t you will experience real African bush – the way it was meant to be, without the neighbours in their latest 4×4 along side you.
We travelled to Inhassuro recently. The steady ascent to conquer Mutare’s hilly skyline gave way to the sprawling hills of Mozambique as we crossed over the Machipanda border post. The thick bush of the Zimbabwean country side was a strong contrast to Mozambique’s red soils and maize filled roadside. After driving several hours into Mozambique what was more of a contrast was the lack of game and general livestock. Even the windscreen was devoid of bugs. This telling sign of years of desperation is surely what Zimbabwe has coming, is it not? I do know that what Zimbabwe has in its favour is good infrastructure and an even more resilient people who refuse to crumble along with the economy. With this in mind we hand picked the top lodges in the lowveld and designed a luxury self drive package that will show the game rangers and lodge operators in Zim they still have the support of regional tourists. We coupled this with rustic out-the-way beach accommodation in Mozambique to give a real sense of getting away from the crowds.
The stops in Zimbabwe include all meals and can include fuel making it unnecessary to have Zimbabwean currency and are all in unspoilt areas devoid of any unrest. It begins in the unspoilt Gonarezhou National Park of Zimbabwe and follows the scenic road up to the Vumba in the Eastern Highlands, continues into Mozambique with the last day being spent near Kruger in South Africa before heading home.
Night 1 Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
Spreading along the edge of the Gorge, this elegant twenty-eight bed lodge provides dramatic views of river and adjacent Gonarezhou National Park from each room and from the opulent architecture of the central complex. Sumptuous Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Game Drives included.
Night 2 Save Valley, Zimbabwe
On a granite hilltop overlooking the rich bushveld of the Save Valley, this safari lodge provides a stunning base from which to explore the conservancy. Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Game Drives included.
Night 3 Eastern Highlands, Zimbabwe
Inn on the Vumba is situated on a mountain-top overlooking a valley that is the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The central area consists of two lounges, a restaurant and a cocktail bar with well appointed decor. The Inn has become well known for its fine Table d’Hôte dinner and Á La Carte lunch. There is also a swimming pool in the garden. Dinner, Bed and breakfast.
Night 4 Inhassuro, Mozambique
An exclusive private lodge on Bartholomeu Dias Point, boasting long stretches of white unspoilt beaches. This tropical paradise is situated in Inhassoro, in the province of Inhambane. The lodge consists of several sea or river facing chalets, built on stilts, leading onto lit up boardwalks which wind between exquisite mangroves. The chalets, restaurant and bars are built with local traditional materials and all provide panoramic views of the sea, BD Island and the lagoon. Days can be spent lounging by the pool, taking river cruises on a boat or dhow, or going on day trips to the nearby BD Island where a seafood lunch can be enjoyed. Many activities including snorkelling, paddle skiing, wind surfing, water skiing and bird watching are on offer. Self Catering.
Night 5 Vilankulo, Mozambique
The resort is self catering and consists of eighteen fully equipped sea facing chalets. There is a central area with a restaurant, bar and swimming pool.
Night 6 Tofo, Mozambique
This scenic venue forms the last outpost on the Tofinho Beach, just 20 kilometres south of Inhambane. Its position provides spectacular coastal views, the sea spray tingling the decks of the three luxury houses. Self Catering.
Night 7 Kruger, South Africa
12km from Kruger and 4 km from Mozambique border these thatched cottages with upmarket furnishings equipped for self-catering.
7 NIGHT PACKAGE SPECIAL of R3,495 includes:
•7 Nights Accommodation
•Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and Game Drives at Gonarezhou and Save Valley
•Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at Inn on the Vumba
•Fully Equipped self catering lodges in Inhassuro, Vilanculos, Tofo and Kruger
TO BOOK PLEASE CALL +27216836444
Email – rian@venues4africa.com or www.venues4africa.com
Conditions apply