17 Days Vic Falls & Mozambique

We enjoy the guided tour of the Victoria Falls locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). We explore the falls on the Zimbabwe side and walk back to the hotel before sunset. Take a flight over the falls or any optional activity on the following day. 

We travel from Victoria Falls to Bulawayo in Matabeleland, and stop in Matobos National Park. Our lodge is on the outskirts of the park. This afternoon we enjoy sundowners from the granite ridge overlooking the park. The following morning, we visit World’s View and the historical site of Cecil John Rhodes’ grave. Unusual rock formations are home to an array of ancient bushman paintings, which we visit while on our game walk with a local guide. 

We leave Bulawayo and drive to Masvhingo province. We visit the Great Zimbabwe Monuments: these well-preserved ruins are some of the oldest and largest stone structures in southern Africa, built during the 11th to 14th centuries. We explore these ancient stone structures on an informative walk with a local guide. 

Manicaland is one of the unspoiled regions between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We overnight outside the fourth largest city in Zimbabwe, Mutare, before entering Mozambique. The hotel is located near Bvumbi mountains, which are famous for hiking, with a golf course (top 10 in Africa). 

We visit a hidden gem and one of the most celebrated wildlife restoration areas in Africa. Parque Nacional de Gorongosa was almost closed, with wildlife wiped up during the civil war, and has gone from less than 10 000 animals to more than 100 000 animals within 10 years. We spend three days exploring the place voted best to visit by National Geographic readers in 2019, with local knowledgeable guides. 

We reach the Indian Ocean in Vilanculos late in the afternoon, check in and relax. We have the following day to explore the Magaruque Island on a local dhow, a traditional ocean-going trade vessel. Beautiful blue sea, snorkelling, expansive white beaches and some excellent seafood are available. Immerse yourself in local life and make your day a memorable one. 

We travel south along the Indian Ocean coastline, driving through villages, and mango and cashew nut plantations en route to Inhambane. The Arabic influence can be seen in this town as they explored it during the gold rush, as well as for slavery exchange and spice trading. We walk Inhambane and visit its 200-year-old cathedral and visit the enchanting fresh produce market before we reach the lodge. We have the whole day to venture into different optional activities. 

We reach the capital city of Mozambique late in the afternoon and visit some of the remaining Portuguese influenced buildings including the Paroquia Santo Antonio church. We check in and have some time to relax. Late in the evening we go out for dinner (own expense). The city is live at night, mingle with the locals for real experience. 

We take the boat and cross to Inhaca Island. We have two days to relax on the white beach of Inhaca Island or explore the surroundings with local guides. 

The tour ends after breakfast. We drive to Maputo International Airport for our flight to Johannesburg and connect to our flights home.