FOR TODAY
FOR TODAY
The Beach & Wildlife Voyager (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique) Overview
The Beach and Wildlife Voyager Discovery provides the traveller with excellent opportunities to view wildlife, relax on beaches and to explore the history of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa.
Highlights and attractions of this unique and adventurous journey through Southern Africa include the Victoria Falls, wildlife viewing in Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) and the Kruger National Park (South Africa), the scenic hills in the Matopos area, the Great Zimbabwe Ruins as well as the beaches of Vilanculos and Inhambane in Mozambique.
Accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. Most accommodation options have a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, while others have shared ablutions available. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and bar areas.
Day 1: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe you will be met and transferred to Lokuthula Lodges. This afternoon we explore the mighty Victoria Falls on a guided tour.
Day 2 & 3: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe: After breakfast, we depart Victoria Falls and make our way to Hwange National Park. The afternoon is spent on a safari drive with a visit to the Painted Dogs Centre. Hwange National Park is one of Africa's most beautiful havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra and has an enormous concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus very large and varied birdlife. The whole of the next day is spent exploring this magnificent area.
Day 4: Hwange National Park in Matopos, Zimbabwe: We leave the beauty of the Hwange National Park behind us and head to Big Cave Camp in the Matopos area. The Matopos Hills comprise an extraordinary collection of substantial bare granite hills with gravity-defying boulders scattered all over the countryside to create a unique and somewhat mysterious landscape. The national park is famous for its outstanding views, San (bushman) painted caves, wildlife (especially the Black Eagle) and as the chosen burial place of Cecil Rhodes who named his favourite spot. We visit the grave of Cecil John Rhodes on our way.
Day 5: Matopos to Great Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe: After breakfast this morning we drive to the Great Zimbabwe Ruins via Gweru. We visit the ruins, before checking into our accommodation for the evening. The ruins, which are also known as the capital of the Queen of Sheba, according to an age-old legend – are a unique testimony to the Bantu civilisation of the Shona between the 11th and 15th centuries. The city, which covers an area of nearly 80 ha, was renowned as an important trading centre from the Middle Ages onwards.
Day 6: Great Zimbabwe to Mutare, Zimbabwe: Today we leave Great Zimbabwe and drive to Mutare. Located high in the mountains of the Eastern Highlands, Mutare is on the border of Mozambique and is Zimbabwe's gateway to the sea. In this area known as the Eastern Highlands, one enjoys harsh mountain terrain and lush green forests. While sightseeing in the area, you'll find vista views and rushing mountain streams teeming with fresh mountain trout.
Day 7 & 8: Mutare to Vilanculos, Mozambique: We have to get up early, as today is the longest drive on our safari. We cross the border into Mozambique and head southwards to the coastal town of Vilanculos, which is the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. The village Vilanculos is close to the beach and just about halfway between Maputo and Beira. Here you’ll find buzzing markets, restaurants, public phones, banks and quaint supermarkets. The next day is at leisure to explore the village or just to relax on the beach.
Day 9 & 10: Vilanculos to Inhambane, Mozambique: After breakfast, we drive along the coast to the sleepy and neat town of Inhambane. Hundreds of graceful dhows on the usually tranquil water are one of Inhambane's most noticeable features. The city probably has the most extensive working fleet of Dhows on the East African coastline. We’ll spend the afternoon relaxing on one of these boats. Inhambane also offers several points of interest for sightseeing, that you will have time for the next day.
Day 11: Inhambane to Massingir, Mozambique: We leave the Mozambiquan coastline paradise behind us and drive in a north-westerly direction towards Massingir. We set up camp at Albufeira Camp, which is situated close to the Massingir Dam.
Day 12 & 13: Massingir to Kruger National Park, South Africa: An early morning getaway takes us back into South Africa through the Giriyondo gate into the world-renowned Kruger National Park - South Africa’s most famous and most significant game reserve. Kruger National Park has nearly 2 million hectares of the unique diversity of life forms that fuses with historical and archaeological sights - this is real Africa. The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Indeed the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. The following day we depart the camp at sunrise for a full day of wildlife viewing in the park with the chance of spotting the ‘Big 5’ again, while making our way to one of the southern camps. Our last night in the park will be enjoyed around the campfire and typical South African Braai (BBQ).
Day 14: Kruger National Park in Johannesburg, South Africa: Today is our last day of this incredible safari. We end our journey in Johannesburg.
Day 15: End of Tour / Johannesburg, South Africa: The tour ends after breakfast this morning when you guide will bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you to one of our adventures again soon.
Tour highlights:
- Guided Tour of the Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Game Viewing in Hwange National Park and Painted Dogs Centre (Zimbabwe)
- Scenic hills in the Matopos area
- Great Zimbabwe Ruins
- The Eastern Highlands
- Beaches of Vilanculos & Inhambane
- Massingir Dam and Limpopo Transfrontier National Park
- Wildlife experiences in Kruger National Park
Tour information:
- Duration: 15 days
- Group Size: Maximum ten people
- Departure location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Arrival location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Accommodation: During 14 nights of your safari, you will stay in mid-range Lodges, Chalets and Tented Lodges.