98% Client Satisfaction Rating
11-Day Zimbabwe And Mozambique Off The Beaten Track Safar
The 11-Day Zimbabwe And Mozambique Off The Beaten Track Safari is a rare and immersive journey designed for travelers seeking untouched wilderness, authentic African experiences, and idyllic coastal relaxation.
Starting in Harare, this safari ventures into the remote and rugged landscapes of Gonarezhou National Park, one of Africa’s least-visited yet most rewarding wildlife destinations, known for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs, vast baobab-dotted plains, and large elephant herds.
The journey continues via Johannesburg, offering a brief urban interlude before flying to the tropical coastline of Vilanculos.
Here, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and access to the Bazaruto Archipelago provide the perfect contrast to the wild bush experience.
Combining overland 4x4 exploration with air transfers, this itinerary ensures a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Why This Safari Works
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Combines remote wildlife, city experience, and beach relaxation
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Accesses lesser-known destinations for a unique safari experience
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Balanced itinerary with both adventure and downtime
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Air transfers reduce long travel distances
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High chances of seeing elephants and diverse wildlife in Gonarezhou
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Ends with relaxing Indian Ocean beach escape
Why This Safari Is Best
This safari is best for adventurous travelers looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-track experience that goes beyond the typical safari circuit.
It is ideal for repeat Africa visitors, couples, photographers, and explorers seeking both wilderness and coastal serenity in one seamless itinerary.
Tour Highlights
Remote wilderness experience in Gonarezhou National Park
Large elephant herds and dramatic Chilojo Cliffs
Scenic overland journey through Zimbabwe’s landscapes
Beach relaxation in Vilanculos and access to Bazaruto Archipelago
Snorkeling, dhow cruises, and marine life encounters
Tour Map
Tour Features
Luxury tour
This luxury tour uses lodges and resorts.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
Minimum age of 12 years
The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Interested?
Day 1
Arrival In Harare
Arrive in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital city, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Harare is known for its tree-lined avenues, cultural heritage, and vibrant local markets.
Spend the day relaxing after your journey or exploring the city’s highlights before preparing for your safari adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Transport: Airport transfer by 4x4 vehicle (approx. 10–20 km, 20–30 minutes)
Accommodation Option A
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 2
Harare To Gonarezhou National Park
Depart early from Harare and journey south toward Gonarezhou National Park.
The drive takes you through rural Zimbabwean landscapes, small villages, and scenic countryside.
Arrive at your lodge or camp in the park and enjoy lunch before an introductory game drive.
Gonarezhou, meaning “Place of Elephants,” offers vast wilderness, low tourist numbers, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, and predators in this remote and untouched ecosystem.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: 4x4 drive Harare to Gonarezhou (approx. 450 km, 8–9 hours)
Accommodation Option A
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 3
Full Day In Gonarezhou National Park
Spend the day exploring Gonarezhou’s diverse landscapes, including riverine forests, baobab-studded plains, and sandstone cliffs.
Morning and afternoon game drives provide opportunities to see large elephant herds, lions, leopards, and a variety of birdlife.
Visit scenic viewpoints such as the Chilojo Cliffs, where the red rock formations overlook the Runde River.
The park’s remoteness ensures an exclusive and intimate safari experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Full-day 4x4 game drives (approx. 80–120 km)
Accommodation Option A
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 4
Full Day In Gonarezhou National Park
Continue exploring the park with guided game drives and optional walking safaris.
Track wildlife along riverbanks and open plains while learning about the park’s ecosystem and conservation efforts.
The combination of dramatic scenery and abundant wildlife makes every drive unique, with excellent opportunities for photography and quiet observation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Full-day 4x4 game drives (approx. 80–120 km)
Accommodation Option A
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 5
Full Day In Gonarezhou National Park
Enjoy another full day in Gonarezhou, focusing on areas not yet explored.
Early morning drives offer the best chance to see predators, while afternoons provide relaxed viewing near water sources.
The park’s peaceful atmosphere allows for deeper connection with nature, far from crowded safari routes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Full-day 4x4 game drives (approx. 80–120 km)
Accommodation Option A
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 6
Gonarezhou To Johannesburg
After breakfast, depart Gonarezhou and transfer to the nearest airstrip or airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Johannesburg offers a vibrant city atmosphere with modern amenities and cultural experiences.
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: 4x4 transfer + flight to Johannesburg (approx. 1–2 hour transfer + 1.5–2 hour flight)
Accommodation Option A
The Peech Boutique Hotel
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 7
Johannesburg To Vilanculos
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique’s coastal gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Upon arrival, transfer to your beach lodge and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing by the ocean.
Vilanculos is known for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, offering a perfect contrast to the bush safari.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Transport: Flight Johannesburg to Vilanculos (approx. 2–3 hours) + short transfer
Accommodation Option A
Santorini Mozambique
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 8
Full Day In Vilanculos
Spend the day enjoying beach activities such as snorkeling, dhow sailing, or simply relaxing along the coast.
Optional excursions to the Bazaruto Archipelago offer opportunities to explore coral reefs and spot dolphins and tropical fish.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Optional boat excursions and short transfers
Accommodation Option A
Santorini Mozambique
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 9
Full Day In Vilanculos
Continue enjoying Vilanculos with a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Take part in water sports, beach walks, or cultural visits to local communities.
The calm atmosphere and scenic beauty make it an ideal place to unwind.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Optional excursions and local transfers
Accommodation Option A
Santorini Mozambique
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 10
Full Day In Vilanculos
Enjoy your final full day on the Mozambican coast. Relax at the lodge, explore the beach, or take part in optional marine excursions. End the day with a sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Transport: Optional excursions and local transfers
Accommodation Option A
Santorini Mozambique
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Day 11
Departure From Vilanculos
After breakfast, transfer to Vilanculos Airport for your onward journey.
This marks the end of your Zimbabwe and Mozambique off-the-beaten-track safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Transport: Transfer to Vilanculos Airport (approx. 5–15 km, 15–30 minutes)
Accommodation Option A
No Accommodation ( End of the tour )
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option B
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.
Accommodation Option C
All Accommodations are Subject To Avalaiblity.