Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
DAYS 1 - 2; (2 Nights)
JOHANNESBURG to ZULULAND, South Africa [Chalets / Tented Lodge - breakfast x1, lunch x2, dinner x2]
Departing from Johannesburg at 06:30am we travel into the heart of KwaZulu Natal where we will stay in the Mkuzi Game Reserve, a last safe haven for the endangered Black Rhino. We explore the reserve on game drives and visit a hide overlooking one of the waterholes to watch the game come down to drink. A local guide will lead us on a walk in the neighboring village where we meet local Zulu people and are introduced to their culture and customs.
Includes: Entrance fees to Mkuzi Game Reserve, morning & afternoon game drives, Zulu village visit.
Overnight:Chalets - 2/3/4 twin share bedrooms in each chalet with 1 or 2 bathrooms shared. Swimming pool, restaurant & shop.
Distance / Time: 550kms, ± 7½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & breakfast.
Optional Activities: N/A
DAYS 3 - 5; (3 Nights)
KOSI BAY, South Africa [Chalets - breakfast x3, lunch x3, dinner x2]
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuary, mangroves, dune forest and lakes, which we explore on foot and by boat. We visit Bunga neck (watch Leatherback turtles laying eggs in season; November - January) and the Kosi Bay river mouth to snorkel and watch the local fisherman in the estuary.
Special Interest: The traditional fish traps of Kosi Bay mouth are cleared each day by the local community. Only larger fish are caught as they cannot leave the estuary with the outgoing tide.
Sustainable Tourism: This KwaZulu Natal park is an example of how conservation and the needs of the local communities can work hand in hand. KZN Wildlife are pioneers in the development of sustainable tourism
Includes: Lake boat cruise, forest walk, snorkeling at Kosi Bay River Mouth (mask & snorkel can be hired from the lodge at nominal fee).
Overnight: Chalets – twin chalets with shared ablutions, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time: 180kms, ± 2½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A
DAY 6; (1 Night)
SWAZILAND [Chalets - breakfast, lunch & dinner]
Our camp in Hlane Game Reserve, Swaziland, is surrounded by beautiful African bushveld. We’ll take a game walk with a local ranger looking for rhino, elephant and fantastic bird life.
Includes: Entrance fees to Hlane Game Reserve, game walk with local field ranger.
Overnight: Chalets – 3/4 twin bedrooms, with 1/2 bathroom shared between rooms.
Distance / Time: 350kms, ± 6 hours, excluding border formalities, excluding stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A
2008: DAYS 7 - 8; (2 Nights)
2009: DAY 7; (1 Night)
MAPUTO, Mozambique [Chalets - breakfast & lunch]
We enter Mozambique at the Namaacha border post and travel to Maputo. Formerly known as Lourenzo Marques - Portuguese and African cultures meet in an exquisite blend of seafood and vibrant life. Sample the excellent seafood in a local restaurant (own expense).
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Chalets – 2 twin bedrooms, with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Distance / Time: 120kms, ± 1½ hours, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing.
Optional Activities: N/A
2008: DAYS 9 - 11; (3 Nights)
2009: DAYS 8 - 10; (3 Nights)
INHAMBANE, Mozambique [Casitas - breakfast, lunch & dinner]
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, before moving to Praia de Barra to our casitas under the palms next to the beach. Dhow rides and scuba diving on coral reefs are available (own expense).
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Casitas – 2 twin bedrooms with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Distance / Time: 500kms, ± 7 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing and lunch.
Optional Activities: Scuba diving, ocean safari, quad biking & horse riding.
2008: N/A
2009: DAY 11; (1 Night)
BILENE, Mozambique [Casitas - breakfast, lunch & dinner]
We turn south along the coast to the town of Bilene situated on the shores of the Uembje lagoon. The lagoon is 8km wide and 27km long with clear water and white, sandy beaches. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon with options of kayaking and snorkeling (own expense), and swimming in the shallow, calm waters.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: Casitas – 2 twin bedrooms with 1 bathroom shared between 2 rooms.
Distance / Time: 370kms, ± 4½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & shopping.
Optional Activities: Wind surfing, paddle skiing, fishing, sunset cruises on the lagoon.
DAYS 12 - 13; (2 Nights)
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, South Africa [Chalets - breakfast, lunch & dinner]
We enter Kruger National Park, South Africa, and visit big game country! Exciting game drives to spot lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant. Relaxing in the tranquil bush we experience a land forgotten by time, a true African wilderness.
Includes: Entrance fees to Kruger National Park, morning and afternoon game drives.
Overnight: Chalets – twin chalets (or lodge tent) en-suite / shared facilities, swimming pool, restaurant & bar.
Distance / Time 2008: 580kms, ± 8½ hours, excluding border formalities & lunch stop (this is a long day!) + 3x 3 hour game drives.
Distance / Time 2009: 320kms, ± 4hours, excluding border formalities & lunch stop + 3 x 3 hour game drives.
Optional Activities: Night game drives in National Park game viewing vehicles.
DAY 14
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa [breakfast]
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 6:00pm.
Includes: N/A
Overnight: N/A
Distance / Time: 450kms, ± 6½ hours, excluding stops for lunch.
Optional Activities: N/A
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