Sun, Sand and Wildlife 4wd Safari
Only €3429 per Person sharing!
29 Oct 2011 – 18 Nov 2011 (land only)
SHORT AND SWEET
From the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains through the wildlife and wetlands of Zululand, we visit incredible beaches, snorkeling, diving and fishing in the warm Indian Ocean of Mozambique. This tropical paradise tour also includes game viewing in the Limpopo Transfrontier Park and the magic Kruger National Park! Make a booking
ITINERARY
DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG (hotel - - -)
After arriving in ‘Egoli, city of gold’ we meet and greet and then transfer to our accommodation and check in. We have the afternoon to do a Soweto half day cultural trip in a mini van driven by a local guide. In the evening we will go out for dinner at a local restaurant (own expense).
DAY 2-3 DRAKENSBERG (camping Bx2 Lx2 Dx2)
This morning we depart with the spirit to explore wide open spaces. We stop in Harrismith to stock up on supplies including petrol, beer and wine. Weather permitting we will stop at sites like Sterkfontein Dam, little Switzerland, Tugela River and the magnificent Drakensberg Amphitheatre. The beauty of Zululand!!!
Rising up to 3,482 meters, referred to as ‘barrier of spears’, Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa. The mountains are home to some spectacular fauna and flora including forest, scrub and fynbos and the bird life make up 37% of all non-marine bird species in Southern Africa. Caves are easily found and many have rock paintings of the Bushmen which date back to 40,000 years ago. We explore these mountains on foot and vehicle, and on good days we may even take a dip in the mountain streams. Look out for the Tugela Falls!!
DAY 4 Tanghami Spa (chalets BLD)
Travelling further into the heartland of the Zulu Kingdom near Swart Umfulozi River you find Thangami spa. This rolling mountain pass drive is often punctuated by the traditional homesteads of the Zulu people, a magnificent site to behold. It is one of those places which have everything a tourist requires, whether you like luxury or rustic, a true experience in the heart of the Zulu bush. Hot or cool health regenerating mineral water and mud pools will give the weary soul a new lease on life.
DAY 5 Mkhuzi Game Reserve (tented camp BLD)
This nature reserve, a place of great beauty which constitutes the north western spur of the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park is a world heritage site. Mkuze is famous for its large range of bird species and its fine stretch of Fever tree forest along its banks. After an interesting breakfast we explore the park visiting a few bird hides and afterwards we wait silently for the wildlife to come closer. The wildlife includes black and white rhinoceros, giraffe, Nyala and even cheetah and hyena have been spotted.
DAY 6-8 KOSI BAY (A-Frames Bx3 Lx3 Dx2)
This morning we have a beautiful drive which winds through mountain passes and over the Swadini Dam wall towards the Indian Ocean. Our accommodation is set between the trees of these spectacular dune forests where we can kick off our shoes and walk around in the white sand. Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuary, mangroves, dune forest and lakes which we explore. We visit Bunga Neck and the Kosi Bay river mouth to snorkel and watch the local fisherman in the estuary, with their traditional fish kraals.
Situated near Kosi Bay is the Tembe Elephant Park, it boasts 220 of the largest elephant in the world. An authentic big five experience in a national game park managed by Tembe tribe, headed by Nkosi (Chief) Tembe. We enter with our 4WD, visit some waterholes and enjoy a picnic in the park.
DAY 9 MAPUTO (hotel BL-)
It is a short drive to the -Mozambique border and after formalities we enter and make our way to the coastal city of Maputo. The Bantu and Portuguese cultures dominate, but the influence of Arab, Indian and Chinese is also felt. Maputo is a planned city of square blocks and wide avenues with Portuguese traces and their typical 1970’s architecture. In the evening we sample an exquisite blend of fresh seafood in a local restaurant (own expense).
DAY 10-12 INHAMBANE – TOFU BAY (bungalows Bx3 Lx3 Dx2)
Today is a long drive day through coastal towns and markets with intermitted stops. Our accommodation is comfortable and clean set just meters away from the bountiful ocean. Local fishermen pass our bungalows with the daily catch.
Set amongst many coconut trees, Tofu has a local market with many colourful paintings and curios in this vibrant village. This is a great place to meet the friendly locals and catch up on daily news. Dhow rides, snorkeling, scuba diving (own expense) and swimming in the warm ocean are some of the activities that are available.
DAY13-15 VILANCULOS, Bazaruto Islands (chalets BL-)
The Bazaruto National Park has some of the best snorkeling that the East Coast of Africa has to offer. In the shallow water on the inside of "2 Miles Reef" amongst fields of stag horn coral, a colorful array of reef fish dance in the reflective light cast down through the water. Hiding in the crevices Honeycomb Moray Eels can be spotted with gaping mouth and if you are lucky a green or hawksbill turtle may glide by. Coupled with this is plenty of relaxation time on the beaches of Bazaruto, Benguerra or Pansy Island and for the more energetic a climb up the sand dunes for fantastic views. Only taking 45 minutes to get to the islands by fast boats you can spend more time snorkeling, swimming and relaxing.
DAY 16 ZAVORA (Lodge BLD)
Zavora is recognized to be one of the best fishing areas in Mozambique and is frequented by many avid fishermen and woman. Launching is done from the bay that is protected by a reef. This reef also creates a natural tidal pool that is excellent for snorkelling and swimming. The location of the bar, restaurant and deck offers a magnificent view of the Zavora reef and it’s bay. Plenty of Humpback whales are sighted from the deck of the bar during June to November. Occasionally Eagle and Manta Rays burst from the surface in brief flights as well as the streamlined and graceful Sailfish. Dolphins are regularly seen feeding and playing in the bay. Away from the sea, quad bike excursions to the inland lakes are an experience not to be missed.
DAY 17 MASSINGIR (camping BLD)
This campsite is perched upon the cliffs overlooking the magnificent Lake Massingir full of birdlife, water birds and local people. Often the sound of the African fish eagles can be heard.
DAY 18-19 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (camping Bx2 - -)
This is one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world. It has the greatest variety of animals of any park in Africa, including the Big Five as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo and many species of antelope and small game. The parks’ censes includes 147 mammals, 507 birds, 114 reptiles and 336 different trees. The camp sites are excellent and infrastructure is well kept with hot showers and brilliant landscapes. Feel the thrill of driving yourself through this unique African bushveld. Early morning starts ensure the best results for spotting lions, giraffe and the mighty elephant.
DAY 20 MPUMALANGA, GRASKOP (chalets BLD)
Few regions of the world can match the extreme beauty of the escarpment and the lowveld. Mpumalanga is where mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterize the landscape. We visit Gods Window, Bourkes luck potholes and The Three Rondowels in the Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world) before staying in a lodge on the edge of the escarpment in Graskop. For the more adventurous there is an opportunity to do a gorge swing over the edge of the escarpment – not for the faint hearted!!!
DAY 21 TOUR ENDS (B - -)
We are in the way back to Johannesburg. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
TOUR INFORMATION
Arrive Johannesburg and ends in Johannesburg.
PRICE: € 3429 per person (land only) as per Itinerary
Please note:
- Single supplement: an additional €200
- Minimum 3 guests, Maximum 10 guests
- Includes fully equipped safari vehicle (2-4 people in 1 vehicle) and all transfers!!!
- We can arrange any other date on request!
- This tour can also be customized to suit your needs e.g. extra or fewer days.
The price includes:
- 15 nights in lodges/chalets/B&B and 5 nights modern camping
- Transport in a self drive 4WD for 21 days
- ‘Tag along’ off road excursions
- Professional guide (driver)
- Park entrances
- Cook (camp assistant)
- All meals as per itinerary
Accommodation
- Chalets/lodges/bungalows: 15 nights, most rooms are twin and en-suite but sometimes rooms share bathroom facilities.
- Camping: 5 nights with hot showers and clean toilets. The 4x4 vehicles with unlimited mileage come fully equipped with camping gear and the roof top tents with beds 2,1 x 1,2, 2,1 x 1,2 meters (double roof tent) and putting them up or down takes only 3 minutes. Tents have built-in insect nets. Mattresses which are thick, pillows and sheets are supplied. The camp chairs are comfortable and have a backrest. Each vehicle is also equipped with A/C, C/D player, a 12V fridge, long range fuel tanks, air compressor and spare wheel. Ground tents are also available upon request.
Food
- We have three balanced meals per day, the main meal is dinner - braai (charcoal/wood barbeque), potjie (stew) or stir fry. Lunch – sandwiches with salad. Breakfast – cereals, toast, tea/coffee/fruit juices and occasionally an English (fried) breakfast.
- When buying ingredients, the tour leader insists on obtaining fresh produce from the local shops.
- The use of melamine camping plates, cups and cutlery will be provided.
- Meals are included except where stated in the itinerary (B- Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). When the meals are not included we will eat at restaurants (own expense).
- If requested, the tour leader can arrange for special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, allergies, etc.
- Beverages which are not included in the meals as stated will be at your own expense. We don’t supply bottled drinking water although it is available at most shops.
Things you should know
- Anyone who is in good health should enjoy this trip.
- You will need a valid passport for entry into South Africa and surrounding countries.
- Visas for relative countries are obtainable at the borders.
- For this trip you will need malaria prophylactics, please consult your medical practitioner before departing.
- Please pack a limit of 15kgs of luggage in a soft sports tog bag.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, small pair of binoculars and comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
- To avoid disappointment bring a good camera with enough film or memory. We often have electricity (220/230 V) for recharging and also stop for the basics along the way, i.e. batteries.
- There will be opportunities to shop for crafts, carvings, batiks and paintings. If you see something you like, it is best to buy it because it is unlikely that you will see something similar further along. Curios and crafts change from area to area.
- We recommend that you bring extra money for restaurant meals, extra refreshments and curios shopping as some vendors do not have credit card facilities.
- With local conditions being different, border crossings, road detours and weather, the trip may alter route or schedule – in this case please note that we will make every effort to stick to the itinerary as best we can.
- There will be a guide/camp assistant at all times, but a helping hand is always welcome. Many hands make lighter work!!
- Don’t forget your humor and a spirit for adventure!!!
- Feel free to contact us for any queries.
