Kruger & Mozambique 2020

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind us we make our way east through the coalfields of Mpumalanga. Our journey today follows in the footsteps of the old trade-routes to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park. This afternoon there will be an opportunity to join an optional sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle.

We set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. This evening there is a second opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.

With the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckoning we enter Mozambique and make our first stop in Maputo, the capital city offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures. Maputo offers interesting and varied architecture and no visit to the city would be complete without a browse through a market. Tonight we eat out and get a chance to experience the night-life of this intriguing city.

After meeting your crew in Maputo, we set out for the Inhambane District we travel the northern road along the coast. While it is a long day on the road there is much to see as we pass the many villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane. Our journey will bring us to the palm lined beaches for two days of relaxation and ocean fun.

With two days of beach time we have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the more adventurous can sign up for a variety of optional activities. While the beaches at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling.

Today we make the short drive to Tofo to spend the day enjoying yet another of Mozambique’s iconic beach destination. With safe swimming, a charming market and a number of popular beach bars, Tofo is perfect for a day’s outing. A second day not only ensures that you have the opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer; it also allows us some flexibility to adapt to the weather.

This morning we make a stop in Inhambane where you will have the opportunity to explore the market and the historic streets of this former slave trading port.  This 11^th century city is surrounded by magnificent beaches and numerous coconut palms.  This city was also well known as a major centre for ivory trade, as well as for whaling.  Imhambane is located on a bay and you will have the chance to rest and have a drink at one of the many sidewalk cafes. Reunited with our truck we travel north to our next stop at Vilanculos.

We board a traditional dhow this morning and set sail to the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, one of the largest Marine reserves in Southern Africa. We spend the day exploring the islands, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of this island paradise. Be sure to keep your sunblock handy as today is filled with sun, sea, sand and exploration. We return in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned night of rest.

Well rested we set course for the Xai-Xai district, arriving in the late afternoon we have time for a walk on the beach or a sundowner to bid farewell to the Indian Ocean and the pristine beaches of Mozambique.

We set out early this morning as we journey via Maputo and cross the border into Eswatini.

Our stay in Eswatini presents us with an opportunity to enjoy a morning game drive in Hlane Game Reserve, after which we depart Hlane and head to another great reserve of Eswatini, Mlilwane.

An interwoven network of 9 trails traverse Mlilwane and this morning you will have the opportunity to explore these trails with your guide.  After enjoying lunch the afternoon will be spent at leisure.  Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the Ezulwini Valley.

Our final road trip takes us back to Johannesburg as we reflect on the wildlife and beaches that have filled our days. We arrive at Belvedere Estate in the late afternoon and all travellers are invited to join us for a traditional meal tonight. This can be booked with your guide on the day before arrival. Many great tales are shared and tonight is for celebrating the many wonders of African travel.