Zimbabwe & Mozambique off the beaten track

Today you arrive into Harare (HRE) where you connect through to your light aircraft flight direct to Mahenye airstrip. This takes you to your first remote landscape as you fly low over the beautiful cliffs. On arrival you will be met and driven to Chilo Gorge Lodge. You'll stay here for 5 nights in a chalet on a fully inclusive basis.

From its elevated position, Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, commands spectacular panoramas over the Save River and the Gonarezhou National Park - one of the few true wilderness areas remaining. This property is unique with a strong focus on wilderness and conservation which stems from owner and professional guide Clive Stockil, founding father of award-winning CAMP FIRE Project.

Just 10 luxury rooms all which have private balconies with a seating area and stunning views. Inspired by nature, interiors are simple and elegant with bespoke locally crafted touches. Double-storey central spaces are large, open and constructed of stone, timber and thatch. Savour meals in the dining room or on the deck, sundowners in the informal bar, or unwind in one of a variety of lounges, whilst appreciating the scenery.

You have four full days to explore Gonarezhou.  

This park has dramatic, beautiful scenery and is perfect for any safari experience. Take in the views by foot to really feel this magical place. Enjoy guided game drives in the park, or a sensory guided game walk. The Tambahata Pan is great for birding and guests can experience the local Shangaan way of life with a Mahenye Village visit. Additional activities include short boat cruises on the Save River (water-level dependent), a walk to Chivilila Falls, fishing (water-level dependent) and a full day excursion to the iconic and beautiful Chilojo Cliffs.

Any journey into the heart of Gonarezhou begins with the realisation that this is wild country. It is one of Africa’s last remaining pristine wildernesses. The animals are in their most natural state at Gonarezhou; these are no lazy photographic models, hassled by a constant cavalcade of jeeps, radioing one another in their relentless pursuits.

This is a country of red sandstone, thorny scrub and baobabs. Buffalo gather at watering holes, big cats prowl silently in pursuit of painted impala, hippo wallow midstream attended by squadrons of fluttering birds. The presence of elephants is everywhere; on the earth and the vegetation, as their families travel along routes passed from one matriarch to another in search of food, safety, and water. A panorama of birdlife gathers at Tembahata and Machanu Water Pans, a flying, wading tumult of colour, while the wonders of Chilojo Cliffs and Chivilila Falls reveal the glories of the unique landscape.

After your last safari activity at Chilo Gorge, you will be transferred by road to the local airstrip. You'll fly on a light aircraft back to Harare airport. Connect to your international flight to Johannesburg, an interesting city in South Africa. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be greeted by a Wayfairer representative for your private transfer to The Peech Hotel. You stay here for one night in a classic room with breakfast included.

The local area, Melrose, is home to excellent shopping and dining opportunities, while the on-site bistro is an award-winning restaurant and currently only open to guests of the hotel.

An eco-chic hotel, The Peech Hotel was formerly a private residence until it was revamped to become one of Johannesburg's best boutique hotels.

Each of the 16 rooms has a unique design and splashes of African style, and are a haven for design lovers. The rooms are spacious and scattered throughout the landscaped grounds of the property, with an emphasis on privacy, comfort and style.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Peech Hotel before a private transfer to Johannesburg airport in time for your direct flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the Santorini Mozambique team and transferred to the boutique villas.

You combine the remote wilderness of Zimbabwe with a bit of luxury on the beach at the gorgeous Santorini Mozambique in Vilanculos.

Your stay here is for four nights, in a suite on a fully inclusive basis. This ideal location allows you to not only explore the vibrant town of Vilanculos but also the picturesque gateway to the Bazaruto archipelago.

This stunning seaside Greek-villa style property, just 20 minutes north of Vilanculos, boasts unparalleled views of seas and pristine shores from its elevated position. Lush coastal vegetation provides a sense of privacy and a colour contrast to ocean blues and white sands.

An elegant ambiance flows throughout communal and private living spaces and a range of light, fresh accommodation is available. The main area’s large double doors open out to a pool and al fresco dining space. Upstairs salas boast exquisite sea vistas where guests can take advantage of gentle breezes. Superb meals may be shared in a social environment, or in idyllic, more personal settings.

You have three full days to soak up this incredible beach destination. Keep exploring, as you can head out horse riding, island hopping, paddle boarding, kayaing, inland exploring and so much more to really experience this slice of Mozamabique.

Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a much-coveted travel destination in Mozambique. It is known for its white sandy beaches, glistening turquoise waters and some of the best scuba-diving in the world.

As one of the largest marine reserves in the Indian Ocean, the archipelago supports over 2000 species of fish, as well as dolphins, whales, turtles and sharks. It also holds the largest population of Dugong in Mozambique.

Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and beach volleyball are all included for your stay to enjoy at your leisure. If you feel like getting out, go on a guided tour of Vilanculos to explore the shops, bars, local markets and Machilla Magic Arts & Craft Centre, or a private snorkelling trip with picnic lunch to Magaruque Island.

This area offers fantastic diving, snorkelling, horse riding, fishing and beach exploration for anyone looking to get busy. Or indeed soak up your gorgeous accommodation, lie by the pool, enjoy a cocktail and this laid-back luxury.

Touring Vilanculos is the perfect place to enjoy some of Mozambique’s unique, Portuguese influenced culture. Tour the vibrant, colourful markets or listen to some popular music to really feel like you’ve experienced Mozambique.

It is time to say farewell this morning as you check out of Santorini. You return to Vilanculos airport to catch your international flights home, bringing your amazing trip to an end.

You have explored one of the last true wildernesses in Africa, the remote Gonarezhou. You’ve been out on foot, by car and perhaps even canoe to really immerse yourself in nature. After a gorgeous night in the Melrose area of Johannesburg you enjoyed the pristine white-sand beaches of Mozambique, dived into turquoise water and toured the vibrant town of Vilanculos.

After 11 days of exploration, we are sure you will be hooked on safari and the African continent! This little slice of heaven is just an introduction to so much more – where will you go next?