Zimbabwe to Mozambique: 14 Day Adventure Tour (Camping)

Day 1. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Highlights. Victoria Falls National Park.

Our adventure tour starts with a visit to the spectacular and awe-inspiring Victoria Falls as it falls 100m into the Batoka gorge below.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town and the many artisan markets and shops or opt for an adventure activity – white water rafting, bungee jumping, flights over the falls or the gorge swing. The ground team at camp will be able to assist you in arranging any of your excursions and activities.

3 images Victoria Falls National Park

Day 2. Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park Highlights. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

Formed in 1929, Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe's largest and probably most well-known park. Covering an area of over 14,600 sq km, the park is home to over 100 animal species - notably Africa's Big 5, African Wild Dog (painted dog) as well as the cheetah.

This afternoon, we take a game drive in the park (in a purpose-built open 4x4 vehicle) with a professional local guide.

With over 40,000 elephant, Hwange is home to some of the largest herds - where up to 100 individuals can be seen together. 106 Different animal species and over 400 bird-species can be found around the reserve - whichever way you look at it, you're in for a treat when visiting this fantastic National Park!

3 images Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 3. Hwange National Park to Bulawayo Highlights. Bulawayo.

Continuing through Zimbabwe we head to Bulawayo, the second-largest city in Zimbabwe.

Bulawayo is an 'open' city with wide avenues from colonial times (wide enough to turn a span of oxen and wagon around in). After visiting the curio market and stocking up on supplies in town, we head on to our camp located in a leafy suburb.

Day 4. Matobo National Park Highlights. Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe.

We’re off to Matobo National Park today! Boarding our open 4x4 safari vehicles with our eagle-eyed driver at the wheel we enter the park and soak up the sweeping views dotted with unique granite boulders.

If conditions are optimal, we have the opportunity to take a walking safari, tracking the endangered rhino, on foot for an incredible experience.

There is the option to extend this to a full-day which will include a historical tour ( Bushman paintings) and a visit to Worlds View - the site of Cecil John Rhode's grave, set high in the granite hills.

3 images Matobo National Park, Zimbabwe

Day 5. Bulawayo to Masvingo Highlights. Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe.

Leaving Bulawayo we cross towards the east of the country, to the small town of Masvingo. Near our camp for the evening, is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southern Africa - The Great Zimbabwe National Monument - which we explore in the afternoon.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 1200AD and was once the home to an indigenous population of some 10,000 people. Rumoured to be the city of the Queen of Sheba, it was an important trading centre and evidence of trade with Persian, China and India have been found at the site despite its remote inland location.

Take a walk around the ancient site and climb the steep route to the fortress on the mountainside for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

3 images Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Zimbabwe

Day 6. Masvingo to Bandula area, Mozambique

Today we travel via Mutare and the spectacular Birchenough Bridge (named after Sir Henry Birchenough and one of many scenic features of eastern Zimbabwe) where - time permitting - we may stop for a brief while.

We head on to the border post where cross from Zimbabwe to Mozambique. After formalities are done, we make our way to the Bandula area, which is located alongside the Chicamba Dam where our campsite is located within a 550-hectare conservancy.

Day 7. Bandula area to Vilanculos Highlights. Vilanculos, Mozambique.

It's beach time! We pack up camp and make our way to the spectacular Indian Ocean coast. Our first coastal stop is at Vilankulo (or Vilanculos) some 500km south of Beira and the Gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.

Packed and ready, we board the dhow boat and set sail to our camp for the next two nights. The late afternoon and evening are yours at leisure to enjoy the tranquillity of this beautiful area.

3 images Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 8. Vilanculos Highlights. Magaruque Island, Vilanculos, Mozambique.

This morning we take a dhow boat safari to Magaruque Island, the third Island in the archipelago and the closest to Vilanculos. Here you can enjoy the island at leisure - snorkelling, swimming, walking or simply enjoy lazing on the beach. A delicious lunch will be served before setting sail back to the mainland in the late afternoon.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are home to a number of magnificent marine species and Mozambique is well known as a prime location to explore these. The highly endangered Dugong can be found in the surrounding waters of the Archipelago - which contains the rich seagrasses these strange looking creatures feed on.

3 images Magaruque Island, Vilanculos, Mozambique

Day 9. Vilanculos to Tofo, Inhambane Highlights. Inhambane, Mozambique.

Moving on, we travel the coastal road past villages and via Inhambane - to Tofo where we will spend the next 2 nights. Tofo is a small beach town with lovely open beaches and resorts dotting the shoreline.

Optional activities such as horse riding, snorkelling and scuba are on offer as well as exciting bars and restaurants to sample some of the local drinks and cuisine.

3 images Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 10. Tofo, Inhambane Highlights. Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique.

Sit back and relax on this free day and enjoy the local tropical beaches and the many optional activities on offer. If the delights of the ocean are your forte, then head out and explore the reefs and colourful marine life on a scuba dive, or head to Inhambane to soak up its rich history.

Climb the ladder at the Cathedral of our lady of Conception for fantastic views of the surrounds. The local markets are also a highlight with fresh fish, seafood and farm produce on sale.

3 images Tofo, Inhambane, Mozambique

Day 11. Tofo, Inhambane to Bilene Highlights. Bilene, Mozambique.

We continue south to Bilene for our last night along Mozambique’s rugged coastline. The town of Bilene is in the Gaza Province and is situated on the Uembje Lagoon.

Our accommodation for tonight overlooks the lagoon and we spend the night enjoying the fresh breeze and being lulled by the sound of the ocean after a long day.

3 images Bilene, Mozambique

Day 12. Bilene to Hazyview, South Africa Highlights. Shangaan Cultural Evening.

From Bilene we cross the border into South Africa where we head for southern Africa’s premier game reserve - Kruger National Park. We spend the night just outside the reserve in the town of Hazyview.

After settling in this evening, we immerse ourselves in the local culture and enjoy Shangaan tribal singing and dancing around an open fire - to learn more about these fascinating people and their culture.

3 images Shangaan Cultural Evening

Day 13. Kruger National Park Highlights. Kruger National Park, South Africa.

Today we have a full day of game driving in this magnificent park. We meet our local guides and board our open 4x4 safari vehicle in search for the 150 mammals and over 500 bird-species living in this park.

Kruger National Park is a little larger than the country of Belgium, so there is a lot of terrain to cover today. Our guides will choose the route dependent on local game movements and sightings and the day is spent exploring the magnificent park. We take a break at a rest camp over the hotter midday hours and continue on our drive again in the afternoon before heading back to camp late afternoon.

For those seeking an unusual game drive experience, there is an option for a night game drive in the park - chat to your guide for details.

3 images Kruger National Park, South Africa

Day 14. Hazyview to Pretoria

After packing up camp one last time, we head towards Pretoria - the beating heart of South Africa. Our journey takes us through scenic countryside and up to the highveld with it's big open skies - where our tour ends late this afternoon.