DAY 1 Soutpansberg Mountains

Departing at 06h30 from the Inn, we head north through Pietersburg, and toward the awesome Soutpansberg Mountains. Once in the mountains, we turn off of the beaten track to explore the area of Venda, a former apartheid homeland, boasting a very strong African culture and intriguing sights including sacred lakes, strangle fig forests and remote villages. Enjoy an optional boat trip on lake Albasini this afternoon. Tonight, at the foot of the mountains we enjoy our first night of camping and familiarise ourselves with the equipment.

DAY 2Kruger National Park

Arising with the African sun, we spend the morning exploring and visiting the sights of Venda. After lunch we head for the world-renowned Kruger National Park which is widely acclaimed as being ^ Africa's most successful Nature Reserve. We will spend our time here driving in search of the many animal and bird species that inhabit the area, and will camp the two nights in one of the park restcamps.

DAY 3Kruger National Park

This entire day is for viewing animals in the Kruger from our well-equipped vehicle. We will search for the "Big 5" today, and will explore the area from the Limpopo river in the north to Shingwedzi in the south. Camp the night.

DAY 4 - 8Mozambique Park

This morning, after a visit to Crook's corner, the point marking the border between South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and renowned as a hideout for poachers in the colonial days, we cross the border into Mozambique. At this point the road becomes a bush track, and we will follow the path of the Limpopo River toward Mapai before venturing into the heart of the wilderness. The area that we traverse over the next days is what forms the Mozambique side of the Transfrontier Peace Park, and is privileged to have remained virtually unexplored by humans. The bush is exceptional, and offers areas of exquisite natural beauty and wildlife. The diversity of the flora ensures some of the finest bird watching in Africa. We will spend four nights in this area camping wild, exploring both on foot and by vehicle, and enjoying the serenity of the wilderness. Road conditions are rough, and river crossings numerous, clients will be expected to assist in difficult sections, but for those seeking true adventure and unspoiled Africa, there are few areas that compare with this.

DAY 8 - 9Indian Ocean Beaches

Leaving the wilderness behind us, today we will visit a remote village for an insight into the culture and customs of the Shangaan people. We then continue past the massive Massingir Dam and into the region devastated by the February 2000 floods. This area has been rebuilt, and we will pass through many vibrant and - bustling towns and villages. Our next stop is on the shores of the warm azure Indian Ocean, where we camp for two nights on the beach. During our time here we will relax and enjoy the deserted beaches that Mozambique is so well known for.

DAY 10Maputo

We'll relaxed and sun-drenched, we continue down the coast to the capital Maputo where we check into our hotel in the city center before exploring this once grandiose city. Maputo boasts a Latino culture of street cafes, music and nightlife. Tonight we will eat in a local restaurant, sampling some of the local seafood. For the brave, Peri-Peri is a must (own expense meal).

DAY 11Johannesburg

After a short city tour, we leave Maputo, and cross the border back into South Africa. We then travel through the lush Lowveld fruit growing areas before climbing the escarpment and heading for Johannesburg, to arrive at the Drifters Inn late in the afternoon far wealthier for the experience.

This tour covers areas of Mozambique that are virtually unexplored and as such, have little or no road or other infrastructure. A 4x4 expedition vehicle will be used but even this is no guarantee that we will always be able to stick to our planned route. Road conditions may necessitate major detours and inconvenience, particularly after heavy rains. Due to the extreme nature of this tour we insist that clients travel with an open and flexible attitude, and are prepared to accept inconvenience and discomfort when necessary. We do not recommend this tour for clients over 45 years of age unless they have travelled with us previously.

For those that are looking for true adventure this is the ultimate journey, and on parts of the tour clients will be rewarded with experiencing unspoiled wilderness seldom visited by other humans. Besides an adventurous spirit, visas are required by most nationalities for Mozambique, and these are the client's responsibility, and should be obtained in advance. Malaria precautions are advised. If available, bring a mask and fins for snorkelling.

The recommended currency for this tour is the South African Rand, and this can be purchased at Johannesburg airport. Our price includes all transport, accommodation, meals as specified entry fees and permits group equipment, and professional guide. Alcohol, soft drinks, curios, tips, visas, taxes, optional excursions and items of a personal nature are for the client's own expense.

This tour departs from Johannesburg every second Wednesday during 2002.