ULTIMATE AFRICA SAFARIS
South Africa / Mozambique /
Zimbabwe Explorer Visit: Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, Maputo, Beline, Maxixi, Morrungulo, Vilanculos, Save Valley Conservancy, and Great Zimbabwe Highlights: Kruger National Park, Save River Conservancy, tropical beaches, sundowner boat cruise, dhow trip, wildlife viewing walks, day and night wildlife viewing from open 4x4 vehicles, Great Zimbabwe Ruins, historical sites and African culture Mozambique offers the explorer a wealth of treasures in the form of natural beauty, unspoiled coconut palm-lined beaches, remote villages, unique architecture, seafood and sunshine. Combined with the renowned game parks of Kruger, and Save in Zimbabwe, this road based participatory camping safari offers unlimited action and adventure, excellent game viewing and a taste of developing Africa. Due to the conditions experienced on this tour, clients must expect delays, detours etc., and come with an open and flexible mind. Full itinerary and trip details below: DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG - HAZYVIEW Heading east from Johannesburg into the spectacular Mpumalanga area, you will cross Long Tom Pass, visiting the pioneer goldmining village of Pilgrims Rest, the Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window before descending to the Drifter's Forest Inn, a log cabin built on stilts overlooking the Sabie river. HAZYVIEW, Drifter's Forest Inn, all inclusive excepting breakfast and lunch DAYS 2, 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK After an early morning forest walk on day 2, you will travel the short distance to the world renowned Kruger Park, where the group will spend two days in search of the "Big Five’ and other wildlife that inhabit this incredible National Park. Most animals tend to be more active during the early and late parts of the day, and it is at these times that wildlife viewing will be enjoyed. The group will siesta during the heat of the day. Both nights will be spent at rest-camps within the park. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, camping, all inclusive DAY 4 MAPUTO Leaving the park, the group will travel to Komatipoort and enter Mozambique. Your first stop is the capital city of Maputo, one of the largest harbors in Africa. Here time will be spent exploring the markets and waterfront of this once grandiose city. You will camp a short distance from the city. MAPUTO, camping, all inclusive DAY 5 BELINE You will depart across coastal plains and through forests of cashew nuts to the retreat of Bilene where you will camp. You will enjoy an afternoon boat cruise exploring the coastal lagoon, which offers exceptional snorkeling and birding. BELINE, camping, all inclusive DAY 6 MAXIXI Leaving Bilene, continue through rural villages, up the coast and across the Limpopo River into the Gaza province. The azure and aquamarine waters of the Quissico and Polela lake systems offer magnificent views. You will camp at Maxixi and enjoy an evening stroll through the town. MAXIXI, camping, all inclusive DAYS 7, 8 MORRUNGULO The morning of day 7 you will depart from the nearby beach by dhow taxi across the bay to Inhambane. These interesting vessels were introduced by Arabic traders in the fourteenth century, and have sailed these waters ever since. Inhambane was established as a trading post by the Portuguese in 1534, and offers a wealth of exploring. The 200 year old Cathedral and Governor’s Palace are not to be missed, as are the markets and oriental atmosphere of this former trade center. The vehicle will be driven around to collect you, and the afternoon of day 7 you will continue to the remote beach resort of Morrungulo where you will camp on the beach two nights, under the coconut palms only meters away from the lapping Indian Ocean. This is the ideal tropical beach location, and time here is spent simply relaxing and enjoying the beach activities. This whole area offers excellent snorkeling, so be sure to bring your mask and fins. Scuba diving and deep-sea fishing excursions are available, and full kit can be hired at a reasonable cost. Resort courses are available for beginner divers (all own expense). MORRUNGULO, camping, all inclusive DAYS 9, 10, 11 VILANCULOS Your last stop on this magnificent coast is Vilanculos, a sleepy fishing village from where you can clearly see the islands of the Bazaruto archipelago. You will spend three nights here, with time to enjoy the many experiences and activities that the area has to offer. Included is a guided tour of the area (including a traditional homestead) and a boat trip out to the islands and to a reef where the snorkeling is not to be missed. You will also have time to simply soak up the sun on a deserted tropical beach. One night the group will enjoy a seafood feast at a local restaurant (at own expense).VILANCULOS, camping, all inclusive excepting dinner one night DAY 12 CASA MSIKA Leaving the coast and crossing the Save river, travel through Mozambique's sparsely populated central regions, you will drive into the thick indigenous rain forests of the escarpment and camp at Casa Msika near the Zimbabwe border. CASA MSIKA, camping, all inclusive DAYS 13, 14 SAVE RIVER CONSERVANCY After crossing the border, you will travel through the city of Mutare, and then descend into the Save river valley, which offers some of the finest wildlife viewing in Zimbabwe. You will spend two nights here at a rustic bush camp, completely surrounded by wilderness, and will enjoy day and night wildlife viewing drives from open vehicles as well as numerous bush walks. SAVE RIVER CONSERVANCY, camping, all inclusive DAY 15 GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS A short drive takes the group to the Great Zimbabwe ruins. This enormous complex of ancient stone enclosures is believed by many to be the Biblical city of Ophir. The afternoon will be spent exploring, and later the group will enjoy a restaurant meal at the local hotel (at own expense). GREAT ZIMBABWE RUINS, camping, all inclusive excepting dinner DAY 16 MACHETE You will continue south to the border at Beit Bridge. After completing formalities you will re-enter South Africa and then follow the Limpopo river to camp at Machete - an area of Kalahari sandveld with some of the best bushman paintings yet discovered. MACHETE, camping, all inclusive DAY 17 JOHANNESBURG All that remains today is the journey back to Johannesburg arriving this afternoon. JOHANNESBURG, inclusive of breakfast
Trip name: South Africa / Mozambique / Zimbabwe Explorer Type of safari: Explorer Collection - Participatory group camping safari with scheduled departure dates. Trip length: 17 days Trip cost: US $1,275 per person. There is no single supplement. Price is based on the Euro and may fluctuate throughout the year. Price excludes all air fares. Air tickets: Please contact our office for an airfare quote. When to travel:Wildlife viewing is best during the period May through October each year. 2001 departures: This safari departs from Johannesburg throughout the year each Thursday as follows: January 4 to January 20, 2001 Accommodations: Three man tents (shared by 2 people) with thin sleeping mats. Alternatively Drifters utilizes inns, log cabins, bungalows, and rondavels, even under the stars if desired. Group size and age: The average group size is 9. The minimum group size for a guaranteed departure is 6, however the trip may run with less. Groups are normally made up of individuals, couples, and sometimes groups of friends. Ages vary between 18 and 55 years although a youthful mentality prevails. Guides: These trips are led by well trained, enthusiastic, English speaking driver / guides who are well versed in the abundant flora and fauna of southern Africa. They are all registered with the Field Guides of Southern Africa and Satour. Luggage: Baggage is strictly limited to 15 kilograms packed in one large bag (barrel bag or internal frame backpack). A smaller hand bag or camera bag per person is allowed. Suitcases will not be permitted. Participation: If you wish to be pampered and amused with minimal effort on your part then this tour is not for you. Participation is essential and everyone is expected to help with chores to ensure the smooth running of the tour. An open and flexible mind is essential to deal with the detours, delays and other inconveniences encountered in third-world countries. Trip price includes: transport by special safari vehicle, accommodations as stated, services of an English speaking driver / tour guide / cook, all campsite and Parks fees, all camping equipment except sleeping bags (may be hired for US $10 per week), group equipment, activities as stated and most meals as stated. Trip price excludes: international and domestic flights, airport taxes, entry visas, sleeping bags, all airport / hotel transfers, and all items of a personal nature i.e. extra activities, trip insurance, tips and gratuities, laundry, drinks, and telephone calls. Visas: American passport holders visiting South Africa as tourists DO NOT require an entry visa. However entry visas ARE REQUIRED for Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe's entry visa may be purchased at the port of entry for US $30 per person. Ultimate Africa can provide you with a copy of the Mozambique visa application or you may contact the relevant embassy: Embassy of the Republic of
Mozambique Embassy of the Republic of
Zimbabwe Reservations: Phone toll free 1 800 461 0682 within the United States and speak with one of our safari consultants or send us an email including the trip name, your full name, the number of people traveling, and proposed travel dates. Questions: If you would like to ask any questions send us an email or phone toll free within the United States on 1 800 461 0682 and speak with one of our safari consultants. Return to Ultimate Africa's Multi-Country Safari Collection Links to other pages: ULTIMATE AFRICA
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