Prices for - African Adventure Safaris

MOZAMBIQUE – TRANSFRONTIER

17 Day 4X4 EXPLORER
Johannesburg – Johannesburg

HIGHLIGHTS: Private bush camps “Big 5”, Unspoiled sandy beaches, Catembe Ferry, Kruger National Park, Maputo nightlife, Unexplored wilderness, Transfrontier Peace Park, Maputo Elephant Reserve, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Remote bush camping, Mozambique village culture, Dhow Trip

A crossroads of civilizations, cultures and landscapes, influenced from the early days by nomadic tribes, Arab traders, British sailors and Portuguese colonials, then torn apart by over 20 years of civil war. With newfound peace, and a fast growing economy recently reopened for tourism, Mozambique offers the explorer a wealth of treasures in the form of untouched wilderness areas, natural beauty, deserted beaches, and unique cultural heritage. This tour combines the well-known attractions of Kruger and Hluhluwe Game Reserves - where animals abound, living in their natural environment, with the recently initiated Transfrontier Peace Park, Banhine / Zinave wilderness and Maputo Elephant Reserves in Mozambique. The Transfrontier Park incorporates the existing Kruger Park as well large adjoining parts of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. We will traverse the Mozambique section, using rough bush tracks, and camping wild at a remote, unspoiled, yet incredibly scenic bush camp.
The tour will also visit scenic and cultural attractions, and will spend time at deserted Indian Ocean beaches, including the Bazaruto archipelago. We enjoy a night in the capital Maputo, where we experience the almost Latino culture, and enjoy the nightlife before crossing the bay by ferry and then exploring the southern coastline and Maputo Elephant Reserve. A 4x4 expedition vehicle is used for this tour, but clients must expect delays, or inconvenience associated with exploring such rough terrain. Bad roads, flooding rivers and other factors beyond our control may necessitate long detours etc. An open mind-set is essential.

We may run this tour in the reverse direction on occasion.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG – BUSH CAMP

Departing at 06h30 from Johannesburg, “City of Gold”, we head for the spectacular scenery of the Mpumalanga province. We will visit numerous sights including the pioneer gold mining village of Pilgrims Rest and the Three Rondavels that tower over the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Late in the afternoon we descend from the escarpment to the Lowveld area where we overnight in the comfortable DRIFTERS BUSHVELD CAMP within the Balule Game reserve, part of the Greater .Kruger National Park. After dinner we will enjoy an open vehicle night game drive. D

DAY 2: BUSH CAMP - KRUGER

Arising with the African sun, we set out on foot in this “Big 5” reserve for a lengthy walk. Our tracker will attempt to show us animals in their natural habitat and to give us some insight into the art of tracking. We return to camp for a healthy brunch and a swim before packing up and moving on to the world-renowned Kruger National Park - widely acclaimed as being Africa’s most successful Nature Reserve. We will spend our time here game driving in search of the many animal and bird species that inhabit the area, and will camp two nights in the parks rest camps. Brunch D

DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

This entire day is for viewing animals in the Kruger Park from our well-equipped vehicle. We will search for the “Big 5” today. Camp the night. B L D

DAY 4 – 5: MOZAMBIQUE TRANSFRONTIER PARK

This morning, we cross the border into Mozambique . At this point the road becomes a bush track which we follow, venturing into the heart of the wilderness. The area that we traverse over the next days is the Mozambique side of the Transfrontier Peace Park and is privileged to have remained virtually unexplored by humans. The bush is exceptional, and offers areas of exquisite natural beauty and wildlife. The diversity of the flora ensures some of the finest birding in Africa. We will spend two nights camping wild, exploring both on foot and by vehicle, and enjoying the serenity of the wilderness. Road conditions are rough and river crossings numerous, clients will be expected to assist in difficult sections, but for those seeking true adventure and unspoiled Africa, there are few areas that compare with this. B L D

DAY 6 – 7: BANHINE / ZINAVE

Leaving the Transfrontier Park, we make our way across the Limpopo River and into the heart of the Banhine / Zinave wilderness region where we will spend two nights wild bush camping. We will attempt to traverse some of the Zinave Park, once renowned for its abundant wildlife. Few people have visited these areas in the last two decades. B L D

DAY 8 - 9: VILANCULOS

Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we pass through the many vibrant and bustling villages en route to the coast. Our next stop is Vilanculos - on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, overlooking the Idyllic Bazaruto Archipelago. We spend two nights here in casitas, situated literally on the beach. We will enjoy a traditional Dhow trip to the islands and will have the opportunity to snorkel along a reef in this marine reserve (this trip is dependant on weather conditions). One night we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. (Own expense) B L D

DAY 10 –11 -12: INHAMBANE

Moving south along the coast, our next stop is the ancient trading port of Inhambane. Clients will enjoy a trip across the bay on a traditional Dhow while the guide drives around to meet them in town. We spend some time exploring and visiting the bustling local market before continuing to our DRIFTERS BARRA BEACH CAMP under the Coconut Palms on the beach. We will enjoy three nights in relative comfort , staying in Casitas at this camp and during our time here we will relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. On the last night we enjoy a catered meal (own expense). Those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense). B L D

DAY 13: MAPUTO

Well relaxed and sun-drenched, we continue down the coast to the capital Maputo where we spend some time driving around and exploring this once grandiose city. Maputo boasts a Latino culture of street cafés, music and bustling markets. We spend the night in a comfortable hotel. Tonight we will eat in a local restaurant, sampling some of the local seafood (own expense). For the brave, Peri–Peri is a must. B L

DAY 14: ELEPHANT RESERVE

It is with new excitement that we venture back into the bush. Driving on sandy tracks we wind our way south to the Elephant reserve where we will spend the entire afternoon exploring the coastal flood plains and surrounding forests in search of these larger than average African elephants. Somehow, during the war years these elephants survived by moving down the Futi channel into South Africa, it is one of nature’s miracles that they have now returned in large numbers. We will camp the night. B L D

DAY 15 – 16: ZULULAND

Returning to South Africa today via the Ponta do Ouro border post, we enter the area once ruled by the famed Shaka Zulu. We will spend two nights at the DRIFTERS ZULULAND CAMP, a rustic camp in the sand forest on our private reserve adjoining Lake St Lucia near Hluhluwe. During our stay we will enjoy game walks through the forest, experience an open vehicle game drive in The Game Reserve and will visit a rural Zulu school which Drifters sponsors through the benefits of tourism. B L D

DAY 17: JOHANNESBURG

Our journey today takes us through the heart of Kwazulu – Natal, we will pass many rural Zulu villages and some spectacular scenery en-route back to Johannesburg. We arrive back at the DRIFTERS JOHANNESBURG INN in the late afternoon. B

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour covers areas of Mozambique that are virtually unexplored and as such, have little or no road and other infrastructure. A 4x4 expedition vehicle is used but even this is no guarantee that we will always be able to stick to our planned route. Road conditions, rising rivers or other factors beyond our control may necessitate major detours and inconvenience - particularly after heavy rains. Due to the extreme nature of this tour we insist that clients travel with an open and flexible attitude, and are prepared to accept inconvenience and discomfort if necessary. We do not recommend this tour for clients over 55 years of age. For those that are looking for true adventure this is the ultimate journey, and on parts of the tour clients will be rewarded with experiencing unspoiled wilderness seldom visited by other humans.
Besides an adventurous spirit, visas are required by most nationalities for Mozambique, these are the client’s responsibility and must be obtained in advance. Malaria precautions are advised.

If available, bring a mask and fins for snorkeling. Scuba diving will be available at some of the beach resorts - clients wishing to partake must bring the necessary certification. The recommended currency for this tour is the South African Rand, and this can be purchased at Johannesburg airport

Our price includes all transport, accommodation, meals as specified, entry fees, and permits, group equipment, and professional guide. Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, optional excursions and items of a personal nature are for the client’s own expense.

Recommended guide of what to bring along

Backpack/Barrelbag/Soft Suitcase
Sleeping Bag & Small Pillow
Water Bottle
·Torch/Flashlight
Sport Shoes/Sneakers
Sandals
Toiletries
Sun Cream
Long Trousers/Tracksuit
Shorts
Waterproof Windbreaker
Insect Repellant
Mosquito Net (Optional)
Malaria Propholaxis
Jersey/Jumper
**Refreshments
T-Shirts/ Shirts
Money ( Sundry expenses, gratuities)
Socks, Underwear
Camera, Binoculars (Film)
Swimming Costume
Books (Birds, Mammals etc.)
Towel
Pen
Hat
Passport/Visas (if applicable)
Luggage must be limited to a maximum of 15kg’s - hard suitcases are unsuitable!
Refreshments can be purchased en-route on the first day of the tour, and at regular intervals on the tour.

PRICE INCLUDES

We attempt to make every effort to ensure that our clients are fully aware of what costs are involved on each trip, and to avoid the situation of any surprise hidden costs. Our prices include transport for the duration of the tour, accommodation, group equipment (tents, pots etc.) advice on equipment, hire costs (boats, polers,etc.), permits and entry fees, a competent professional guide and all food for the duration of the trip (restaurants excluded).The food is healthy and every endeavour is made to suit all tastes, and we make as much use of local produce as possible. We include coffee and tea, as well as fruit juice at breakfast, but all alcohol and soft drinks are for your own expense. We do not operate the food kitty system because this causes delays during the journey while the passengers shop, and is open to misuse. All braais and breakfasts are provided by us but not meals en-route to and from the area of the tour. As our programme must be projected so far ahead and our prices are therefore subject to exchange rate fluctuations, we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, although this is against our intentions. Any special extra excursions are for the client's expense.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is compulsory and we can arrange excellent travel/medical cover for you.

TRANSPORT

We use Mercedes trucks, Mercedes vans, Landcruisers, Samils and Unimogs, all chosen for their practicality and reliability. They seat up to 20 clients depending on the application.

GROUP SIZE AND AGE

Our group size usually numbers between 6 and 20 persons. By travelling in small groups it means that we don't invade campsites and can avoid wasting time in constantly having to wait for people. It also enables us to maintain a far more personal service for our clients. From our experience our groups are normally made up of individuals, couples and sometimes groups of friends aged between 18 and 55 years. The mere physical and youthful mentality which prevails on these tours make them generally unsuited to anybody over the age of 55 years. The minimum size of a group for a guaranteed departure must be 6 people, although we may run with less.

EXCHANGE CONTROL REGULATIONS

Clients must realize that most African countries have certain currency restrictions with which they must familiarize themselves before travelling.

PARTICIPATION

The degree of satisfaction and enjoyment you feel at the end of each day and the end of the trip will depend on you and your capacity to enjoy yourself. This capacity, combined with an active and enquiring mind and a willingness to participate, is essential for any of our tours. If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part, then our tours are not for you. Participation is essential on all trips and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. A degree of flexibility is also essential because of the mere nature of the parameters in which we have to operate.

GUIDES

Our guides are mature adults who are young at heart and enjoy their work. They are chosen for their personalities, their interest in their environment, their experience and their ability to handle people. We have a hard core of full-time guides as well as a pool of good reliable part-timers, all registered with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa and Satour.

SLEEPING

Usually in tents accommodating two adults. Alternatively we utilize Inns, log cabins, bungalows and rondavels, even under the stars, if desired. Thin sleeping mats are provided, but clients may bring inflatable mattresses for further comfort. Single clients may share accommodation with other clients.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Baggage on all our tours will be strictly limited to one large bag, (barrel bag or internal framed backpack), weighing a maximum of 15kgs. We will also allow a smaller hand luggage bag or camera bag per person. In order to prevent complications on vehicles, aeroplanes and boats, this allowance must be adhered to. SUITCASES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.

EQUIPMENT HIRE

We hire out sleeping bags if required.

SPENDING MONEY

Each trip will require differing amounts of pocket money depending on the length of the journey, the individual's needs and the specific conditions of each tour. Money is needed for meals en route on the first and last day of travelling, curios, alcohol and soft drinks, specified restaurant meals, visas, airport taxes and transfers and additional excursions not included in the tour price. Tipping is a customary practice in Southern Africa.

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.

Prices for - African Adventure Safaris