Mozambique Overland Tour

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MAPUTO

Arrive in Maputo, Mozambique. 2 x Domestic Flights -Included!

URGENT NOTICE- Gorongosa National Park can only be visited from Mid-April to end November!

Maputo (previously called Lourenco Marques) is the sprawling capital of Mozambique with a population of about two million people and a large harbour. Under Portuguese influence, Lourenzo Marques became one of Africa's most beautiful and fashionable cities with an impressive skyline of tall buildings and a cosmopolitan Portuguese/African atmosphere.

Overnight Maputo.

DAY 2: MAPUTO: CITY TOUR

Today we'll tour Maputo.

We will visit the Praca, the star-shaped structure in the centre of the plaza that holds the remains of Mozambique's revolutionary and post-independence heroes. The most important landmark is the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (Our Lady of Conception), which was the nucleus of the original settlement. Another imposing building is the Central Railway Station, an enormous structure that looks more like a palace for kings than a siding for commuters. We also visit the Central Market and the Museum of Natural History.

An interesting and instructive aspect of Maputo is its public art, largely focused on revolutionary themes and often expressed as a mural. Many of the city's murals were painted following independence from Portugal. This new period was marked by spontaneity, and many colourful and complex murals were painted, the most famous of which is the 95m (285 ft) long mural opposite the Praca dos Herois Mocambicanos, commemorating the Revolution.

We also include a walking tour through Mafalala Bairro, which focuses on exploring the area’s rich historical and cultural roots. It includes a stop at a local curandero (healer) and possibly a traditional dance performance.

Overnight in Maputo.

DAY 3: MAPUTO - BEIRA - GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK

This morning we fly from Maputo north to Beira from where we transfer by road to Gorongosa National Park.

The rehabilitation of Gorongosa National Park in Central Mozambique represents one of the great conservation opportunities in the world today. Gorongosa is a region of high species diversity and ecological features found nowhere else. The 4067 square kilometre Park is located at the southern end of the Great East African Rift Valley. The park includes the valley floor and parts of surrounding plateaus. Rivers originating on nearby 1862-meter Mount Gorongosa water the plain.

Gorongosa National Park offers something for everyone interested in African wildlife and spectacular scenery. There is a lion, elephant, buffalo, and many kinds of antelope, with frequent sightings of sable, impala, oribi, bushbuck, reedbuck, kudu, nyala, waterbuck, and (less frequently) zebra, hartebeest and eland. Lake Urema and its waterways support healthy populations of crocodiles and hippos.

Trained guides take us on game-viewing drives, traversing various ecosystems, including floodplains, forests, and lowland savanna.

Overnight at Gorongosa National Park.

DAY 4: GORONGOSA NATIONAL PARK

We have an early morning game drive followed by a walk and boat ride to the community of Vinho. It is a 30-45-minute walk to the Pungue River, with some birding along the way. At the Pungue River, there will be a short trip in a small boat and along the way, we will greet many of the park's employees. We will also visit the new school and hospital that has been recently built in the community.

Overnight at Gorongosa National Park.

DAY 5: GORONGOSA - BEIRA

Today we drive back to Beira to connect with tomorrow's flight to central Mozambique.

Beira is Mozambique's second-largest city and an important port. Known as the 'heart of Mozambique' it is situated halfway up the coast in Sofala province at the mouth of the Pungue River. Although run down and neglected, the buildings have a Mediterranean style and the infrastructure of the city is being re-established after years of neglect and abuse. Travel time permitting, we may be able to have a panoramic look at Beira before settling in for the night.

Overnight in Beira.

DAY 6: BEIRA - NAMPULA - ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE

This morning we fly to Nampula in northern Mozambique and then travel by road +/- three hours east to Ilha de Mozambique (Mozambique Island), a World Heritage site. Prior to 1898, this was the capital of colonial Portuguese East Africa. With its rich history and sandy beaches, the island is one of Mozambique's fastest-growing tourist destinations island was a major Arab port and boat building in the years before Vasco da Gama visited in 1498.

The name of the island is derived from Musa Al Big, an Arab trader who first visited the island and later lived there. This name was subsequently taken to the mainland country which is modern-day Mozambique, and the island was renamed Ilha de Mocambique (Island of Mozambique). The Portuguese established a port and naval base in 1507 and built the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte in 1522.

During the sixteenth century, Fort São Sebastião was built, and the Portuguese settlement (known as Stone Town) became the capital of Portuguese East Africa as well as an important missionary centre. It withstood Dutch attacks in 1607 and 1608 and remained a major port for the Portuguese on their trips to India.

Overnight in the vicinity of Ilha de Mozambique.

DAY 7: ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE

Today we have a tour of Ilha de Mozambique.

The island in itself is not very big, about 3 km long and between 200 and 500 metres wide. Most historical buildings are at the island's northern end. The majority of the residents live in reed houses in Makuti Town at the southern end of the island. We have a full day here to explore this tiny island on foot with its collection of historic buildings.

The Palace and Chapel of São Paulo, built in 1610 as a Jesuit College and subsequently used as the Governor's Residence is now a museum. The Museum of Sacred Art, housed in the Church of the Misericórdia run by the House of Mercy, displays an excellent Makonde crucifix. Other historic buildings include the Church of Santo António, the Church of the Misericórdia, and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte. The island, now entirely urbanised, is also home to several mosques and a Hindu temple.

During our time here, we will also board the Arab-style dhow boats to explore one of the neighbouring islands and spend time in the local town.

Overnight in the vicinity of Ilha de Mozambique.

DAY 8: ILHA DE MOZAMBIQUE, MOZAMBIQUE - JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Today we return by road to Nampula from where we fly to Johannesburg