Description
The Tour
Experience just how diverse and beautiful the 3 bordering countries of South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland are on this incredible tour. Starting at South Africa's Kruger National Park, you'll enjoy some fantastic game viewing, before chilling out at premier beach resort, Ponto Mamoli in Mozambique. Then it's back to South Africa for a trip to World Heritage Site - Isimangaliso Wetland Park, before heading into Swaziland to discover its ancient and fascinating history.
Day 1: London - Johannesburg
Fly overnight from Heathrow London to Johannesburg international airport with Virgin Atlantic and connect your flight to Kruger Mpumalanga airport.
Day 2: Malelane
On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in. During the afternoon, you will be taken to Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden. Alternatively, relax on the viewing deck and watch animals coming to drink in the Crocodile River. Overnight: Rio Vista Lodge. (B)
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Head into the Kruger National Park today for a full day's game viewing. The flagship of South Africa's national parks, it is home to the 'Big Five', as well as many other species of mammal, so cameras at the ready for some great photos. Return late afternoon for drinks and dinner. Overnight: Rio Vista Lodge. (B)
Day 4: Mozambique
Depart for Mozambique today, arriving mid-morning at Maputo in time for a city tour. After lunch, it's a ferry ride across Maputo Harbour to Catembe Island and a drive south to premier beach resort, Ponta Mamoli - your base for the next 2 nights. Overnight: Ponta Mamoli Lodge. (B/D)
Day 5: Mozambique
A full day at this premier beach resort, relaxing in the sun or taking advantage of the many activities on offer, including scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing, fly-fishing, rock angling and horse riding. Also, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins - they often swim in these waters. Overnight: Ponta Mamoli Lodge. (B/D)
Day 6: Hluhluwe
Return back through the border into South Africa, to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve for an afternoon game drive - the oldest in Africa and world famous for saving the white rhino from extinction. Afterwards, it's on to St Lucia. Overnight: Protea Hotel St Lucia. (B)
Day 7: Hluhluwe
A visit to Isimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), South Africa's first World Heritage Site, for a 2-hour boat cruise on the estuary, home to a huge variety of mammals, including hippo and crocodile. Also, cast your eyes skywards on occasion to see the many exotic birds that circle around. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Overnight: Protea Hotel St Lucia. (B)
Day 8: Swaziland
Depart St Lucia for Swaziland, stopping en route at Ngwenya Mine, the oldest in the world, dating back to 42,000BC! Take time to admire the gorgeous views from the mine over the Steynsdorp Valley. Overnight: Hawane Lodge. (B/D)
Day 9: Johannesburg - London
Just before you head to the airport for your flight home, there's time to admire the Nsangwini rock art - where the San and Khoisan peoples recorded their fascinating history on the oldest rock formations on earth. After crossing back into South Africa, there's also a thought-provoking stop at Thembalethu, a refuge for AIDS orphans, to experience just what staff and volunteers come up against daily in dealing with these children. Return to Kruger Mpumalanga international airport to catch your flight back to Johannesburg. Connect with your Virgin Atlantic flight back to London Heathrow.
Tour Notes
- Set departure dates from the UK: 12, 26 Jan; 09, 23 Feb; 08, 22 Mar; 05, 19 Apr; 03 May; 14 Jun; 12 Jul; 09 Aug; 06, 20 Sep; 04, 18 Oct; 01, 15, 29 Nov.
- Transfer in a 4x4 vehicle.
- Min 2 passengers.
- We reserve the right to substitute accommodation for that of a similar standard where necessary.