Travel With a Purpose
A 17-day self-drive bush and beach combo is an all-time favourite! The tour starts in gorgeous Tzaneen, Limpopo, then on to the beautiful Balule Private Game Reserve, as well as the Kruger National Park where the ‘Big 5’ is to be discovered. Mozambique and its white beaches, swaying palm trees, great food and amazing vibes is sure to captivate, and to end a perfect holiday, Eswatini and its mountain ranges will leave you in awe.
Highlights
- Guided game/bush walk
- ‘Big 5’ in Kruger National Park
- Sunset boat cruise
- Ocean activities
- Barefoot luxury
Tour Information
Language: English
Transport: 4WD
Pax: Min 2 guests
Day 1
ARRIVAL
Guests arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport and are assisted to vehicle rental office to organise their rental vehicle. They then drive approximately 4.5 hours to Tzaneen and Kings Walden Garden Manor for the night. This is the perfect tranquil destination to begin an unforgettable tour.
Overnight at Kings Walden Garden Manor – Breakfast.
Day 2-3
BALULE NATURE RESERVE
After breakfast, guests continue on to the beautiful Balule Nature Reserve, about a 2 hour drive. The original camp was built circa 1960 and over the years has been expanded, modernized and improved to where it is today. Situated on higher ground, it has sweeping views over the savannah, across a well-frequented waterhole and onto the Drakensberg massif in the west and south. This is a true wildlife sanctuary and guests can book game drives or guided game walks upon arrival. Guests will enjoy dinner in the boma around a blazing campfire.
Overnight at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge – Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy an early morning safari, and then return to the camp for breakfast. Guests then drive 2.5 hours to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The night will be spent at Letaba Rest Camp, which is located in the central region of the park. The Kruger National Park supports a staggering variety of fauna and flora including some bird species rare and endemic to the area, including the ‘Big 5’. Guests can book a night-drive to experience the nocturnal wildlife.
The restaurants at the rest camps have a wide variety of meals and drinks available, and the togetherness of so many different ethnicities is the best recipe for camaraderie.
Overnight at LETABA REST CAMP (meals – own arrangement).
Day 5
MASSINGIR DAM
After spending the morning in the Kruger National Park, guests make their way across the border into Mozambique (visas by own arrangement and for own account) towards Covane Lodge, a 3,5 hour drive. They will spend one night at this breathtaking community lodge, situated on the edge of Massingir Dam. Sunset boat cruises can be booked directly, or simply enjoy the serenity.
Overnight at Covane Lodge (lake view chalet) – Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6-7
LAKE NHAMBAVALE
Breakfast is served in the lodge restaurant, before guests carry on with their journey through Mozambique to Naara Eco Lodge, approximately 4.5 hours away.
The lodge is surrounded by indigenous bush right on the banks of the Nhambavale and the ocean is easily accessible, with the unspoilt beach of Chidenguele being just 2km away. Activities available include snorkelling, canoeing, kite surfing, deep sea fishing, lake fishing, kayaking, boat cruises, horse riding, whale watching, and spa treatments.
Overnight at Naara Eco Lodge (luxury tent) – Breakfast.
Day 8-10
INHAMBANE
After breakfast, guests will drive 3 hours to their next destination – Sentidos Beach Retreat. The next 3 nights are spent here at tis infamous beach retreat. Once travelled by sailors and pirates, this boutique hotel now upholds a strong sense of social responsibility. The villas are decorated with colours in tune with the natural surroundings and is spread across the sand between the Indian Ocean and a lagoon surrounded by coconut trees and mangroves.
World-class spa treatments await and the hot stone massage is highly recommended, as well as the yoga classes. Quad biking, exquisite snorkelling and scuba diving, ocean safaris, mangrove tours, Inhambane cultural trips, Gubonga community tours, sunset dhow cruises or bay cruises to Linga Linga or Pansy Island are all available (own account). All meals can be enjoyed at the beach restaurant with delicious regional and fusion cuisine, particularly fish.
Overnight at Sentidos Beach Retreat – Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 11
MAPUTO
After 4 days on the beach, guests will now drive 6.5 hours to the capital city of Maputo. The Polana Serena is described as the ‘Grand Dame of African hotels’ and has a unique combination of colonial ambience and architecture, modern service and amenities, and unparalleled personalised attention. Choose from 4 restaurants for dinner (own account), each serving with superb cuisine and the sea views that have a calming effect on the soul.
Overnight at the Polana Serena Hotel – Breakfast.
Day 12-14
PONTA MAMOLI
Guests now leave the coastal city of Maputo and head south for about 3.5 hours to Ponta Mamoli and the luxurious White Pearl Resorts.
Inspired by the rich coastal biodiversity of the area and beautiful Indian Ocean reefs, the guest areas offer laid back beachside chic with spaces designed to make the most of the incredible views. The resort has 2km of tranquil pristine beach and is surrounded by tracts of indigenous bush.
Overnight at White Pearl Resorts – Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 15-16
KINGDOM OF ESWATINI (previously Swaziland)
Guests now head 5 hours inland to the Kingdom of Eswatini. Here they will spend their last 2 nights in the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is Eswatini’s pioneer conservation area and is now the kingdom’s most popular eco-destination. Mlilwane’s diverse habitats support a surprisingly extensive species list. From on top of Mlilwane Hill, Reilly’s Rock has commanding views over the plains.
Overnight at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge – Breakfast and dinner.
Day 17
DEPARTURE
Guests make their way back towards Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport (4.5 hours) where they will return their hire vehicle and continue with their onward travel arrangements.
Includes
Accommodation: As specified
Meals: 15 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners.
Activities: As specified
Transfers: Arrival and departure airport transfers
Entrance fees: Park fees
Car rental: Pick up and drop off at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Unlimited mileage, maxi cover insurance, one named driver.
Excludes
All international / domestic flights and taxes,
Visas
Travel and personal accident insurance,
Personal expenses
Excursions / activities not specified
Gratuities
Entrance and park fees
Car rental: contract fee, PAI, fuel, top up excess, rental deposit, additional driver fee.
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