide* Dhow Safari, Vilanculos – Magaruque Island snorkelling Hwange NP, Open Vehicle Game Drive with resident guide* *Highlights are included in the Adventure Pass Intended Itinerary It is our intention to adhere to the route described below but a certain amount of flexibility is built into the tour and on occasion it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations to the published itinerary. Please therefore treat the following as a guide only. This is a participation tour. Mozambique is an emerging destination in Africa and facilities are not up to the same standard as in neighbouring countries. You may notice this at campsites, in shops, or in ‘on road’ conditions as we travel. We believe that minor discomforts and occasional frustrations with officialdom are all ‘part of the experience’ of travelling over-land in these newly developing areas of Africa. The enjoyment comes with the achievement of travel. Due to the nature of the travelling conditions we operate this tour in a 12 seat 4x4 Overland truck with a trailer for luggage. Your tour starts in Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. Close enough to Johannesburg to almost be considered a suburb, Pretoria is known as the Jacaranda City, with purple blossoms covering the streets in October each year. Pretoria boasts many sights of interest – such as the 10m bronze statue of Nelson Mandela standing beside the historic Union Buildings. Various cultural sites, shops, bars and restaurants are within an easy walk of our recommended hotel (and tour start point). How do I get to Pretoria? Simple. Book a transfer before you leave home to meet you at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International and take you direct to the hotel in Pretoria. Journey time is about 45 minutes depending on traffic. We particularly recommend a pre-booked transfer if you are arriving late. Alternatively, there is a regular low-cost train service called the Gautrain which runs from OR Tambo International to both Johannesburg and Pretoria. If the train interests you, email or ask Acacia for more information The description below assumes you have purchased the optional Adventure Pass for the tour. Duration: 14 Days Countries visited: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique Day 1: An early start for the long day, driving north and crossing Pretoria – Komatipoort the border into Mozambique. Distance travelled: +/-420 Km Approx. driving time: 7 Hours NB: Border formalities entering Mozambique can be time consuming and your patience is greatly appreciated. We From Pretoria - South Africa’s Administrative capital - we usually find the best way to proceed at borders is waiting travel to the far east of the country to the town of patiently while officials work at their own pace carrying out Komatipoort for our first night on tour. their various checks. A good book is recommended! Your tour leader will do most of the work but he (or she) will be Accommodation: Henk van Rooyen Camp or similar – grateful for your understanding if things seem to be taking Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities longer than they should. Meals included: Dinner WIFI: No Once formalities are completed, we continue north to the Optional Activities: Nil coastal town of Inhambane and the nearby Praia (beach) de Tofo. Travelling in Mozambique is slower than elsewhere, Day 2: and road conditions may be difficult and slow. Similarly, Komatipoort to Inhambane/ Tofo Beach (Mozambique) campsites are less well-appointed, and towns and shops Distance travelled: +/-620km may have fewer goods or less variety. This can sometimes Approx driving time: 9-10 Hours be frustrating, but many people find that after a few days it is one of the more appealing and attractive aspects of the Updated: Mar 2019 for 2019 Departures 1 Mozambique & Zim Explorer (19NMZE14) – Tour Dossier tour. Overlanding is an adventurous type of travel and is Accommodation: Fatima’s Nest or similar – Camping in not a ‘conventional’ holiday. twin share tents with shared facilities Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner We are sure you will enjoy Mozambique but do urge you WIFI: Yes not to expect things to be the same as elsewhere in Africa. Optional Activities: Scuba Diving US$70 - US$110, On arrival at Tofo, our time is at leisure to enjoy the tropical Snorkelling Trips from US$30, Quad Biking US$50 beaches and activities typically available. Inhambane itself has a rich history and a fascinating ‘old city’. Climb the Day 4: ladder at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception for Tofo - Vilanculos spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounds, or explore Distance travelled: 320km the local markets where fresh fish, seafood and farm Approx driving day: 6 Hours produce are on sale. You’ll notice the mix of Arabic and African cultures here which come together to form a Leaving Inhambane we take the coastal route arriving at vibrant, eclectic style of its own. Vilankulo (or Vilanculos), the Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Named after a local tribal chief Gamala If it’s the ocean that you like then head out and explore the Vilankulo Mukoke, the town itself is only 5km long yet is a beaches, reefs and marine life in this warm watery haven. hive of activity, has a lively atmosphere and friendly people. Tofo is a small coastal town with open beaches and where On arrival, we gather our luggage and snorkels for the the pace of life is slow allowing you to relax and soak it all following day’s island trip and board our traditional dhow up. Optional activities such as horse riding, snorkelling and boat to our ‘rustic ‘bush camp. The beach camp is located scuba are normally available. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays on a remote stretch of the coast approximately 90 minutes inhabit the coastline year-round but are in larger numbers sail from Vilanculos town itself. We arrive in the late in the summer months (Nov- Mar). Humpback whales are afternoon and settle in to our beach camp for the next 2 usually present mid-June till mid-October. The natural nights. vegetation of the coastal plain is dune forest but at Tofo this has largely been replaced by coconut palms, planted by Accommodation: Chigamane Camp or similar – Camping in the Portuguese and local Bitonga people to supply the pre-erected twin share tents with shared facilities thriving copra trade. There are some exciting bars and Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner restaurants in the area. Sample the local seafood - the area WIFI: No is famous for it – or try the local beer (called ‘2M’). You have time to relax and enjoy. Day 5 Vilanculos Accommodation: Fatima’s Nest or similar – Camping in twin share tents with shared facilities After breakfast we take our dhow boat to Magaruque Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Island, the third Island in the archipelago and the closest to WIFI: Yes Vilanculos. Here you can enjoy the island at leisure, Optional Activities: Scuba Diving US$70 - US$110, snorkelling, swimming, walking or simply enjoy lazing on Snorkelling Trips from US$30, Quad Biking US$50 the pristine beach. A delicious seafood lunch is included in our Dhow Safari. With its powdery-white beaches, Day 3: turquoise waters, and superb all-year round climate, Tofo Beach Magaruque is perfect to relax, unwind and explore the local Distance travelled: Nil marine life. We return to our beach camp in the late afternoon to overnight. Slip slap slop! Beach, chill, relax. We suggest factor 30! We arrange an ocean-based activity otherwise your time is Accommodation: Chigamane or similar – Camping in twin at leisure. Optional activities available if you feel inclined. share pre-erected tents with shared facilities Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Nearby Inhambane has a rich history and offers a great WIFI: No opportunity to go out and explore the old city. Climb the ladder at the Cathedral of our lady of Conception Day 6: Inhambane for fantastic 360-degree views of the surrounds. Vilanculos - Bilene The local markets are also a highlight with fresh fish, Distance travelled: 600km seafood and farm produce on sale. You’ll soon see the mix Approx driving time: 9-10 Hours of Arabic and African cultures that create a vibrant, eclectic style of its own. We drive south to the town of Bilene, also known as Praia do Bilene and was once called San Marthino is located Updated: Mar 2019 for 2019 Departures 2 Mozambique & Zim Explorer (19NMZE14) – Tour Dossier 180km north of Mozambique and famous for the Uembje WIFI: No Lagoon (or San Marthino lake) where you can try out one of Optional Activities: Kruger Night game drive US$75 the best loved activities in Bilene – snorkelling! Our camp for the evening is located on top of the dunes overlooking Day 9: Hazyview – Tshipise the stunning lagoon itself. It’s here we spend the night Distance travelled: +/- 410km lulled by the sound of the ocean and enjoy the fresh breeze Approx driving time: 7-8 Hours as we unwind from our day. Accommodation: Laguna Camp or similar – Camping in Leaving Greater Kruger, we travel north through South twin share tents with shared facilities Africa’s lush countryside to Tshipise, a town situated in the Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner northern Limpopo province. Our campsite is located at WIFI: No Forever Resorts at the foot of one of Limpopo’s rolling Optional Activities: Nil koppies set adjacent the Honnet Nature Reserve. There are hot springs in the resort offering a variety of swimming Day 7: pools to enjoy.