This morning we leave the rumble and adventure of Victoria Falls behind us as we make the journey south to Hwange National Park. After lunch we spend the afternoon exploring Hwange National Park in open game-viewing vehicles. Hwange is the largest of Zimbabwe’s national parks and offers excellent opportunities for viewing the diversity of wildlife that calls the park home. We return to camp this evening and enjoy dinner around our campfire.
After breakfast we continue south towards Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe. Our afternoon will be spent exploring the Matopos National Park with a local guide. The park received recognition as a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site in 2003 and includes an intensive protection zone that is home to both Black and White Rhinoceros. Named after the Ndebele word “Matobo “, whose meaning “bald heads” refers to the rounded granite hills that surround it. We return to Bulawayo and our overnight stop for the night.
Our journey today takes us to Masvingo and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. This afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour of this historic site. Dating back to the Late Iron Age, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. We take time this afternoon to marvel at the intricate stone work and experience the heritage of this monument to early Zimbabwean civilisation.
Leaving the sites of Zimbabwe behind we cross the Limpopo River and enter South Africa this afternoon. Our overnight stop allows us an opportunity to end the day with a swim in the hot springs of Tshipise.
This morning we take the highway south to Johannesburg, we arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel.
*Please note that it is possible that your crew and truck will change today. Please report to the hotel reception to meet your crew for your 07:00 departure from Belvedere Estate.
Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to join optional Sundowner Drive, booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.
Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National park for a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. Our activity package offers you the opportunity to explore the park in open game viewing vehicles, giving you access to areas our truck can’t always go. This evening there is a second opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.
While those who elect to do the optional morning walk will have an earlier start, we set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that devides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama route offers us a day of scenic delights. We will visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels before returning to camp in the late afternoon.
We set out early this morning as we re-enter the Kruger National Park. Our Nomad truck offers an excellent platform as we game drive our way to the south. Exiting the park in the afternoon, we cross the border into Swaziland and set up for the night.
Our stay in Swaziland presents us with an opportunity to enjoy one of the optional morning game drive activities in Hlane Game Reserve. Hlane offers a selection of activities and the Rhino Game Drive is highly recommended. No visit to Swaziland would be complete without an introduction to the rich culture of the Swazi people, this afternoon we are invited by the Chief to visit his village and learn more about the traditions of this proud nation.
With the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckoning we enter Mozambique and make our first stop in Maputo, the capital city offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures. After checking-in at our hotel and enjoying a lunch out at a popular local restaurant, we explore the city sights on a walking tour with our guide. Maputo offers interesting and varied architecture and no visit to the city would be complete without a browse through a market. Tonight we eat out and get a chance to experience the night-life of this intriguing city.
Setting out for the Inhambane District we travel the northern road along the coast. While it is a long day on the road there is much to see as we pass the many villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane. Our journey will bring us to the palm lined beaches for two days of relaxation and ocean fun. Tonight we are welcomed with a traditional Mozambique dinner.
With two days of beach time we have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the more adventurous can sign up for a variety of optional activities. While the beaches at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling.
Today we make the short drive to Tofo to spend the day enjoying yet another of Mozambique’s iconic beach destination. With safe swimming, a charming market and a number of popular beach bars, Tofo is perfect for a day’s outing. A second day not only ensures that you have the opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer, it also allows us some flexibility to adapt to the weather.
This morning we make a stop in Inhambane where you will have the opportunity to explore the market and the historic streets of this former slave trading port. For those who enjoy a good adventure, your guide will arrange one of the famous Dhow ferries to sail you across the bay. These sturdy old boats have plied the East Coast of Africa for centuries and the trip across the bay is a truly local experience. Should you prefer, you may remain with the truck for the trip to Maxixe on the far side of the bay. Reunited with our truck we travel north to our next stop at Vilanculos.
We board a traditional Dhow this morning and set sail to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, one of the largest Marine reserves in Southern Africa. We spend the day exploring the islands, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of this island paradise. Be sure to keep your sunblock handy as today is filled with sun, sea, sand and exploration. We return in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned night of rest.
Well rested we set course for the Xai-Xai district, arriving in the late afternoon we have time for a walk on the beach or a sundowner to bid farewell to the Indian Ocean and the pristine beaches of Mozambique.
Early risers can enjoy the sunrise on the beach this morning before we depart today. We pass through Maputo and continue to the border, returning to South Africa and our final night near the town Malelane.
Our final road trip takes us back to Johannesburg as we reflect on the wildlife and beaches that have filled our days. All travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight, this can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight presents an opportunity to join fellow travellers in celebrating the many wonders of African travel.
