Mozambique & Kruger: Beach & Bush - 14 Days

(Small Group Tour)

Sunway Mozambique xai-xai East Africa Safaris

This easy paced, relaxing small group tour is perfect for those looking for a different experience in Southern Africa. From the rich culture of the Zulu nation to the Portuguese and Arab influences in Mozambique, experience everything from wetlands and unique coastal ecosystems to beaches and excellent diving. And of course, big game viewing and bush walks with a local ranger in the iconic Kruger National Park.

This small group tour includes the following:

Maximum: 12 people
Professional Safari Guides
Transport in minibus / safari truck
13 nights twin share en suite chalets, lodges, hotels and casitas
Potholes, rain damaged gravel roads, livestock and children on the roads can make travel slow, but at the same time you’ll pass through villages and witness the local lifestyle all the way. Game viewing in the national parks will be in the Sunway vehicle
Malaria prophylactics are recommended

Limited Participation: An essential part of your small group tour is participation. From carrying your own bag to your room to packing the truck in the morning – it’s all part of your adventure. Your tour leaders will do the meal preparation when required but you are asked to help (on rotation) with the washing up. There are some long travel days which means early morning starts so everyone needs to get involved to make the day run efficiently.

Detailed itinerary

Distance/time: ±550km, 7h30 actual driving time, day 1 is a long travel day of ±9h30 but you spend the next two full days in the area.

Depart Johannesburg at 06:30am, travelling across the Highveld before descending into the heart of KwaZulu Natal known for its rich culture and spectacular wildlife. Your lodge for the next 3 nights is situated on a private nature reserve in Zululand, home of the nation forged by King Shaka Zulu - stretches from the warm Indian Ocean, across the rolling green hills to the Drakensberg Mountains.

Explore the natural serenity of the bush on a morning walk followed by an exciting afternoon game drive in Mkuzi Game Reserve. Mkuzi plays a key role in the preservation of the endangered black and white rhino and you can look forward to watching animals quench their thirst from a hide overlooking a waterhole.

On the third day explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and in the afternoon get to know the people of the area as you visit a local Zulu community and your guides interpret the history and culture of the Zulu people.

Includes: Entrance fees to Mkuzi / Hluhluwe Game Reserves, morning & afternoon game drives.

Stay at:
Zululand Lodge (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)

Distance/time: ±150km, 3h00 actual driving time, through villages + an afternoon boat cruise, expect a travel day of ±4h00.

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forest and tidal lakes. This afternoon walk down to the lake to explore this amazing eco-system by boat and the following morning take a 4WD transfer to the Kosi estuary mouth. A special feature of the Kosi Bay estuary is the traditional practice of subsistence tidal trap fishing. You have time to swim, walk on the beach or snorkel the shallow reefs in the estuary mouth.

Includes: Snorkelling at Kosi Bay River Mouth (mask & snorkel can be hired from the lodge at a nominal fee), boat excursion on lake system.

Stay at:
Kosi Bay Lodge (1 breakfast, 1 lunch)

Distance/time: ±35km, 0h45 actual driving time, the only delay can be the border crossing so expect a travel day of ±1h45.

Ponta do Ouro is the ocean lover’s mecca of Southern Mozambique. A highlight of this safari is the opportunity to join a local dolphin research team on ocean safaris. Research since the early 1990s indicates that there are approximately 400 individual dolphins moving through the Ponta do Ouro area, of which about 150 are resident. 2 boat launches are planned which gives you a chance to snorkel on the shallow reefs, view dolphins and whales from the boat, and hopefully swim with dolphins if their activity at the time permits you to enter the water. A wild dolphin encounter is an extraordinary wildlife experience. (Should weather prevent a boat launch then a portion of your local payment will be refunded to you pro rata).

Includes: Snorkelling and dolphin encounters.

Stay at:
Planet Scuba Guest House (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches)

Distance/time: ±120km, 1h30 actual driving time, depart after the morning dolphin excursion and an afternoon touring Maputo landmarks by foot, for an active day of ±5h00.

Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques, is situated on a natural harbour and is the economic hub of Mozambique. Once referred to as the “African Riviera”, Portuguese and African cultures meet in an exquisite blend of seafood and vibrant life. Sample the excellent seafood in a local restaurant (own expense).

Stay at:
City Lodge Hotel Maputo (breakfast, lunch)

Distance/time: ±500km, 8h30 actual driving time, villages and lots of people along the route make for a very long travel day of ±10h00 (but the beach is worth it!).

Travelling north along the Indian Ocean coastline, drive through mango and cashew nut plantations en-route to the town of Inhambane. Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200 year old cathedral and visit the enchanting fresh produce market before moving to Praia de Barra.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the warm sea and expansive white beaches. For the more energetic, there are optional activities such as dhow rides, scuba diving, fishing and surfing (own expense).

Optional Activities: Scuba diving, ocean safari & sailing and many more.

Stay at:
Bayview Lodge (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)

Distance/time: ±260km, 5h00 actual driving time, tarmac road followed by sandy track, expect a travel day of ±6h00.

Turn south along the coast to a secluded fishing lodge on the beach north of Xai-Xai. The lodge is perched on the coastal dunes with a magnificent view of the surrounding natural bush and expansive beach. Low tide exposes a long rocky reef parallel to the beach, which creates a shallow, calm pool ideal for snorkelling and swimming. For your last night on the beach enjoy a fish braai (barbeque) dinner at the lodge restaurant overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.

Optional Activities: Snorkelling (subject to low tide) or fishing (subject to time availability).

Stay at:
East Africa Safaris Casitas (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Distance/time: ±430km, 8h00 actual driving time, the road is rough gravel + a border crossing and then a game drive to camp, it's long ±10h00 on the road.

Leaving the Indian Ocean coast, travel through the Limpopo Transfrontier Park and enter Kruger National Park, South Africa. An icon of nature conservation, Kruger is big game country! As you make your way to camp, enjoy an exciting game drive and hope to spot lions, giraffe and elephant among others.

Includes: Entrance fees to Kruger National Park, morning and afternoon game drives.
Optional Activities: Night game drive in National Parks open game viewing vehicle (on Day 12)

Stay at:
Kruger National Park Chalets (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)

Distance/time: ±180km, 4h00 game drive out of Kruger, with some time to relax at the lodge this afternoon.

The following morning you are up early and spend the morning exploring the national park before leaving and heading to your private game lodge. Relax around the pool or the campfire on your final evening in the tranquil African wilderness.

Stay at:
Makuwa Safari Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Distance/time: ±520km, 7h00 actual driving time up the escarpment en-route to Johannesburg, expect a long travel day of ±8h00.

Your final day on tour starts with an exciting game walk. Explore the private game reserve on foot with rangers. While the opportunity to see big game on foot exists, your guides will also take the time to interpret the tracks and signs of the African bush. Head back to the lodge for brunch before returning to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to re-join life. Tour ends at +/-18:00 at the hotel.

Travel Africa can help you with additional nights in Johannesburg or your onwards travel.

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