Itinerary

 

 

 

From the culture of the Zulu nation to the Portuguese and Arab influences in food and architecture of Mozambique. Beaches, excellent diving to big game viewing and bush walks with local ranger. The accommodation, particularly in Mozambique is simple and the roads can be slow. Local facilities are limited so most of the meals are prepared by your guides. Malaria prophylactics are recommended. This is an easy paced, relaxing safari for those looking for a different experience in Southern Africa.

 

 

 

Day 1 - 2 JOHANNESBURG to ZULULAND  [permanent tents Bx1 Lx2 Dx2] 
[B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner] 
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we travel through the rolling plains of the Highveld before descending the escarpment into the heart of KwaZulu Natal where we will stay in the Mkuzi Game Reserve. The reserve was established in 1912 and has a large diversity of natural habitats. This diversity of habitat means plentiful game and abundant birdlife. Mkuzi Game Reserve is part of the Greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a world heritage site. We explore the reserve on game drives and visit a hide overlooking one of the waterholes to watch the game come down to drink. Mkuzi Game Reserve plays a key role in the preservation of the endangered black and white rhino, and we hope to see these amazing creatures on our game drives.

 

Day 3, 4, 5 KOSI BAY  [chalet BLD]
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forest and tidal lakes. We explore this amazing eco-system on foot and also snorkel at the estuary mouth. A special feature of the Kosi Bay estuary is the traditional practice of subsistence tidal trap fishing. A local guide will lead us on a walk in the neighbouring village where we meet local Zulu people and are introduced to their culture and customs. Leatherback turtles and loggerhead turtles lay eggs on the beaches at night (November - January) and an excursion can be arranged to view this beautiful natural occurrence (own expense).

 

Day 6 SWAZILAND  [chalet BLD] 
Hlane Game Reserve is Swaziland’s is largest national park and our chalets are surrounded by beautiful African bushveld dominated by Knobthorn, Leadwood and Tambuti trees. In front of the camp is a waterhole where rhino and other wildlife come to drink. We’ll join a local ranger on a bushwalk practice our game tracking skills and see fantastic bird life.

 

Day 7 MAPUTO  [guest house BL-] 
We enter Moçambique at the Namaacha border post and travel to Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques. Situated on a natural harbour, Maputo 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).

 

Day 8, 9, 10 INHAMBANE  [casitas BLDx2]
Travelling north along the Indian Ocean coastline, we 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 we visit the enchanting fresh produce market before moving to Praia de Tofu. 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, snorkelling, fishing and surfing (own expense).

 

Day 11 BILENE  [casitas BL-] 
We turn south along the coast to the town of Bilene situated on the shores of the crystal clear Uembje lagoon. The lagoon is 8km wide and 27km long with white, sandy beaches, and is separated from the Indian Ocean by a narrow strip of sand dunes. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon with options of kayaking and snorkeling (own expense), and swimming in the shallow, calm waters. We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the lagoon (own expense).

 

Day 12 - 13 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK  [chalet BLD] 
Leaving the Indian Ocean coast, we travel through the Limpopo Transfrontier Park and enter Kruger National Park, South Africa. An icon of nature conservation, Kruger is big game country! We enjoy exciting game drives and hope to spot lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant among others. Relaxing in the tranquil bush we experience a land forgotten by time, a true African wilderness.

 

Day 14 JOHANNESBURG  [- B - -] 
After an early morning game drive we return to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to rejoin life. Tour ends at 18:00pm.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

Swaziland - bush walk

 

Kosi Bay - lake excursion & walks

 

Mkuzi Game Reserve - game drives

 

Moçambique beaches - deep-sea fishing, snorkelling & scuba diving

 

Seafood meals

 

Kruger National Park - game drives