​Getting There – Zinave NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Mozambique.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Mozambique.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Mozambique.

Zinave National Park is about 250km/155mi (mostly on dirt roads) from Vilanculos, one of Mozambique’s key tourism areas and the main gateway to the park. The best route is via Mapinhane and Mabote, which takes 6 to 7 hours*. Coming from South Africa’s Kruger National Park or Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park, it’s around 380km/235mi on dirt from Mapai via Mabote, a drive that takes 8 to 10 hours*. However you drive to Zinave, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to explore the park, and often to reach it, especially in the rainy season (from November to April and into May).

If flying to Mozambique, Maputo International Airport (MPM) will likely be your entry point into the country. It is very close to the capital, Maputo (3km/2mi away). From Maputo you can start a road trip in southern Mozambique that includes a stay in Zinave. The distance from Maputo to Vilanculos is about 720km/450mi.

All domestic and charter flights are usually booked by your tour operator as part of your package. Scheduled domestic flights to Vilanculos can be booked with LAM (from Maputo and Johannesburg, South Africa) and SA Airlink (from Johannesburg and Mbombela, South Africa).

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Maputo International Airport (MPM), and what tickets would cost.

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – Mozambique page to learn more about passport, visa, COVID-19 and other entry requirements.

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