16 Day Discover South East Africa
Full Itinerary
Highlights: Gods Window, Blyde River Canyon, Kruger NP, Transfrontier Limpopo Park, Zavora Beach, Bazaruto Archipelago, Barra, Tofo Beach, Ocean Safari, Bilene Turtle hike & Swaziland.
Day 1: Panoramic Route (South Africa)
Departing early we make our way east towards the Kruger National Park, stopping en route for breakfast (own cost). We then make our way to the panoramic route, stopping at Gods Window, and the world’s 3rd largest Canyon, Blyde River Canyon.
From here we will make our way down towards the Kruger National Park for the first night.
Meals: Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Camp: Timbavati Lodge
Day 2: Kruger National Park
A short drive takes us to the gate of the Kruger National Park for our wildlife experience. After driving to our camp we will settle down for the day and enjoy a hearty lunch.
The Kruger National Park is home to 502 Bird species, 114 reptile, and 147 mammal species (including the Big 5 - Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard).
The afternoon will be spent on a game drive, and then at sunset you will be transferred onto a 4x4 game viewing vehicle for your evening drive. This is time to spot the nocturnal animals of this great park. Dinner is served on your return.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Camp: Letaba Camp
Day 3: Kruger National Park & Greater Limpopo National Park (Mozambique)
This morning starts off with a 2 to 3 hour walking safari, before crossing into Mozambique, which is part of the Greater Limpopo Park. After the border procedures, we make our way to the Massingir Dam where we settle down for the night. The view over the dam is breathtaking.
The night is spent around the campfire chatting about the days before and the days to come.
Your guide will explain the history of this awesome country (Mozambique)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Day 4: Zavora
Leaving the Massingir dam early we make our way towards the east coast of Africa, driving through the countryside to the awesome beaches of Zavora Beach, arriving late afternoon. Zavora has some of the most beautiful beaches along the coast of Mozambique.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Days 5, 6: Bazaruto Archipelago - Mainland accommodation
The road continues north from here, where the coconut trees take up most of the space in this once forgotten country. We make our way up to the Bazaruto Archipelago, where the islands give you a feeling once only experienced by the explorers of the past. The days here are spent in the fresh air on the beaches of Vilankulo. A Dhow trip out to one of the islands will be organized for a day. Snorkeling at one of the reefs in the area is a must, with its many species of fish. Fresh seafood and catch of the day are one of the attractions of this area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Twin rooms
Accommodated tour: Twin rooms
Days 7, 8: Barra Beach
Leaving the island behind we make our way south through the coconut plantations to the town of Inhambane, with one of the best curio markets in Mozambique. After a visit to the market, we will head towards Barra Beach. 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. If you are a diver there will be time for you to do a dive or two in the next couple of days.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Budget tour: Beach chalets
Accommodated tour: Beach chalets
Days 9, 10: Tofo Beach
Leaving Barra Reef a short drive takes us to Tofo Beach for the next 2 days.
The days are spent organizing swimming trips, lazing in the sun, swimming in the tropical sea, playing beach volleyball and walking down to the beach bar for sundowners. 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 organize 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. Tofo also offers you some of the best night life in the area.
Meals: Breakfast, 1x Dinner
Budget tour: Backpackers
Accommodated tour: Chalets
Days 11, 12: Bilene
Leaving the beach behind us we travel South to Bilene and the inland lake of this small Mozambique town. After settling in you can relax on the beach or go for a walk along the 27km long lake. To finish off the trip we arrive in Bilene early afternoon, and your guide will arrange a lake crossing for you to go for a walk on the beach of Bilene. Your local guide will also take you for a walk to the cliffs where you will have the opportunity to spot turtles that live in the area.
Dinner is enjoyed at the on-site restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Days 13, 14, 15: Swaziland
Leaving Bilene we make our way south to Swaziland, stopping off to do some sight-seeing in Maputo, the capital, before making our way to the borders of Mozambique and Swaziland. Once through the border the road takes us to the Hlane Wildlife Park for the first night. The next morning we make or way to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. There will be some time for you to do some of the optional activities they offer in Swaziland.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget tour: Camping
Accommodated tour: Lodge
Day 16: South Africa
Departing from Mlilwane we make our way through the country stopping of at the market on the way out for a last bit of shopping before making our way back to South Africa, arriving back in Johannesburg & Pretoria late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
