ADVENTURE AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE MOZAMBIQUE
VILANCULOS, MOZAMBIQUE
Discover one of Africa's best kept secrets. Use traditional wooden dhows and canoes to explore an unspoiled and beautiful part of the coast of Africa. During the course of your trip you will navigate your way around the 25000 year old chain of islands that form the Bazaruto Archipelago and the Guvuru River. These islands are home to over 2000 species of fish including a dozen species of whale and dolphin and 180 species of bird. Use the many opportunities to immerse yourself in the beautiful azure waters and admire the spectacular reefs and sea life on our snorkeling and diving trips. You will have the opportunity to see one of the last turtle breeding sites in the African continent, experience the local culture and see Nile crocodiles in the islands' fresh water lakes. The trip will also provide you with the opportunity to help in local community projects. Relax on the beautiful beach at the end of your trip.
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Location: |
VILANCULOS, MOZAMBIQUE |
Dates: |
1-13 February, 3-15 May, 7-19 June, 5-17 July, 2-14 August, 6-18 September, 1-13 November 2009 |
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Fees: |
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Payment: |
£180 deposit at time of booking – balance of project fee due 8 weeks before departure |
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Reference: |
AA015 |
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General Information
Join this Mozambique expedition to be taken on an amazing journey through the islands, rivers and community of Mozambique's unspoiled coast. Originally formed by sand from the Limpopo River, the islands are like beads of white and green scattered across the beautiful azure expanse of the Indian Ocean. The only richer sight than the archipelago itself is the local sea and bird life. This part of the ocean contains the last viable breeding population of Dugongs or sea cows. These beautiful and placid animals are now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List. In addition, these warm waters are home to over 2,000 species of fish, a dozen species of whale and dolphin and more than 180 different bird species.
The base for your expedition will be the outskirts of Vilanculos, a quiet coastal town with beautiful beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean. You are a short boat ride from the islands of the Archipelago. Your trip will give you the opportunity to get to know and help the local community, to explore the islands and the beautiful waterways of the Indian Ocean shoreline.
Itinerary Summary
Day
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Activities
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Location
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Accommodation
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Meals
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| 1 |
Orientation |
Vilanculos Beach Camp |
Thatched Bungalows |
D |
| 2 - 3 |
Guvuru River Canoe Trip |
Rio Guvuru |
Tented Camping |
B,L,D |
| 4 |
Guvuru River Canoe Trip |
Bartholomew Diaz |
Bartholomew Diaz Lodge |
B,L,D |
| 5 |
Vilanculos Traditional Market |
Explore Vilanculos Market |
Thatched Bungalows |
B,L,D |
| 6 -7 |
Island Dhow Trip |
Bazaruto Archipelago |
Arab Sailing Dhow |
B,L,D |
| 8 - 9 |
Scuba diving (no diving experience necessary) |
Bazaruto Archipelago |
Thatched Bungalows |
B,L,D |
| 10 - 11 |
Community Volunteering |
Rural Vilanculos |
Thatched Bungalows |
B,L,D |
| 12 |
Depart Vilanculos |
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Community Work Activities
- Rural pre-school assistance
- Rural home building
- Local community soccer coaching
- English teaching
- Adult literacy
Your specific community project activities will be outlined by your project manager on arrival. This is partly dependent on the status and needs of the projects at the time of your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Vilanculos. Your first experience will be the unforgettable site of the Indian Ocean lapping the shores of the tropical islands as you fly into Vilanculos. You will be met by the project team at the airport and transferred to base camp for your orientation briefing and familiarization session. You will have a chance to relax and refresh before dinner.
Day 2 - 4
You will depart the beach camp in the morning and driven inland to the Rio Guvuru launch site. From here you will depart on a canoe adventure through the winding inland African waterways for the next 2 days before emerging into the mouth of the river and the Indian Ocean. During your canoe trip you will camp on the banks of the river under the watchful eyes of our experienced and professional guides. There will be opportunities to stop off and visit some of the local villages you will pass on the way. The final night of the canoe trip will be spent at the Bartholomew Diaz Lodge at the mouth of the Indian Ocean.
Day 5
You will transfer back to Vilanculos and have a chance to refresh prior to heading in to the vibrant local market. If you prefer there are many relaxing spots in the vicinity to play volleyball, football or just relax on the beach.
Day 6 - 7
Enjoy one of the most relaxing sailing trips you can take. Ply the seas around the beautiful tropical islands of the Indian Ocean in traditional Dhow sailing boats. This is your chance to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of Mozambique.
Day 8 - 9
Experienced diving instructors are available for you to complete your Open Water PADI certification if you have no previous diving experience. For those with previous qualifications you can choose to either do a further diving course such as your Advanced Open Water or just explore the stunning waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Day 10 - 11
The community volunteer projects have a very rural feel and you will have the chance to be involved in established and newly set up community projects serving the local community. Your mornings will be spent in the village pre-school and your afternoons rotated around various community projects including rural home building, orphan care, local skills development, English teaching and adult literacy. The projects you are involved in will be determined by the needs of the local community and projects at the time of your stay. The projects have a common goal of benefiting and helping develop the local community.
Day 12
Depart Vilanculos, you will be taken to the airport by a member of the project staff.
Support
Support and advice is available from your expedition staff whilst in Africa and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support
Orientation
A comprehensive information pack will be sent to you upon booking the expedition and further advice and information will be provided via telephone and email before departure. A full orientation will be provided when you arrive at the project by the local support team.
Accommodation and Meals
You will be staying at a rural camp in rustic yet comfortable thatched bungalows, located on the beach. Facilities include a kitchen, lounge/dining area, garden area, braai/bbq area, volleyball court and pool deck. Each bungalow consists of 2 twin bedrooms and a bathroom with toilet and shower. Members of our project team will be staying on the same property, so that they are always available to you for any questions or issues you may have.
During the river expedition the group will be camping with all equipment and professional supervision provided.
You will be provided with three wholesome meals a day.
Breakfast is on a help-yourself basis and usually consists of cereals/porridge, toast, fruit, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are full meals, and will be cooked for you by one of the crew.
Getting There
Fly into Vilanculos airport where you will be met by the local expedition team.
(There may be a number of ways to reach your destination airport - for further information or advice please contact Amanzi Travel)
Let Amanzi Travel arrange your flights for you
Project Fees
What is included
- A contribution to the volunteer aspect of the project itself including teaching materials, sports items etc.
- Transfers to and from Vilanculos airport.
- River Canoe Trip, Island Dhow Sailing Trip and 2 day Diving Experience
- All accommodation including 3 meals a day
- Orientation, introductions and assistance on your projects
What is excluded
- Travel insurance to cover your placement (to include cover for repatriation)
- Personal items e.g. clothes, travel goods
- Return flights to Nearest International Airport
- Use of internet and telephone, soft drinks, wines and spirits.
- Visas and any trips undertaken other than in the planned programme