Sunway Safaris Mozambique & Kruger Beach & Bush – 14 days

Zululand, home of the nation forged by King Shaka Zulu – 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 reserve.

We 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 and we look forward to watching from a hide overlooking a waterhole, as the animals quench their thirst.

On the third day we explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and in the afternoon get to know the people of the area as we visit a local Zulu village and our guides interpret the history, culture and traditions of the Zulu nation.

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forest and tidal lakes. We explore this amazing eco-system on foot and also snorkel at the estuary mouth. A special feature of the Kosi Bay estuary is the traditional practice of subsistence tidal trap fishing. Leatherback turtles and loggerhead turtles lay eggs on the beaches at night (November – January) and an excursion can be arranged to view this beautiful natural occurrence (own expense).

Hlane Game Reserve is Swaziland’s is largest national park and our chalets are surrounded by beautiful African bushveld dominated by Knobthorn, Leadwood & Tamboti trees. In front of the camp is a waterhole where rhino and other wildlife come to drink. We’ll join a local ranger on a bushwalk practice our game tracking skills and see fantastic bird life.

We enter Moçambique at the Namaacha border post and travel to 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).

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, snorkelling, fishing and surfing (own expense).

We turn south along the coast to the town of Bilene situated on the shores of the crystal clear Uembje lagoon. The lagoon is 8km wide and 27km long with white, sandy beaches, and is separated from the Indian Ocean by a narrow strip of sand dunes. We spend the afternoon exploring the lagoon with options for kayaking and snorkelling (own expense) and swimming in the shallow, calm waters. We enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the lagoon (own expense).

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 the mighty elephant among others. 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 camp fire on our final evening in the tranquil African wilderness.

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 +/-18:00 at the hotel