Three cheers for #Mozaic Tours! Our time in Mozambique was short, poorly (see not at all) planned and we faced the challenge of what to do on Christmas day in a country that pretty much closes down for the season. However, #Mozaic Tours was willing to set up a tour for us on Christmas day to the Maputo Elephant reserve.
They pick you up at the hotel quite early, and take you for a lovely morning ride to the ferry to get the first one across the bay. The ferry ride was the usual experience with our car having to tow another off before we could load. A taxi had taken on so much freight, it couldn't clear the ump at the exit, bribes flying, people, produce, gifts, cars coming and going in the business of life. Follows a quick bathroom break at a hotel then a ride up a dirt road to the park.
Again, we are warned that we may see nothing, every tour is different etc. The animals are apparently re-introduced from Kruger Park after those that had been there before were all killed during the long civil war. So far, they haven't introduced any predator species, though the guide felt sure there was still a leopard that had survived the war prowling about. So the animals are not skittish at all. You drive through forest, across plane, up and down, worth every bit as we saw zebra, giraffe, and yes, chased down elephants! Added bonus - a baby elephant not a month old!
After that highlight, we drove to the lake where the hippos played while we ate the packed lunch they had brought, including veg options for daughter. Flamingos flew overhead as we were there, there were fish eagles, European bee eaters and many other birds that I have already forgotten. And what I thought was hummingbirds turned out to be dung beetles.
Guide was knowledgeable, accommodating and a excellent driver.
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| Ferry ride 1 |
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