Example trip
South Africa & Mozambique: the best of the bush with the most beautiful coast!
Highlights
Water activities, safari, tropical beaches, urban culture, hiking, traditional cuisine
Location
South Africa & Mozambique
Budget
from € 2.500,- p.p. excl. flight tickets
Experience this route any time of the year
If you look at the weather forecast, this trip is perfect to do most of the year! However: we cover a lot of kilometres and we do pass different weather patterns. In Mozambique, it is actually always summer if you look at the temperatures (including ocean temperatures). However, cyclone season is from January to March. Even though the chances of a cyclone on land are relatively low, there is definitely more chance of rains and strong winds. Your entire holiday will certainly not fall into the water, but if at all possible, it is best to avoid these months! As for the rest of the route, it’s actually good all year round: winters can coincide with cold nights in Greater Kruger, but the little rain during that period makes it actually better for wildlife spotting at that time of year! In summer, on the other hand, you enjoy the beautiful greenery and the pools are échta inviting after your game drives. In short: whether summer or winter, don’t let the weather stop you from travelling this beautiful route!
22 days in South Africa & Mozambique
Day 1
Arrival
Your long-awaited Africa adventure is finally about to start. Today you fly, probably with a healthy dose of jitters in your stomach, towards the southernmost country of the African continent. Prepare for lots of wildlife, pristine nature, breathtaking views and special encounters to remember! The journey starts in the ‘City of Gold’, Johannesburg! Johannesburg once began as a settlement for its gold mines and has grown into South Africa’s largest city! The city brims with history and culture and there is an awful lot to see! Visit the huge Soweto Township, once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, and learn more about South Africa’s history at the Apartheid Museum.
Day 2
Johannesburg
You are going to visit South Africa’s largest township: Soweto! Well township. Don’t be surprised if you find villas during your visit, as Soweto has the highest concentration of millionaires in the country. However, much of Soweto is still characterised by poverty and the image you know of a township. But, Soweto exudes character, authenticity and love. The people are proud and will welcome you with open arms. Very special!
Day 3
Hazyview
Onward to the farming village of Hazyview on the Sabie River! Hazyview is known for its banana industry and its beautiful location near the Panorama Route. The town owes its name to the mist that often covers the area, especially in summer. The many fruit farms make the area beautiful and it is therefore nice to drive the Panorama Route from here to visit all the beautiful viewpoints.
Day 4 – 5
Greater Kruger Game Reserve
Safari time!!! On to Greater Kruger: a beautiful area of 344000 hectares of untouched wilderness. Greater Kruger borders the Kruger but there is no fence here; so the animals can move freely between the parks. Greater Kruger is known as a ‘natural beauty’ with its thick bush but at the same time open plains, with a huge amount of wildlife: not only will you find more than 350 bird species and the entire Big Five, but you also have the chance to spot the rare white lion here! Get the cameras ready, put on your safari hat: it’s safari time!
Day 6
Kruger National Park
Welcome to Africa’s oldest park and one of the largest game reserves in the world! How cool is it that you will be doing a safari here! A must see for nature lovers with the amount of birds there and, of course, the Big Five walking peacefully through it. The Kruger National Park is 380 km long and 60 km wide. With around 12,000 elephants, the Kruger National Park is even home to the most African elephants! Not a bad place as a stopover, while you are now super close to the border with Mozambique….
Day 7
Massingir
Lagoa Nova, better known to locals as Massingir, is located in Mozambique’s Gaza province. This small town surrounded by nature is an ideal stopover before your real Mozambican adventure begins! Recuperate from the drive, or book a boat trip for your first beautiful sunset in Mozambique!
Day 8
Chidenguele
On to Chidenguele, where you will be treated to a laid-back atmosphere and a friendly village. Chidenguele is perhaps the most beautiful of the beaches along the lagoon-strewn coast north and south of Xai-Xai.
Day 9 – 11
Tofo
Thanks to its azure waters, white beaches, access and fine diving spots, Tofo beach is a dream destination! Here you will go on Ocean Safari. Swim among Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and Dolphins. And between June and October, maybe even with a Humpback Whale!!! Cherry on the cake: beautiful coral with the entire set of Finding Nemo. Enjoy!
Day 12 – 14
Vilanculos
On to Vilanculos, a place famous for its islands! The town is a few kilometres inland from the bay, where you can find restaurants and bars, as well as handy things like banks and cosy markets. Now, is the beach here even whiter and the sea even bluer than in Tofo? Time to find out: from a boat, a kayak or a horse! Then, while you’re in Vilanculos, of course you want to see some of the Bazaruto Islands! That’s why today you’ll take a boat out to sail past the islands and snorkel in this beautiful setting! Beautiful corals and views… Is this real! Explore the Govuro wetlands and waterways! You will be guided in canoes in the wetlands, 30 km west of Vilanculos Town. The Govuro Spring River feeds the wetlands and waterways and is a freshwater delta 20 km by 30 km in size, not connected to the sea. The area has crystal clear water, with amazing birds! Birds to look out for are: the Black Porcupine Grouse, Purple Grouse, African darter, Cricket Warbler, African Dwarf Duck, Kingfishers, Jacanas, Cormorants, Eagles and Herons. The river is also full of fireflies, which you can experience during evening tours alongside thousands of stars and an amazing sunset.
Day 15
Chidenguele
The journey slowly takes you back south. Chidenguele is again the perfect stopover to break up the driving, while still enjoying beautiful views, delicious food and a nice dip in the ocean!
Day 16 – 17
Maputo
Maputo is Mozambique’s capital and a fascinating city. You’ll get a quick insight into Mozambique’s colonial heritage, vibrant inhabitants and, of course, tasty cuisine! Go on a walking tour to explore the heart of Maputo! Stroll past the famous old train station, visit the botanical gardens, buy beautiful souvenirs at the Craft Market, and enjoy delicious fresh seafood!
Day 18
Shewula Nature Reserve
On to Shewula, near the border of eSwatini and Mozambique. Located opposite the Lubombo Mountains with panoramic views of over 100 km across eSwatini and Mozambique. On clear days, even the city of Maputo in Mozambique can be seen! A guide will take you to the village this afternoon: a chance to meet local people, visit a school and tell stories over a local beer. It is even possible to visit the local sangoma (traditional healer). These walks are pure; the village goes on living as usual while you participate with as much or as little as you want.
Day 19 – 20
Malolotja Nature Reserve
Malolotja Nature Reserve is the largest protected area in eSwatini, where you will find the typical Swazi landscape: vast vistas and rolling green hills. The area is also home to a hundred-metre waterfall and the old mining town of Bulembu, including the oldest mine in the world! Malolotja is very versatile. Whether you are looking for a good hike for a physical challenge, want to take a refreshing dip in one of the potholes, want to sleep in the middle of breathtaking nature, or all in one: this is the place to be!
Day 21
Ezulwini Valley
Malolotja Nature Reserve, the largest protected area in eSwatini, offers a quintessential Swazi landscape: vast vistas, rolling green hills, and a hundred-meter waterfall. Experience its diversity with hikes, refreshing swims in potholes, and overnight stays in the heart of nature. A unique activity is on the itinerary: an overnight hike! You’ll meet the Trail Guides early and hike 7 km to the Wilderness Campsite. Enjoy a swim in the ‘Lower Potholes’ and an evening around the campfire. The next day, pack up and return to Nkomati View. Afterward, you can relax in Ezulwini Valley or further explore Swazi culture.
Day 22
Departure
Everything comes to an end, including this wonderful adventure. Fully rested, you pack your bags to get on the plane home. With a nice healthy colour on your cheeks, you board the plane. With your eyes closed and your seat reclined, you relive the cool adventures of the past few days. Full of inspiration and with an overdose of wonderful memories, you return home. Unspoilt nature, lush wildlife, inspiring people & vibrant cities. You now have plenty of stories to tell family and friends later by the fire. An adventure over, but a new set of experiences richer.
Interested in this example trip?
Schedule a free consultation and we will immediately get to work on making your preferred trip completely to your liking. See you soon in South Africa & Mozambique?
What our travellers say about us
Want to know more about this trip?
Receive an instant proposal for this trip or rather discuss the possibilities with one of our Africa experts? It's all possible!
Receive a proposal
Schedule a call immediately
Discover our example trips
What that might look like, a trip to South Africa & Mozambique? Well, like this! All these experiences have been put together by our Africa-experts. What is your dream trip?
Need travel advice? Ask our Africa experts
Hungry for the unknown? Our Africa experts have answers to your pressing questions.