14-Day Mozambique and Kruger - Beach and Bush

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Johannesburg - Zululand

Zululand, home of the nation forged by King Shaka Zulu, stretches from the warm Indian Ocean to the Drakensberg foothills. We travel across the Highveld before descending into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal known for its rich cultural heritage and spectacular wildlife.

Our time in Zululand combines wildlife viewing with a deep connection to the bushveld while the lodge provides a peaceful place to relax. We explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve on a morning game drive with lunch at one of the picnic sites along the Hluhluwe River. The following morning we set out on a guided bush walk, following game trails and learning more about the surrounding ecosystem. Along the way we may encounter some of the resident wildlife, including giraffe, that frequent this unique private nature reserve.

The tour will start at 6:30am at Rivonia Road Lodge, Johannesburg. Pre-tour accommodation and airport transfers are available on request.

Main Destination:

Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa)

Activities:

• Day 1: No wildlife-viewing activities on this day
• Day 2: Morning game drive (overland safari truck)
• Day 3: Morning nature hike/walk

Accommodation:

Zululand Lodge

• Mid-range tented camp outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks, South Africa)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kosi Bay

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

Main Destination:

Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa)

Best Time To Go May to September (Dry season)

High Season December to January (Busiest during South African school holidays)

Best Weather

Activities:

• Afternoon boat trip

Accommodation:

Kosi Bay Lodge

• Mid-range lodgein Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Ponta do Ouro

Ponta do Ouro is the ocean lover’s mecca of Southern Mozambique. A highlight of this tour is the opportunity to join a local dolphin research team on an ocean safari. 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 residents. We have three boat launches planned, which gives us 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 us 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.

Main Destination:

Ponta Do Ouro (Beach, Mozambique)

Activities:

• Day 5: No wildlife-viewing activities on this day
• Day 6: Morning boat trip & afternoon boat trip

Accommodation:

Planet Scuba Guest House

• Mid-range guest house in Ponta do Ouro (Beach, Mozambique)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Maputo

Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques, is situated on a natural harbor and is the economic hub of Mozambique. Once referred to as the “African Riviera,” Portuguese and African cultures meet here in an exquisite blend of seafood and vibrant life. You can sample the excellent seafood in a local restaurant (cost not included).

Main Destination:

Maputo (City, Mozambique)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

City Lodge Hotel Maputo

• Mid-range hotel in Maputo (City, Mozambique)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

Inhambane

We drive through mango and cashew nut plantations en route to the town of Inhambane for a three night stay on Mozambique’s beautiful coastline. Palm lined beaches, warm turquoise waters and a laid back atmosphere await us.

Inhambane has a rich history shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade. During our stay, we visit the historic town, including its 200 year old cathedral and lively fresh produce market.

Whether relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm ocean or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, there is plenty of time to embrace the rhythm of life by the sea. A variety of optional activities (own expense), including snorkelling, diving, fishing, surfing and ocean cruises, are also available for those wishing to explore the coastline and marine environment further

Dinner on day nine is not included.

Main Destination:

Inhambane (City, Mozambique)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on these days

Accommodation:

Bay View Lodge

• Mid-range self catering accommodation located at Barra Beach (Mozambique)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Chizavane

We 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 our last night on the beach we enjoy a fish braai (barbeque) dinner at the lodge restaurant overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.

Main Destination:

Chizavane Beach (Beach, Mozambique)

Activities:

• No wildlife-viewing activities on this day

Accommodation:

East Africa Safaris Chalets

• Mid-range chaletnear Xai-Xai (Town & Beach, Mozambique)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Kruger National Park

Leaving Mozambique behind, we cross into South Africa and enter the world famous Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier big game reserves. Here, vast savannahs and riverine landscapes set the scene for classic safari viewing in one of the most wildlife rich regions on the continent.
Game drives bring opportunities to encounter iconic species such as lion, elephant and giraffe in their natural habitat, while quieter moments in camp reveal the atmosphere of the African bush, where nature continues its rhythm uninterrupted.

Main Destination:

Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Best Time To Visit May to September (Dry season)

High Season December to January and July to August

Best Weather Apr-May and Sep-Oct (Mild and little rain)

Wildlife in Kruger NP

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestCommon

Show more

HippoCommon

HyenaCommon

White RhinoOccasional

LeopardOccasional

CheetahOccasional

Black RhinoRare

Wild DogRare

Activities:

• Day 12: Afternoon game drive (overland safari truck)
• Day 13: Morning game drive (overland safari truck) & afternoon game drive (overland safari truck)

Accommodation:

Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp

• Mid-range rest camp located inside Southern Kruger NP (South Africa)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Johannesburg

Our final morning in Kruger National Park offers one last game drive in the soft early light, a final chance to absorb the sights, sounds and stillness of the bush. Leaving the wilderness behind we begin the return journey to Johannesburg.

Post tour accommodation can be arranged if required.

We do a free drop off at OR Tambo International airport on day 14 at +/- 17:00pm so you can book your flight out for the last day of tour.

Main Destination:

Johannesburg (City, South Africa)

Activities:

• Early morning game drive (overland safari truck)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.