Trip Info
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open-sided 4x4 vehicle & overland safari truck
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2-20
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To be provided for during the trip
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Johannesburg
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game drives, walking safaris (with an armed guide) & boat trip
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English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic
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To be provided for during the trip
Overview
Designed for a relaxed pace, this safari suits anyone wanting an unusual and authentic Southern African adventure. Expect to immerse yourself in Zulu heritage, sample Mozambique’s fusion of Portuguese and Arab culinary and architectural influences, and spend time on beaches, exploring top-tier dive sites, watching wildlife, and taking bush walks. Lodgings in Mozambique are modest and road conditions can be challenging. With few local amenities available, the Sunway crew handles the majority of meal preparation.
Highlights
- Mid-range tour: This mid-range tour uses lodges and tented camps.
- Shared tour On this shared tour, you will join a group of other travelers. Max 12 people per vehicle.
- Scheduled departures: This tour starts on fixed start dates only.
- Cannot be customized: The accommodations and destinations of this tour cannot be changed.
- Suitable for single travelers: Single travelers can join this group tour, but it requires a minimum of 4 people to run.
- Minimum age of 12 years: The minimum age for this tour is 12 years.
Itinerary
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.
Main Destination: Zululand (KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa)
Accommodation: Zululand Lodge
Mid-range tented camp outside Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (KZN Parks, South Africa)
All meals included
Drinks not included
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)
Accommodation: Kosi Bay Lodge
Mid-range lodgein Kosi Bay (iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa)
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included
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)
Accommodation: Planet Scuba Guest House
Mid-range guest house in Ponta do Ouro (Beach, Mozambique)
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included
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)
Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Maputo
Mid-range hotel in Maputo (City, Mozambique)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinks not included
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.
Main Destination: Inhambane (City, Mozambique)
Accommodation: Bay View Lodge
Mid-range self catering accommodation located at Barra Beach (Mozambique)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
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.
Main Destination: Xai-Xai (Town & Beach, Mozambique)
Accommodation: East Africa Safaris Chalets
Mid-range chaletnear Xai-Xai (Town & Beach, Mozambique)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
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.
Main Destination: Kruger National Park (South Africa)
Accomodation: Letaba Rest Camp
Mid-range rest camp located inside Northern Kruger NP (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
Drinks not included
All meals included
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.
Main Destination: Greater Kruger (South Africa)
Accommodation: Makuwa Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Central Kruger NP (South Africa)
Meals & Drinks:
All meals included
Drinks not included
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.
Main Destination: Johannesburg (City, South Africa)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks:
Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks
FAQs
Mozambique and Kruger – Beach and Bush offer a rare blend of world-class safari and idyllic coastline in one itinerary. Travellers can enjoy thrilling wildlife encounters in Kruger National Park—home to the Big Five—then unwind on Mozambique’s pristine beaches with turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. This dual experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in two contrasting yet complementary environments: the raw wilderness of Kruger and the serene, tropical beauty of Mozambique.
During Mozambique and Kruger – Beach and Bush, guests can look forward to classic safari moments such as spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalos in Kruger. Expert guides lead morning and evening game drives through diverse habitats teeming with animals. After the safari, the beach portion in Mozambique offers opportunities to witness dolphins, whale sharks (seasonally), turtles, and colourful reef fish while snorkelling or diving.
Yes, Mozambique and Kruger – Beach and Bush is ideal for families, couples, and beginners alike. Kruger’s lodges cater well to all experience levels with comfortable accommodations, guided drives, and educational bush experiences. Mozambique’s beaches provide a relaxed atmosphere with calm waters, making it easy for families and first-time travellers to enjoy water activities like snorkelling or kayaking without needing advanced skills.
A Mozambique and Kruger – Beach and Bush holiday includes thrilling game drives in Kruger, bush walks (where available), sunset safaris, and photographic opportunities of the Big Five. In Mozambique, travellers typically enjoy beach relaxation, dhow cruises, island excursions, snorkelling, scuba diving, and fresh seafood dining. The itinerary balances adventure and leisure, allowing guests to enjoy both bush excitement and beach tranquillity.
The ideal time to enjoy Mozambique and Kruger – Beach and Bush is between May and October, when Kruger offers excellent game viewing due to cooler, dry conditions and thinner vegetation. This period is also great for visiting Mozambique, as the weather is warm and pleasant with minimal rainfall, perfect for beach activities. However, the summer months still offer beautiful beach conditions and lush scenery for those who prefer off-peak travel.
In Mozambique and Kruger – Beach and Bush itineraries, travellers typically begin with a safari in Kruger, followed by an easy transfer to Mozambique. This may involve a short road transfer to the airport and a quick flight to coastal destinations like Vilanculos or Maputo, depending on the package. Transfers are designed to be smooth and convenient, ensuring a seamless shift from the bush adventure in Kruger to the beach paradise in Mozambique.
