This 8 day overland adventure in Mozambique offers a no-frills tropical adventure that will see you making your way through this incredible country with like-minded travellers on a custom designed safari truck. It departs and returns to Maputo - the vibrant capital city.
Mozambique is not on the "traditional" African safari circuit, but that’s just one of the reasons we love it. Where else in the world can you combine a tropical beach getaway on the warm Indian Ocean with a wildlife safari, but without the crowds?
Departing from the capital city of Maputo, this 8 day overland adventure in Mozambique will bring you up close to this little explored African wonder. You’ll get a hands-on, up close experience with the vibrant culture, untouched natural beaches, tropical weather and friendly Mozambican locals.
This adventure is about the destinations, but also about the journey, getting to bond with your fellow travellers and overland crew on a sturdy, custom built and designed Hino safari truck. This is hassle free adventure travel at its best, with your transport, accommodation, food and activities all included. If you’re on a budget you can opt to camp each night or treat yourself to a little added comfort in 3-star lodges
Why You’ll Love It
- Transport is provided on a custom designed overland truck with ample storage space
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners included
- Accomodation is in spacious tents with mattresses provided or within 3 star lodges
- You overland crew includes a driver and cook who will prepare your meals
- Enjoy a guided walking tour of Maputo to learn about its colonial history
- Share a welcome dinner with your new travel companions
- Soak up the passing views of local villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane while traversing the coastal routes
- Tuck into a traditional Mozambican dinner at Inhambane
- Explore the marine life in Barra and enjoy the untouched beaches
- Explore Tofo on a day outing- browse the markets and visit the beach bars
- Head out to to Inhambane on an authentic Dhow ferry
- Take another Dhow trip to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago
- Indulge in ample beach and relaxation time with snorkeling and swimming opportunities throughout the journey in the warm Indian Ocean
- Experience signature sundowners and beach walks in Xai Xai
- Finishing in Maputo allows for an easy onwards journey after the tour
Day1: Mixing it up in Maputo
This 8 day overland adventure in Mozambique starts from Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. It offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures as well as being the country’s economic centre. The city's trade history brought cultures from all the corners of the earth which can be seen in its architecture, and of course, it’s cuisine. Piri-piri chicken? Yes please.
After checking-in at your hotel and meeting your oveland crew and fellow travellers, you will get to explore the city sights such as the Fortress and the Railway Station on an in-depth walking tour with a local guide. No visit to the city would be complete without a browse through the central and FEIMA markets for a unique selection of crafts- you won’t be disappointed! Tonight we eat out together and get a chance to experience the night-life of this intriguing city.
Day 2: Inhambane Here We Come
Hopefully without to much of a sore head from the night before, we’ll wake early to kick off this Escape to Mozambique tour. We’ll be leaving the bustling city of Maputo in our overland dust and make tracks up the Mozambican coastline to Inhambane. Today is all about enjoying the open road, passing through palm lined streets scattered with locals and roadside markets.
You will soon see that many parts of Mozambique are extremely remote (why we love it!), but be warned- this isn’t a polished destination with all the glitz and glamour of some of its Indian Ocean contemporaries. The best thing, is that you won't encounter hordes of tourists!
Our journey will bring us closer to those those bleached white beaches you have been dreaming of, for two days of relaxation and ocean fun. Tonight we are welcomed with a traditional Mozambique dinner which carries strong Arabic and Portuguese influences.
Day 3- 4: Sun, Sand and Sea
With two more days of beach time we have ample opportunity to relax, work on our tans and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The more adventurous ones of the group can sign up for a variety of optional activities.
The beaches here at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkeling. Go on, take a dip in the gin-clear water. Lie out under the palm trees, sharing your sand only with a couple of scuttling coconut crabs.
During this time we will also make a short outing to Tofo a small coastal town with incredible reefs that are inhabited by manta rays. Spend the day enjoying beachlife - swimming, snorkeling or simply vegetating. Head over to the and opt for an afternoon beer or signature rum and raspberry at one of the beach bars.
Day 5: Next Stop, Vilanculos
This morning we make a stop in Inhambane where you will have the opportunity to explore the market and the historic streets of this former slave trading port. For those who enjoy a good dose of adventure, your overland guide will arrange one of the famous Dhow ferries to sail you across the bay. These sturdy old boats have plied the East Coast of Africa for centuries and the trip across the bay is a truly local experience.
This 8 day overland adventure in Mozambique continues today as you travel north to the next stop at at Vilanculos. The expression "Africa time" was probably coined in Vilanculos, a tiny, tropical village on Mozambique’s southern Indian Ocean coastline. It’s unapologetically laid-back, as you will soon discover.
Day 6: Bazaruto and Beachside Bliss
Hop aboard a traditional Dhow this morning and set sail to the idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Declared a national park in 2000, the archipelago brims with dive sites that are among the best in the world, where rare dugong, seahorses, manta rays and whale sharks are regular visitors.
We will spend the day exploring the islands, snorkeling and soaking up more sun, taking the time to enjoy the beaches of this island paradise- don't forget to re-apply the sunscreen though! The archipelago's excellent variety of water and land-based activities will keep you occupied, but expect an to fall asleep early tonight after such a busy, yet rewarding day.
Day 7: Sundowners in Xai Xai
Well-rested, we continue on course for the Xai-Xai district. We will arrive in the late afternoon but with just enough time time for a leisurely stroll along the beach with a sundowner in hand. Nothing beats an Southern African sunset as it slips behind the horizon of the Indian Ocean, its crimson glow highlighting the pristine shoreline. Paradise found? Absolutely.
Xai Xai is rustic Mozambique at its best, where charming, eco-friendly hotels overlook wild and wonderful beaches, and the scenery is absurdly breathtaking. You can easily spend your days diving and fishing in the deep waters, picking coconuts and bartering with locals for avocados, or simply wander the long beaches, sand between your toes and the wind in your hair. Go for it- snap up that new profile pic!
Day 8: Making it Back to Maputo
This 8 day overland adventure in Mozambique comes to an end today. Early risers can savour one last sunrise on the beach this morning before the last leg back to Maputo, where tour comes to an end upon our arrival.
What’s Included
- Bazaruto Island excursion
- Most meals (8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners)
- All road transport in a customised 24 seater overland vehicle
- Mattress and tent supplied if you are doing the camping option
- 3 star lodge accommodation, only if you are doing the accommodated option
- An experienced driver and a guide-cook
What’s Not Included
- Pre and post overland trip accommodation in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls
- Additional meals, drinks and snacks
- Additional activities not stipulated in the itinerary
- Optional gratuities
- Flights into or out of end and starting points
- Extra cost for single supplements
