GORONGOSA & VILANKULOS
In order to be able to experience both the newly awakened and beautiful Gorongosa National Park and the fantastic beaches of Vilankulos, we have created this bush & beach combination for you. As a bonus, you’ll also get an interesting tour of bustling – if somewhat morbid – Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
Day 1 | Beira – Gorongosa National Park
You will be greeted by your driver at Beira Airport.
Enjoy a scenic drive from Beira Airport to Gorongosa National Park, which takes approximately 4-4.5 hours.
In its heyday, Gorongosa was considered one of the best natural parks in the world and a sought-after destination for travelers. Unfortunately infrastructure, flora and fauna were destroyed by a huge flood and a civil war and the park was closed for many years. In recent years the park has been rebuilt and once again enjoys international recognition. It is becoming one of Mozambique’s most popular ecotourism destinations.
In the Gorongosa National Park you can now find a small herd of elephants, as well as lions, rhinos, leopards, zebras, kudus, cheetahs, warthogs and rare antelope species. In addition, over 500 different species of birds, some of which are only found here, can be found.
Day 2 – 3 | Gorongosa National Park
One morning game drive and one afternoon game drive are already included. Additional activities such as visiting Mount Gorongosa with swimming in the waterfall, a walking safari, canoe trips, boat tours or village visits and bird watching can be organized by the lodge at an additional cost.
Day 4 – 5 | Maputo
Today you will say goodbye to Gorongosa Park and drive back to Beira where a plane will take you to Maputo. There you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Maputo, the Montebelo Girassol Maputo. The hotel has a unique architecture with panoramic views over the bay and the city of Maputo.
The next day you take a city tour. Your guide accompanies you through the lively capital, rich in history and culture. You will visit the old Portuguese fortress, the large, colorful market, the natural history museum and the station building of one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The excursion lasts about 5 hours and includes lunch.
Day 6 – 9 | Vilanculos
After breakfast, leave your hotel and drive to Maputo Airport. From there you take your flight to Vilankulos.
The Bazaruto Archipelago is a group of 6 islands off the coast of Vilankulos. The islands are located in Bazaruto National Park and are known for their white sandy beaches. The largest island is Bazaruto with its huge sand dunes. Coral reefs around the islands of Magaruque and Santa Corolina protect rare marine animals like dugongs and offer spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities. A variety of activities are available on the mainland, including visits to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, horseback riding, snorkeling trips, seasonal whale and dolphin cruises, deep sea fishing and kite surfing.
A day trip on a traditional dhow takes you to the island of Margarugue. Dhows have been used since ancient times as the main mode of transport along the coast of Mozambique. Once on the island, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel and relax on Margarugue’s beaches. For lunch, the crew will serve a delicious beach picnic.
Day 10 | return journey
You will be taken to Vilanculos airport for your return flight.