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 to 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 National Parks - 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 natural and cultural attractions, and will spend time at deserted Indian Ocean beaches, including the Bazaruto Archipelago. We enjoy a night near the capital Maputo, where we experience the almost Latino culture, and enjoy the city before crossing the bay by ferry to explore 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 unplanned adventure, 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 Kruger area where we overnight in the comfortable DRIFTERS BUSHVELD CAMP within the Balule Game reserve adjoining the National Park. After dinner we will enjoy an open vehicle night game drive.
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
This entire day is for viewing animals in the Kruger from our well-equipped vehicle. We will search for the "Big 5" today, covering most of the northern area of the Park. Camp the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 - 5: MOZAMBIQUE TRANSFRONTIER PARK
This morning, after a visit to Crook's corner, the point marking the border between South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and renowned as a hideout for poachers in the colonial days, we cross the border into Mozambique. At this point the road becomes a bush track, and we will follow the path of the Limpopo River toward Mapai before venturing into the heart of the wilderness. The area that we traverse over the next days is what forms 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: 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 the night in casitas here, situated literally on the beach. Tonight we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Meals: (Own expense)

DAY 9-10 -11: 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 in town. We spend some time exploring 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 d uring our time here we will relax, snorkel, and soak up the sun whilst exploring the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for. Those who wish to have the options of scuba diving or horse riding on the beach (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: CHIDENGUELE
After a day of crossing vast coastal flood plains and passing through forests of cashew nut trees, we arrive at our next stop - the pristine resort of Chidenguele. Situated on a sand dune, inland is thick coastal forest and large freshwater lakes; to the other side is deserted sandy beach as far as the eye can see. We have an afternoon here to explore the area and to walk to the deserted lighthouse that can be climbed for a stunning view of the surrounding area. Overnight in comfortable bungalows.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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. Tonight we will eat in a local restaurant, sampling some of the local seafood (own expense). For the brave, Peri-Peri is a must. The night is spent in a comfortable hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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 Hluhluwe Game Reserve and will visit a rural Zulu school which Drifters sponsors through the benefits of tourism.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.
Meals: Breakfast

DEPARTURES
This tour departs from Johannesburg every third Thursday during 2005.