Overview
This safari covers the tropical and subtropical eastern parts of Southern Africa, a route well worth travelling for its mix of fantastic beaches, marine activities, warm climate throughout the year, wildlife areas and blend of cultures.
Starting from Johannesburg, this fully accommodated safari takes you to Zululand where you spend two days game viewing in Mkuze and Hluhluwe Game Reserves amid a stunning variety of habitats. You will also visit a local Zulu village to learn about their history, culture and traditions.
Then to Kosi Bay bordering Mozambique to explore this beautiful coastal area where you will do some snorkelling in Kosi Mouth and a boat cruise.
Your journey continues to Ponta d’Ouro with its beautiful beaches and activities that include a dolphin encounter and snorkelling on the reefs.
Now to Maputo where you spend a night in the capital and enjoy the vibrancy of this bustling city.
Travelling north you spend two nights in Tofo to enjoy the expansive white beaches and warm sea with many activities on offer.
Moving south, you spend a night in Chizavane on the coast with more beautiful beaches and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming.
Now to the Kruger Park where you will enjoy two days of thrilling gameviewing amidst the beautiful savanna habitats of this wold renowned wildlife sanctuary.
On your last day you drive back to Johannesburg to end your safari.
Highlights
- Thrilling gameviewing in Hluhluwe & Mkuze Game Reserves
- Snorkelling and boat cruise in Kosi Bay
- Dolphin encounter in Ponta d’Ouro
- Taste Mozambican culture in Maputo
- Beautiful beaches, snorkelling & scuba diving in Tofo and Chizavane
- Awesome wildife experience in Kruger National Park
Itinerary
DAYS 1 – 4
ZULULAND LODGE, NORTH EASTERN KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
Ensuite Permanent Tent – Full Board
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. We 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. Our lodge for the next 3 nights is situated on a private nature reserve.
Included : Full Board, Game drives in Hluhluwe & Mkuze Game Reserves, Park Fees
DAY 4
KOSI BAY LODGE, KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
Ensuite Twin Room – Breakfast & Lunch
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forest and tidal lakes. This afternoon we walk down to the lake to explore this amazing eco-system by boat and the following morning we 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. We have time to swim, walk on the beach or snorkel the shallow reefs in the estuary mouth.
Included : Breakfast & Lunch, boat cruise, snorkelling at Kosi Bay River Mouth
DAYS 5 & 6
PLANET SCUBA GUEST HOUSE, PONTA D’OURO, MOZAMBIQUE
Ensuite Twin Room – Breakfast & Lunch
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. We have 3 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).
Included : Breakfast & Lunch, snorkelling & dolphin encounter
DAY 7
CITY LODGE HOTEL, MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
Ensuite Twin Room – Breakfast & Lunch
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).
Included : Breakfast & Lunch
DAYS 8 & 9
BAYVIEW LODGE, TOFO, MOZAMBIQUE
Ensuite Room – Breakfast & Lunch for 1 night & Full Board for 1 night
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 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).
Included : Breakfast & Lunch for 1 night & Full Board for 1 night
DAY 10
EAST AFRICA SAFARIS , CHIZAVANE, MOZAMBIQUE
Ensuite Twin Room – Full Board
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.
Included : Full Board
DAY 11 & 12
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA
Ensuite Chalet – Breakfast & Lunch for 1 night & Full Board for 1 night
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! As we make our way to our camp, we enjoy an exciting game drive and hope to spot lions, giraffe and elephant among others.
Included : Breakfast & Lunch for 1 night & Full Board for 1 night, Park Fees, morning & afternoon game drives
DAY 13
MAKUWA PRIVATE SAFARI LODGE, GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Ensuite Twin Room – Full Board
The following morning we are up early and we spend the day exploring the national park before we leave and head to our private game lodge. Relax around the pool or the camp fire on our final evening in the tranquil African wilderness.
Included : Full Board, bush walk
DAY 14
END OF SAFARI – JOHANNESBURG
Our final day on tour starts with an exciting game walk. We explore the private game reserve on foot with our rangers. While the opportunity to see big game on foot exists, our guides will also take the time to interpret the tracks and signs of the African bush. We head back to the lodge for brunch before we return to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to re-join life. Tour ends at +/-18:00 at the hotel.
Rates 2025
- Jan – Dec 2025 – EURO 2,420 + ZAR 1,600 per person sharing
- Single Supplement – EURO 550 per person
Inclusions
- Accommodation & meals as per itinerary
- Transport
- 2 Guides
- All Entrance & Park Fees
- Activities as per itinerary
