Lions in the shade near Orpen in the Kruger National Park
Day 1: Panoramic route – Blyde River Canyon (South Africa)
Departing early from Johannesburg & Pretoria we head off the plateau towards Mozambique to the town of Nelspruit to meet up with fellow travelers. We will also have time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Nelspruit.
From here we head north to our first stop which will be The Big Swing in Graskop, for those adventurous travelers who need a bit of an adrenaline rush.
Lunch will be in Graskop after which we head off towards the Panorama region for some stunning views.
Leaving the beauty of the 3rd largest canyon in the world we make our way through the mountains to our overnight stop, Shangaan Village. Here you will be introduced to their local culture and enjoy a typical African dinner around the campfire.
Meals: Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Camp: Timbavati Lodge
Day 2: Shangaan Village – Kruger National Park
Today starts off with a 2 hour tour to the Cheetah research centre in Kapama where you will be able to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures and learn a bit more about them before heading off to the Kruger Park.
Once through the gates of the Kruger we will be on the lookout for wildlife en route to our campsite. After setting up camp you will have a chance to relax for a couple of hours before heading out on an evening sunset game drive with your experienced Kruger guide. This drive lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours, which gives you the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife.
On your return your guide will have dinner ready for you.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Camp: Skukuza
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Starting the day early we go on a morning game drive and hopefully spot loads of animals and birdlife in their natural habitat. Returning to camp we will have a nice hearty breakfast before moving on to our next camp inside the Kruger Park. The drive will take us through most of the southern part of this beautiful park. We will stop off for lunch at the main campsite of the Kruger Park, after which we will head to the campsite.
A second optional sunset game drive can be arranged should you wish to do another one.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Camp: Crocodile Camp
Day 4: South Africa – Mozambique (Bilene)
Our morning starts off with a 2 to 3 hour walking safari with an experienced Kruger NP guide who will be able to point out the finer details of the local flora and fauna in detail.
After breakfast we leave the Kruger National Park and make our way to Mozambique, passing the southern point of Kruger National Park. After the border procedures, we will make our way up to beautiful Bilene, a small town surrounded by inland lakes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 5: Bilene
After an early morning swim in the clear waters of the inland lake that stretches for 27 kms, breakfast is served, after which you can relax on the beach at our campsite. The rest of the day you can familiarize yourself with the local fisherman and maybe even go prawning with them. This is an excellent time to immerse your self in their culture and get to know how the locals live. There is a local market where you can find an assortment of curios, and a walk through the town is a must. In the afternoon we will take a boat trip across the lake to the beach and then a hike to the sandy cliffs of Bilene where you’ll have time to check out the turtles that live in the area (don’t forget to take your camera!)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Days 6, 7: Barra Reef Beach
After waking up to the sounds of the Indian Ocean, we will enjoy a hearty tropical breakfast. We will then journey north to the town of Inhambane, with one of the best curio markets in Mozambique. After a visit to the market, we head towards the beach of Barra Reef. The warm tropical waters of Barra attract many species of fish and other sea dwelling creatures such as Green and Leather-back Turtles, Manta Rays and the Whale Shark, the majestic giant of the sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget tour: Beach Chalets
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Days 8, 9: Tofo Beach
Leaving Barra Reef a short drive takes you to Tofo Beach.
The days are spent organising swimming trips, lazing in the sun, swimming in the tropical sea, playing beach volleyball and walking down to the beach bar for sun-downers. The small town of Tofo also has its own small curio and food market and one or two restaurants where they serve great seafood and other local dishes typical of Mozambique. Your guide will organise your Ocean Safari, which is included in the tour. If you would like to learn how to surf, you will have the opportunity to take some classes.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget tour: Backpackers style
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 10: Maputo
After time spent on the pristine beaches, our journey takes us south to Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. Arriving late afternoon, we will settle into our hotel rooms, and later on your guide will take you out for the night to one of the restaurants in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Budget Hotel
Accommodated tour: 3* Hotel
Day 11: Pretoria/ Johannesburg (South Africa)
Before bidding a fond farewell to paradise, your guide will take you on a short tour of the city before making our way towards the border. As we slowly drive home, take a look out of the window, smile, and think to yourself that not many people get to do what you just did.
Meals: Breakfast
This tour is brought to you by our travel partners who specialise in Mozambique.