South Africa & Mozambique: Bush & Beach

You will depart from Johannesburg early in the morning and travel across South Africa’s Highveld before descending into the lush heart of KwaZulu-Natal. Your first stop on the trip is Zululand Lodge, a tented safari camp situated in a private wildlife concession next to the incredible Phinda Game Reserve. Settle into your tastefully decorated tent with en suite bathroom and beautiful views of the surrounding bush. Explore the uMkhuze Game Reserve on a guided morning walk and an afternoon game drive. uMkhuze is a sanctuary for endangered black and white rhinos. On day three, you will go on a game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park followed by a cultural visit to a traditional Zulu village.

Continue further north into the untouched Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, a rich ecosystem of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forests and tidal lakes. Your home for the next two nights is Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge & Camp. Here you will get the chance to observe local fisherman work their woven fish traps and learn about this fascinating 700-year-old tradition. If you are travelling between November and January, you will also have the rare opportunity to watch female leatherback and loggerhead turtles come out of the surf at night to lay their eggs on the beach.

Your next stop is Hlane Royal National Park in Swaziland, a beautiful wilderness of ancient knobthorn, leadwood and tamboti trees. This is big game country, which you will be able to explore on a bush walk with a local field guide. Along with being a haven for elephant, lion and giraffe, Hlane is also a sensational birdwatching destination.

Travel into Mozambique and make your way to the capital of Maputo. Situated in a natural harbour, Maputo is where Portuguese and African cultures meet in an exquisite blend of relaxed coastal and vibrant city life. Mozambican prawns are considered some of the best in Africa, so be sure to sample some of these delicious aquatic crustaceans. Your stopover for the night is Cardosa Hotel, a welcome respite from a few nights in the bush. Perched on a cliff in the leafy Museum neighbourhood, Cardosa offers wonderful views of the city and bay below.

Continue your journey north along Mozambique’s splendid Indian Ocean coastline, weaving through lush cashew nut and mango plantations until you reach the charming town of Inhambane. Exuding a serene atmosphere, Inhambane is one of the oldest settlements on the country’s eastern coast, dating back to the 11th century when Muslim and Persian traders arrived by sea. Your accommodation is Palm Grove Lodge, a tranquil retreat set between gently undulating palm trees and powder-white beaches. Admire the beautiful surroundings as you settle into your casa or casita – traditional Mozambican reed houses purpose-built for the warm tropical weather. Each of these cottages has an open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining room area as well as a patio with barbecue facilities. You will spend the next few days relaxing in the sun or enjoying activities like scuba diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing.

Make your way back south down the beautiful coastline until you reach Bilene, a town well known for its beach resorts. Check into your chalet at Laguna Camp, perched on top of the sand dunes that overlook the Beline lagoon. You will stay in a two-bedroom chalet that is surrounded by shady trees and dune forest, just a quick stroll from a private beach in front of the resort. There are lovely restaurant and bar facilities at Laguna, offering a wide selection to satisfy any appetite. Be sure to sample the lodge’s signature seafood platters. If you are up for it, you can enjoy some snorkelling, kayaking, fishing or simply take a dip in the lagoon’s warm water.

It’s time to leave the Indian Ocean coast behind and head to the bush. You will travel through the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park – almost nine million acres of wilderness stretching over three countries – and cross the border into South Africa’s legendary Kruger National Park. The Kruger is one of Africa’s biggest conservation areas and home to the continent’s iconic Big 5 (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard). A game drive takes you to a comfortable chalet at one of the Kruger’s rest camps, situated on a sweeping riverbend in an excellent location for game viewing – especially elephant. You will head out the next morning to your second home in the Kruger, Ilkley Safari Lodge, comprising comfortable thatch houses with airy patios that offer wonderful views of the Kruger wilderness.

After an early morning game drive you will leave the Kruger and head back to Johannesburg.