NJMJ – 14 DAY DISCOVER MOZAMBIQUE
Local Payment – USD 240
Payable in cash to the guide on departure. Only small denominations ($50, $20, $10) notes printed after 2000 will be accepted. (Includes Overnight Dhow Excursion)
Countries Visited
South Africa x 2, Swaziland and Mozambique.
Vehicle
Overland Truck
Malaria
Malaria prophylactics are required. You will be moving from a low risk area in Kruger to a high-risk area in Mozambique.
Departure Point
Mufasa Backpackers
21 fourth road
Cloverdene
Benoni¨
1513
End Point
Mufasa backpackers
21 Fourth Road
Cloverdene
Benoni
1513
Health
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies that you may have.
Visas
Please note that these are your responsibility. Most nationalities require visas for Mozambique and South Africa. Some nationalities will require a visa for Swaziland. See Pre Departure Booklet for more information.
Climate
The African sun is very strong. Please use a factor 30 sunscreen and wear a hat. You should drink at least 3 litres of water per day to avoid dehydration. Please see Pre Departure Booklet for detailed information.
Currency and Banking
USD and Rand in Mozambique and Rand in South Africa/Swaziland are best on this tour. Please see Pre Departure Booklet for detailed information on each country. Travellers Cheques can take a long time to change into cash and often incur unreasonable charges. Credit Cards cannot always be processed – especially in remote areas.
Vaccinations
Please see the Pre Departure Information booklet for detailed information on vaccinations in Africa.
Onward Travel
You can link this tour by doing the Cape to Vic Falls tour before starting the Mozambique tour. You will end in Victoria Falls. Book the NTVJ transit from Vic Falls to Johannesburg and get on the Mozambique tour. Or you can do the South African Explorer camping tour before linking to this tour.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
If you require accommodation before or after your tour we can arrange this for you. We can also arrange airport transfers – contact your travel agent to make these bookings.
Arrival
Please be sure to arrive 1 day before your tour is due to depart. This will avoid any problems such as forgotten luggage, misplaced bags or any unpredictable problems such as airline strikes or delayed flight arrival.
Departure
Please book your flight to depart the day after the tour officially ends. This is to account for any delays that we may experience due to unpredictable road conditions.
Note: All information is subject to change without prior notice. Travel times can change depending on road or weather conditions, etc. These are used as a guideline only.
Note: We can not guarantee single accommodation on this tour and therefore can not book this in advance. You are welcome to request an upgrade upon arrival in the various places.
Did you receive your Pre Departure Information Booklet?
If not please contact us at juan@mufasabackpackers.com and we will e-mail you the document; alternatively visit us at our office (1st Floor, Leadership House, 40 Shortmarket St, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town) to collect one. You can also download from our website at http://www.backpackertours.co.za
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON THIS ROUTE
Country Area Activity Price Range
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Umphakatsi Experience (Visit real Chief’s village) R55 to R60
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Sunrise Drive (2.5 hours) R170 to R190
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Midday Game Drive (2.5 hours) R150 to R170
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Sunset Drive (2.5 hours) R170 to R190
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Guided Game Walk (2.5 hours) R80 to R100
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Guided Birding Walk (2.5 hours) R80 to R100
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Lion Tour Game Drive (2.5 hours) R170 to R190
Swaziland Hlane Royal NP Guided Mountain Bike Trail (per hour) R85 to R100
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Deep Sea Fishing – Per Hour (excl Fuel) $55 to $65
Mozambique Praia Do Tofo Ocean Safari (Boat cruise) $45 to $65
Mozambique Inhambane Scuba Diving – Per Dive $40 to $50
Mozambique Inhambane Snorkeling (Equipment rental) $25 to $35
South Africa Kruger NP Sunset Game Drive 3-Hours R140 to R180
South Africa Kruger NP Dawn Game Walk 2 to 3 Hours R270 to R300
South Africa Timbavati Local Village Tour R100 to R150
South Africa Johannesburg Dinner at local restaurant R150 to R300
Note:
There are more optional activities being created every day – we have listed only the most popular. If there is something specific you would like to do then speak to your guide as they will be able to assist you (if it is possible…)
DAY 1/2 SWAZILAND – HLANE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK
We depart Johannesburg and travel through scenic Mpumalanga until we reach Swaziland. Crossing into the country we enter Hlane Royal NP which is home to lion, elephant, white rhino and diverse birdlife. The 30,000 hectare Nature Reserve has a wide variety of optional activities available. Optional Activities: Hiking, Game Drives, Lion Tour.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner (Breakfast on day 2)
Accommodation: Camp: Hlane Royal NP camp site http://www.biggameparks.org/3parks_hlane.html
Facilities: Shared ablutions, hot showers, no electricity.
Route: Johannesburg to Swaziland. ±420 km
Travel time: ±8-9 hrs plus a border crossing
Border posts: South Africa: Mananga, Tel +27 (0) 13 793 7075, Open: 07h00-18h00
Swaziland: Mananga, Tel: +268 323 2137, Open: 07h00-18h00
Swaziland
The smallest country in the southern hemisphere, Swaziland has been independent since 1968 – is one of the only three monarchies left in Africa. The King, appointed in accordance with Swazi tradition, is the Executive Head of State. If he is absent, or unable to perform his duties, for any reason, the Queen Mother acts on his behalf. Swaziland is a small landlocked kingdom, bounded on all sides by South Africa except for roughly 100km of border with Mozambique in the east.
Swaziland’s natural resources are extremely well managed, and despite the country’s size it lays claim to some of the best game reserves and national parks in southern Africa. Elephants, lions and rhinos have been reintroduced after being wiped out. The name Mlilwane (Embers) refers to the glow of the fires on the Mountains. The Reilly family, in the face of apathetic attempts at conservation in the area, converted their farm, Mlilwane, into a wildlife Sanctuary. Poaching was a big problem in the beginning until King Sobhaza II called the nation to Lobamba and arranged for the Reilliys to show a film on wildlife. This was the beginning of Big Game Parks.
Hlane Royal National Park
Held in trust for the Nation by His Majesty King Mswati III.
In the vast bushveld expanse of eastern Swaziland where the hot, still sun of Africa beats on the dry but life-giving soils as it has for thousands of years, and the rumbling roars of the lions are heard in the cool dusky evenings, lies Swaziland’s largest protected area, Hlane Royal National Park, home to the largest herds of game in the Kingdom.
Hlane, named by King Sobhuza II, with its adjacent dispersal areas covers 30 000 hectares of Swazi bushveld, dominated by ancient hardwood vegetation. Hlane is home to lion, elephant and white rhino, with an abundant and diverse bird life, including the highest density of nesting white backed vultures in Africa.
A network of self-drive game-viewing roads criss-cross the park’s flat terrain, weaving between the 1000 year old hardwood vegetation and shallow pans which attract great herds of animals during the dry winter months. Guided walking safaris, mountain biking and game drives in Hlane’s open Land Rover’s are also available. Head for the bush and experience the sights and sounds of Hlane against the roar of Hlane’s magnificent lions – the symbol of royalty and the pride of Swaziland.
DAY 3/4 MOZAMBIQUE – PRAIA DO TOFO
Today we will leave Swaziland behind us and cross into Mozambique. We will be travelling north beside the ocean and experience beautiful coastal scenery. In the late afternoon we arrive at our camp for the next two nights. There are many optional activities on offer in this small town, and Tofo is home to some of the best scuba diving on the east coast of Africa. There is also plenty of time to relax on the beautiful beaches. Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Scuba Diving and Surfing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Hut: Bamboozi Beach Lodge http://www.bamboozibeachlodge.com
Facilities: Shared Ablutions, hot showers, flushing toilets, bar and restaurant at the hotel on beach.
Route: Hlane to Praia do Tofo. ±560 km
Travel time: ±7-8 hrs plus a border crossing (Long Day)
Border posts: Swaziland: Lomahasha, Tel: +268 323 6026, Open: 07h00-20h00
Mozambique: Namaacha, Tel: not working, Open: 07h00-20h00
Praia do Tofo
Tofo is situated in the province of Inhambane and is 22km from the City of Inhambane. About 17 km east of Inhambane is where Bar Babalaza marks the crossroads to Tofo and Barra. Tofo is a small (about 40 houses) beach town, with a hotel and other accommodation, a lovely open beach, nice reefs for fishing and snorkelling, spas, beach bars and dive schools, where you can slow down your pace of life, do nothing, relax and just leave your footprints.
Tofo has been popular with Zimbabweans and South Africans since before the war and Tofo has now also become a firm favourite on the international backpacking trail and offers a variety of accommodation and places to eat and drink. Tofino, less than a kilometre south, is situated on a more exposed and rocky headland and the waves at Tofinho are known for very good surfing.
The headland is also a favourite spot for fishermen when a high tide covers the shelf, allowing casting for the plentiful kingfish into the deep waters beyond. Tofinho is also the site of the Frelimo Monument to Fallen Heroes, near to where unfortunate victims of the colonial period were thrown into a sea cave, to be drowned by the rising tide. A spectacular blow hole near the tip of the point can give a raw display of power, when there is a large swell running.
Mozambique
Mozambique’s first inhabitants were San hunters and gatherers, ancestors of the Khoisan peoples. Between the first and fourth centuries AD, waves of Bantu-speaking peoples migrated from the west and north through the Zambezi River valley and then gradually into the plateau and coastal areas. The Bantu were farmers and ironworkers. When Portuguese explorers reached Mozambique in 1498, Arab commercial and slave trading settlements had existed along the coast and outlying islands for several centuries. From about 1500, Portuguese trading posts and forts became regular ports of call on the new route to the east. Later, traders and prospectors penetrated the interior regions seeking gold and slaves.
Although Portuguese influence gradually expanded, its power was limited and exercised through individual settlers and officials who were granted extensive autonomy. As a result, investment lagged while Lisbon devoted itself to the more lucrative trade with India and the Far East and to the colonization of Brazil. By the early 20th century the Portuguese had shifted the administration of much of Mozambique to large private companies, like the Mozambique Company, the Zambezi Company and the Niassa Company, controlled and financed mostly by the British, which established railroad lines to neighbouring countries and supplied cheap–often forced–African labour to the mines and plantations of the nearby British colonies and South Africa. Unfortunately, because policies were designed to benefit Portuguese immigrants and the Portuguese homeland, little attention was paid to Mozambique’s national integration, its economic infrastructure, or the skills of its population.
Whale Sharks
Mozambique, especially the areas around Inhambane (Praia do Tofo), is well known for its incredible whale shark diving opportunities. Definitely one of the top places in the world to encounter the majestic whale sharks, divers are starting too slowly but surely rediscover Mozambique. You do not even need a PADI or other dive qualifications to dive with these amazing gentle giants. You can simply swim or snorkel with them and marvel in their awesome size and beauty.
Whale Sharks are known to be seen all year round but the waters are heavily populated during the Mozambique summer months (September – February). Please note that February is the known time of year for Cyclones so if you do come then there is a chance of being caught up in a cyclone. Obviously the visibility drops dramatically during this month if cyclones do hit the coast.
Please remember to dive responsibly with whale sharks. Your dive master will remind you about the rules regarding diving with whale sharks such as how close you are allowed to approach the whale shark, touching the whale shark etc. Be a safe and responsible diver because even though the whale sharks show no threat to divers they are very powerful sharks and should be respected.
Please always ask to make sure before booking whether you are likely to see whale sharks during your future visit as not to be disappointed by arriving out of season or in a bad season. This is very important as many divers come to Mozambique especially to swim with the whale shark.
DAY 5/6/7 VILANCULOS – BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
We depart Praia do Tofo and drive north to Vilanculos. The next day we sail on a dhow (traditional boat) to the islands of the Magaruque Island where we relax by snorkelling or soaking up the sun. Whale Sharks are often seen gliding through the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean. We return to Vilanculos on Day 7 and can enjoy a number of optional activities like horse riding, hiking or snorkelling. Optional Activities: Snorkelling, Hiking, Horse Riding
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Two per Room: Smugglers http://www.smugglers.co.za
Included Activities: Dhow Excursion: http://www.sailaway.co.za
Facilities: Shared ablutions, hot showers, bar
Route: Praia do Tofo to Vilankulo. ±330 km
Travel time: ±6-10 hrs (depending on road conditions)
Vilanculos
Vilanculos (or Vilankulo) is a relatively large town on the mainland of Mozambique in the province of Inhambane. Vilanculos serves as the gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago which is world renowned for its excellent diving. Whilst on holiday here you can relax on the gorgeous white sandy beaches or go diving to experience a top class underwater adventure. Even though Vilanculos is a third world style town it offers great restaurants, hotels and an exciting night life.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Once part of the mainland, this “peninsula” broke apart from the African continent 25 000 years ago to form the archipelago, comprising the three larger islands of Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque, as well as the smaller Banque and Santa Carolina, (previously known as Paradise Island). The archipelago, declared a marine National Park in 2000, sustains a diverse range of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland ecosystems. Mozambican Government policy is to develop low profile lodges rather than mega hotels in the eco-sensitive areas, to allow tourism to develop without spoiling the environment by over population. To maintain the ecology and social integrity of the Bazaruto National Park, a long-term “Multiple Resource Use” project for the archipelago is underway. The various lodges subscribe to the wise and sustainable use of the resources and contribute financially to the project which includes a community development programme.
Dhows
For more than two thousand years, lateen rigged dhows have been sailing the Indian Ocean, linking economies and peoples, and creating a cosmopolitan maritime Indian Ocean culture.
While trade was the primary rationale, a great variety of people moved with it across the oceans: sailors, merchants and settlers. In former days there were also slaves, religious refugees, and conquerors. By the early 1960s the dhow trade to Zanzibar had begun to falter as a result of the discovery of oil in the Persian Gulf; and the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964 dealt a fatal blow to this ancient trade.
For centuries, Arab shipwrights crafted boats using sewn construction – literally sewing the planks together with coconut fibre cord – but this craft has more or less died out, being superseded by nailed construction. Sailaway offers safaris on hand crafted dhows, designed to ensure both your comfort and safety; the largest boat in our fleet is a double-master and was built to order by local craftsmen from Vilanculo.
Dugongs
Dugongs are the only member of the order Sirenia from the family Dugongidae. They are found in the Western Indian Ocean with a relatively marginal occurrence on the east coast of Southern African. In Mozambican waters dugongs are found between the River Rovuma to south of Moma in Nampula province, and from the Save river to Maputo Bay. More recently, however, the only viable population is believed to occur in the Bazaruto Archipelago, although outlying individuals do occur in other areas.
The Bazaruto Archipelago and Mozambique coast is one of the most important African habitats for dugongs in the Western Indian Ocean. Their distribution is limited by specific habitat requirements, particularly sea grass meadows growing in shallow, sheltered lagoons protected by reefs and islands. Your best chance of sighting a dugong will be in these sea grass meadows of the archipelago.
Dugongs are one of the most endangered large mammals of the African continent and are among the most threatened mammalian species in the western Indian Ocean. The major causes of their decline are hunting and accidental entanglement in fishing nets, particularly gill nets. Extrapolation of a recent survey produced an estimated total population of just 104 animals remaining in the area surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Overnight Dhow Excursion
This excursion is covered by your Local Payment. We leave Vilanculo and sail to Magaruque Island for some snorkelling and lunch. The third largest island in the archipelago, one can walk around this small island in a couple of hours. A base reef on the lee side of the island provides good snorkelling.
In the late afternoon we sail back to the mainland where we overnight at Chigamane Champ. (At this stage it is not possible to overnight on the Islands, but our local operator is continuing to try to get permission for this.)
On day 2 of the excursion we sail to 2-Mile Reef (depending on the tide). Beautiful and diverse coral formations and thousands of tropical fishes, from tiny clownfish to large wrasse and parrotfish can be found here. Moray eels, various rays and white-tip reef sharks can also be seen. Scuba diving and snorkelling are both recommended.
After spending the entire day out on the water we return to Vilanculo where we sleep this evening.
Plan B: Day safari and speedboat: If weather is not favourable the excursion runs as follows: a day trip to Magaruque on a Dhow, and the following day a speedboat transfer to 2 Mile Reef.
DAY 8/9 INHAMBANE
Driving south through beautiful coconut plantations, we pass through the old European settlement of Inhambane. In the early afternoon we arrive at our destination. The following day is free to soak up the sun, swim or partake in the varied optional activities available here. Optional Activities: Scuba Diving, Horse Riding, Quad Biking, Snorkelling, Fishing, Boat Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Dorms: Pensao Pachica http://www.barralighthouse.com/pensao.htm
Facilities: Overlooks the bay, shared ablutions.
Route: Vilankulo to Inhambane. ±300km
Travel time: ±6 hrs
Inhambane is a city located in southern Mozambique, lying on Inhambane Bay. It is the capital of the Inhambane Province and has a population of 77,000. Founded by Swahili traders, the town grew as a slave port and ivory trading centre in the eighteenth century under mostly Indian control. It was destroyed in 1834 by Soshangane, but grew rapidly in the second half of the century, from which period its cathedral and old mosque date. The city is now home to a museum and a market and is known for its nearby beaches. Ferries sail across the bay to Maxixe.
Inhambane Province is a province of Mozambique located on the coast in the southern part of the country. It has an area of 68,615 km2 and a population of approximately 1.3 million (2002). The provincial capital is also called Inhambane. The climate is tropical throughout, more humid along the coast and dryer inland. The coast has a number of mangrove swamps. The town of Inhambane existed in the 10th century, and was the southernmost port used by Arabs for slave trading.
The region was visited by Vasco da Gama in 1498, who claimed Inhambane Bay for Portugal. The Portuguese established a trading post at Inhambane in 1534. The province is the second largest grower of cashews (after Nampula), and also produces coconut and citrus fruit (inspiring Mozambique’s most famous poet Craveirinha to write of “The Tasty Tangerines of Inhambane”). The long coastline supports much fishing. The Inhambane Bay area is of some interest for tourism, with a number of beaches, and one of the last remaining populations of dugong in Mozambique.
DAY 10 MAPUTO
From Inhambane we drive further south to the bustling capital city, Maputo. We arrive in the afternoon and have time to explore this truly African city. Maputo is currently undergoing a facelift as Mozambique’s economy grows steadily. Highlights worth visiting are the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceiao, and the Central Railway Station.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Dorms: Fatima’s Backpackers http://www.mozambiquebackpackers.com
Facilities: Shared ablutions, hot showers.
Route: Inhambane to Maputo. ±460 km
Travel time: ±6-7 hrs
Maputo is the capital of Mozambique. A port on the Indian Ocean, its economy is centred around the harbour. It has an official population of approximately 966,837 (1997), but the actual population is estimated to be much higher due to slums and other unofficial settlements. Coal, cotton, sugar, chrome, sisal, copra, and hardwood are the chief exports. The city manufactures cement, pottery, furniture, shoes, and rubber. There is also a large aluminium smelting plant, Mozal. The city is surrounded by Maputo Province, but is administered as its own province.
Maputo is located on the west side of Maputo Bay, at the mouth of the Tembe River. The bay is 95 km long and 30 km wide. The Maputo River empties into the southern end of the bay. Founded in the late 18th century, the city was named Lourenço Marques for Lourenço Marques, the Portuguese trader who first explored the area in 1544. In 1895, construction of a railroad to Pretoria, South Africa caused the city’s population to grow. In 1898, Lourenço Marques became the capital of Mozambique.
During the Second Boer War, Winston Churchill, after being captured by the Boers, made a daring escape to Lourenço Marques by slipping past the sentries. After independence, the city’s name was changed to Maputo. Maputo’s name reputedly has its origin in an old, fierce tribal leader, Maputa, who once ruled over the region. Maputo houses the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique’s first university. The city also has a museum of Mozambique history, a military museum, and the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima.
Maputo is a planned city with square blocks and wide avenues, with Portuguese traces and their typical architecture of the 70s. The Portuguese left in massive numbers at the end of the independence war in 1975, and as a result there was a massive lack of skills and services, the civil war and government mismanagement, contributed to its state of dereliction in the years following the declaration of peace. Nevertheless, the city itself was never damaged, since it was tacitly considered neutral ground during both the colonial and the civil war. Recovery has always been very slow due to a lack of investment. In many cases new buildings are being erected for the rising middle class, rather than existing buildings being renovated and many city services are still precarious.
The Maputo beach has been spoiled by waste dumped into the bay, so not many people want to spend time on it. However, the sea condition seems to be improving, and hopefully, if linked with proper sanitary measures, changes could be noticeable in the future. Maputo is a melting pot of several cultures, with a strong South African influence. The Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, East Indian, and Chinese cultures is also felt. The cuisine is very elaborate, due especially to the Portuguese and Muslim heritage. Sea food is also very abundant. Maputo is also the name of a song by Bob James & David Sanborn from their landmark album, Double Vision.
DAY 11/12 SOUTH AFRICA – KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Today we return to South Africa to the world famous Kruger NP, where we will do our best to see Africa’s Big 5. The Kruger NP is the most famous nature conservation area in the world. It is roughly 36,800 square kilometres in size and was founded by South Africa’s first president Paul Kruger. Two nights are spent in this magnificent area enjoying African wildlife. Informative dawn game walks and night drives (accompanied by a ranger) are offered as an optional extra. Optional Activities: SANP Night Drive and Dawn Game Walks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Camp: SANP Campsite http://www.sanparks.org
Facilities: Shared ablutions, bank (only at Skukuza Camp), laundry facilities, restaurant, shop,
Route: Maputo to Kruger NP. ±200 km
Travel time: ±4-5 hrs plus border crossing, then game driving in park
Border posts: Mozambique: Lebombo, Tel: +258 (0) 81 550 003, Open: 06h00-24h00
South Africa: Lebombo, Tel: +27 (0) 13 793 7311, Open: 06h00-24h00
Kruger National Park
On 26 March, 1898, President Paul Kruger signed a proclamation for the founding of a government game park in the Eastern Transvaal, between the Crocodile and the Sabie Rivers. It is about 18,000 square kilometres in size.
This area had attracted most intensive hunting by man which drastically reduced the animal population in the area. Mosquito and Tsetse fly however, prevented human settlement in the area. Traders did use the routes through the area, including the well-known trader Juao Albasini. He sent so many porters carrying goods along the path that he created a depot and staging post near Pretoriuskop.
The area stayed untouched until after the Anglo-Boer war. At the end of this conflict, the new British administration accepted the idea of a game sanctuary and appointed a warden for what was called Sabie Game reserve. They appointed Major James Stevenson-Hamilton. He selected as his headquarters what is now named Skukuza, named after the African name the locals gave him ( he who sweeps clean) Stevenson- Hamilton was the first to raise the idea that the area should be opened for viewing by the public, instead of the proposed plan of opening it for hunting. Thus, during the winter months of 1923, South African railways introduced a novel tourist service – a round-in-nine tour by train, which included a night transit through the park. This changed to stop in the reserve, where a ranger took guests on a short walk.
The name, Kruger National Park, was first used in print on 14 Dec 1925 in a leading article in “Die Burger”, a Cape Town morning paper. On 31 May 1926, Mr Piet Grobler moved in Parliament the second reading of the National parks act. There were no dissidents. Under the administration of a board of control comprising ten members the park was launched. The first road in the park was laid down from Sabie Bridge to the Olifants River, the second from Sabie Bridge to Pretoriuskop and the third from Sabie Bridge to Crocodile Bridge.
The first three tourist cars entered the park in 1927, using the entrance at Pretoriuskop. Among the passengers was a seven-year old, Douglas Jackaman, who was so impressed by what he saw that he later became a camp manager in the park. No accommodation was provided for the visitor’s, they made their own camps in thorn-bush enclosures. Visitors also carried weapons for their protection. In 1944 a cordon system was introduced between the park and local farms to decrease the impact of foot and mouth disease on the parks wildlife. Stevenson-Hamilton retired through the years of the Second World War, through which time the park was closed. The park was again opened to the public in 1946 under new control. Stevenson-Hamilton, aged 90, died of a stroke on 10 Dec 1957. His ashes and those of his wife Hilda were scattered in the park on 10 April 1979 at an outcrop of granite south of Skukuza.
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. This national park of nearly 2 million hectares and is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Approximately 145 mammal species can be found in the park. Kruger has a list of almost 500 bird species, some of which are not to be found elsewhere in South Africa. There are 336 tree species in the park.
DAY 13 CHEETAH BREEDING CENTRE
We depart Kruger today and visit a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Many of Africa’s beautiful birds and wildlife can be seen up close. We camp for the night in the heart of the Panorama Route.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Dorms: Timbavati http://www.timbavatisafarilodge.com
Facilities: Shared ablutions, swimming pool, bar.
Included Activities: Visit to Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: http://www.moholoholo.co.za
Route: Kruger NP to Timbavati. ±200 km
Travel time: ±6 hrs (might be longer because of sightseeing)
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Moholoholo is nestled in a picturesque setting at the base of the Drakensberg escarpment in the Limpopo Province Lowveld of South Africa. Moholoholo has become a haven for the rehabilitation and care of abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife.
Wildlife is brought to the centre from all corners of South Africa, and once healthy enough are re-introduced into their natural environments. Those creatures that cannot be returned to the wild due to the nature and extent of their injuries, are cared for at the centre and are used to educate the many people who visit us each year, both from across South Africa and abroad.
Another important function of the centre is breeding. Moholoholo have successfully bred and released into the wild the endangered Crowned Eagle, Serval and many others. This Centre is a non-profit organization, relying completely on the support of the public
Panorama Route
In 1840, the Voortrekker leader, Hendrik Potgieter, led a party on an exploratory journey to Lourenzo Marques. The women stayed behind on the height near Graskop and most of the men rode of. The time for their return came and passed. The waiting party became despondent. They named the stream on whose banks they were camped, the Treur (sorrow) and set out for home. Potgieter, however, returned safely, overtaking the women as they were fording the river from then on known as the Blyde (joyful).
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the most spectacular canyons in Africa and its cliffs rise between 600m-800m from the riverbed. At the ‘Three Rondavels viewpoint’ (also called ‘The Three Sisters’) is an unforgettable view of three huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon. Their tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof. Where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet, water erosion has formed one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the country, known as ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’. Over thousands of years, surreal cylindrical rock sculptures created by whirling water have formed a series of dark pools which contrast artfully with the streaked white and yellow lichen covered rocks. Following the road and the Treur River south, there are further viewpoints; Wonder View, God’s Window and the Pinnacle. The Three Rondavels are named after the Swazi Chief – Maripi’s wives. From the lowest to the highest, they are Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maserote.
DAY 14 JOHANNESBURG
We will be travelling along the Panorama Route stopping at Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world. Breathtaking view points include God’s Window. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are the fascinating results of erosion caused by the River and make for some wonderful photographs. The tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg. As the arrival time can vary greatly we do not recommend any onward travel arrangements are made. Johannesburg has many excellent restaurants and the groups often spend this evening together. Optional Activities: Dinner out.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Own Arrangements / Post tour accommodation can be booked through Nomad
Route: Timbavati to Johannesburg. ± 600 km
Travel time: ±8-10 hrs
Johannesburg
Gold was discovered in March 1886 around the Witwatersrand by George Harrison. Two Commissioners, Johan Rissik and Christiaan Johannes Joubert were sent from Pretoria to inspect this discovery and to assess its profitability. They reported back that it was of enormous long-term economic value. The farms along the line of reef were declared to be public diggings and F.C Eloff, private secretary to the State President, Paul Kruger, was sent to find a central site suitable for a town. He found a vacant piece of ground; a Government owned farm named Randjieslaagte. Surveyors were instructed by the government to lay this farm out as a future town. They completed their work on 03 Dec 1886.
Tour Ends
We will drop you off at mufasa backpackers. We suggest you book accommodation here for this evening. If you choose to stay elsewhere you will need to arrange a transfer as the truck cannot drive around Johannesburg dropping people off all afternoon. The Airport Grand is about 5km drive from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport. If you are flying out the following evening we highly recommend the day tour of Johannesburg city and Soweto as an informative and enjoyable way to spend the day.
TIPPING ON TOUR
Southern Africa: In general tipping in restaurants is generally expected and is around 10% for good service, more if you have received exceptional service, and, feel free not to tip at all if you received poor service. Tipping taxi drivers etc is really at your own discretion and not always expected. If in doubt please ask your guides.
Our guides do work hard, but they are also paid at (and often above) industry levels for this work. Our Crew can be tipped if you feel that they have done a good job and/or gone above and beyond the call of duty.
The best way to arrange tips is to elect one person in the group to collect the money. We recommend USD1 (or about R5) per day per person, per guide as a fair tip. So if you have 3-crew on a tour, we would recommend that 3 envelopes are used and each crew members name written on one. Place what you feel is fair in to each envelope and the elected person can give these to the crew at the end of the tour. If you do not feel that the crew deserve a tip, please, do not tip them. You must remember that tipping is only for exceptional service and is not at all compulsory or expected.
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