14-Days Mozambique and Kruger - Beac...

>> 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‘ll depart Johannesburg at 6:30am, traveling across the Highveld before descending into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, which is known for its rich culture and spectacular wildlife. Our lodge for the next three nights is situated on a private nature reserve.

We’ll 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. We’ll spend some time overlooking a waterhole as the animals quench their thirst.

On the third day we’ll explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve and in the afternoon get to know the people of the area when we visit the local Zulu community. Our guides will interpret the history, culture, and traditions of the modern Zulu people.

Note: breakfast is not included on day one.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Zululand Lodge Mid-range tented camp located outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR (South Africa)

>> 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.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included

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

>> 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.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Planet Scuba Guest House Mid-range guest housein Ponta do Ouro (Beach, Mozambique)

>> 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).

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Maputo Mid-range hotelin Maputo (City, Mozambique)

>> Travelling north along the Indian Ocean coastline, we’ll drive through mango and cashew nut plantations en-route to the town of Inhambane. Arab influences are strong in Inhambane and date back to when slaves, ivory, gold, and spices were traded here. We’ll explore Inhambane—including its 200-year-old cathedral and enchanting fresh produce markets—before moving on 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 (cost not included).

Dinner on day nine is not included.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Bay View Lodge Mid-range self catering accommodation located at Barra Beach (Mozambique)

>> Today 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 snorkeling and swimming. For our last night on the beach, we’ll enjoy a fish braai (barbeque) dinner at the lodge’s restaurant overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: East Africa Safaris Chalets Mid-range chaletnear Xai-Xai (Town & Beach, Mozambique)

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

On day twelve you can opt to go on a night game drive in the national park (cost not included).

Dinner on day eleven is not included.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Letaba Rest Camp Mid-range rest camp located inside Northern Kruger NP (South Africa)

>> Today we will get up early and spend the day exploring the national park before transferring to our private game lodge. Relax around the pool or the campfire on our final evening in the tranquil African wilderness. You’ll experience an abundance of birdlife and animals here, including buffalo, nyala, kudu, warthog, zebra, and other plains game.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: All meals included Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Central Kruger NP (South Africa)

>> Our final day on tour starts with an exciting game walk. We’ll explore the private game reserve on foot with our rangers. Our guides will also take the time to interpret the tracks and other signs of the animals. We’ll head back to the lodge for brunch before we return to Johannesburg in the evening (approximately 6:00pm). You’ll be sun-tanned, laid-back, and ready to re-join life.

• Time: 8-10Hrs
• Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included

•  Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)