Project Mozambique

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Vilanculos

Arrive in Vilanculos at any time.

Day 2-5 Rio Guvuru Canoe Expedition (4B,4L,4D)

We begin our day by packing our supplies and preparing for our canoe expedition. In the afternoon a short drive takes us to a riverside village where we launch our canoes. The next 4 days will be spent paddling through the depths of Mozambique, as we make our way down a section of the Rio Guvuru, passing through mangrove swamps, desert terrain, green wilderness, wild palm forests and raw African bush.

Day 6 Bartholomew Diaz (B,L,D)

Today we arrive at the mouth of the river at Bartholomew Diaz and the Indian Ocean where we celebrate our arrival with a delicious seafood meal.

Day 7 Vilanculos (B,L,D)

We return to Vilanculos by private transport and spend the afternoon at leisure. This town is becoming increasingly popular with travellers, not only because it is the main gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago, but also because there are beautiful beaches and a lively night life.

Day 8-12 Community Volunteer Project (5B,5L,5D)

This 5-day volunteer program involves various aspects of community development work, orphanage assistance and soccer coaching projects in and around the coastal town of Vilanculos. By participating in a number of community development initiatives you will gain an insight into various facets of life of underprivileged individuals in this area of Mozambique and you will have the opportunity to relieve some of the pressures of their every day lives. No experience necessary.Volunteer activities vary and will depend on the needs of the community during our stay. Activities may include:Orphanage work Volunteers will be involved with a local Vilanculos orphanage, assisting in the areas of building and refurbishment as well as working along with staff and spending time interacting with the children.Soccer Development ProjectVolunteers will be involved with two major teams in the local area, each with over 30 children. The teams get together several times a week on their beach-sand pitches to practice soccer skills. Activities include exercising, skills improvement and training classes as well as soccer matches under the supervision of volunteers. A soccer tournament is held once a month and prizes are given to the winning team.Aims of the Soccer Development Project• To develop local children’s skills and be instrumental in building self-esteem• To offer an alternative form of entertainment to kids who are not in formal schooling• To build a relationship with the local community in preparation for more sensitive work in the area of HIV/AIDS education• To change negative perceptions of disadvantaged people in the local communitiesPost-Cyclone rural home-building workIn February 2007 the Mozambique coastline was ravaged by cyclone Favio. As a result, volunteers may assist with community re-building schemes and rural home-building projects. Assistance with the re-building of this community will continue until early-mid 2008.

Day 13 Bazaruto Archipelago (B,L,D)

Today we experience an Island safari in the Bazaruto Archipelago aboard a Dhow which is a traditional Arab sailing vessel. The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of 4 inhabited islands, namely Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Santa Carolina (“Paradise Island”). The entire archipelago was declared a National Park in 1971, and boasts over 250 species of birds, butterflies and crocodiles in the fresh water lakes to be found on Bazaruto and Benguerra Island. Offshore, Dolphins, Dugong, Game Fish and several species of Turtles may be found. This chain of islands offer a quintessential tropical experience with white sandy beaches shaded by isolated palm and casuarinas trees, rich tropical reefs and warm clear water. The archipelago’s islands were formed when sand was deposited here hundreds of thousands of years ago by the waters of the Limpopo River. The estuary of this great river has now shifted several hundred kilometres to the south. During low tide many white sandy islands pop up, covered in shells. Six hours later they will be ten meters underwater again. Legend has it that the Portuguese disposed of prisoners by leaving them on a beautiful deserted island at the mercy of the tides. Optional activities include snorkeling and horseback riding.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Beach Hut (multi-share)(8 nts), Camping (4nts), Lodge Dorm Room (multi-share) (1nt).
Departure	Departs monthly
DepEnd	Sun - Sat
Group Size	Max 10
Included Highlights	- 5-day Volunteer Project- 4-day Canoe Expedition - 1-day Island Dhow Safari
Meals Included	13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners.
StartFinish	Ex Vilanculos
Transport	Land Cruiser.
Brochure Intro	Experience the real Mozambique while travelling on a five-day canoe trip with calm waters, exquisite scenery, camp fires and star studded African nights. Add to your Mozambique experience by volunteering for five days in the Vilanculos village where you have the opportunity to participate in a community development project that involves community work, volunteering in an orphanage, post cyclone-relief and soccer coaching. No experience needed.

When can I go?

Start Date	Finish Date	Places Available
2008-12-21	2009-01-03	7+

Browse Similar Trips

• Wildlife And Falls
• Southern Africa Encompassed
• Kruger and Two Kingdoms

• Southern Africa Overland
• Kruger to Cape Town
• Project Southern Africa

• South Africa Encompassed
• Southern Africa Adventure
• South Africa Sojourn

• Cape Town to Johannesburg Overland
• Kruger and Swaziland Express
• Kruger, Mozambique & Durban

• Home
• International Airfare
• Hotels
• Hostels
• Community
• RTW Guide
• Travel Blogs
• Adventure Trips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Insurance
• Eurail