Beach and Bush Adventure

Overview

Beach and Bush Adventure

Beach and Bush Adventure… Wildlife and wetlands of Zululand, magnificent beaches, snorkeling, diving, fishing, sun, sea and sand in Mozambique.… a tropical paradise tour that includes game viewing in Kruger National Park!

From the culture of the Zulu nation to the Portuguese and Arab influences in food and architecture of Mozambique. Beaches, excellent diving to big game viewing and bush walks with local ranger.

The accommodation, particularly in Mozambique is simple and the roads can be slow. Local facilities are limited so most of the meals are prepared by the crew.

Malaria prophylactics are recommended. This is an easy paced, relaxing safari for those looking for a different experience in Southern Africa.

Excludes single supplement. However, if you are happy to share – no single supplement will apply.

Highlights:

• Zululand – game drives and cultural walks
• Kosi Bay – snorkelling & boat cruise
• Ponta do Ouro – dolphin encounter
• Maputo – seafood meals
• Inhambane & Chizavane – beaches, snorkelling, scuba diving
• Kruger National Park – game drives

Meals Included:

1. 13 breakfasts
2. 13 lunches
3. 7 dinners

Note that 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners are provided by the lodges but the remaining included meals are provided by the guides therefore these meals will be prepared either at the truck or in the self-catering kitchen and will so be eaten either under the trees near your chalet or around the campfire.

Inclusions:

• Professional Safari Guides
• Transport in minibus / safari truck & 4WD
• Entrance Fees
• Use of equipment
• Kosi Bay boat excursion
• 13 nights twin share en suite chalets, lodges and casitas but the guides will sort out room allocations.

Overnight

On this tour the accommodations are chosen for their location and the activities available.

NOTE prices are subject to change. 

***2021 Prices are subject to change, currently based on 2020 rates.

Contact us here for more information or any other tours

Connect with us on Facebook & Instagram

Distance/time: 550kms, ± 7½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing & breakfast

Zululand, home of the nation forged by King Shaka Zulu – from the warm Indian Ocean, across the rolling green hills to the Drakensberg Mountains. We depart Johannesburg at 06:30am, travelling across the Highveld before descending into the heart of Kwazulu Natal known for it’s rich culture and spectacular wildlife. Our lodge for the next 3 nights is situated on a private reserve. We explore the natural serenity of the bush on a morning walk followed by an exciting afternoon game drive in Mkuzi Game Reserve. Mkuzi plays a key role in the preservation of the endangered black and white rhino and we look forward to watching from a hide overlooking a waterhole, as the animals quench their thirst. On the third day we explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and in the afternoon get to know the people of the area as we visit a local Zulu village and our guides interpret the history, culture and traditions of the Zulu nation.

Distance/time: 180kms, ± 2½ hours, excluding stops for sightseeing

Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forest and tidal lakes. This afternoon we walk down to the lake to explore this amazing eco-system by boat and the following morning we take a 4WD transfer to the Kosi estuary mouth. A special feature of the Kosi Bay estuary is the traditional practice of subsistence tidal trap fishing. We have time to swim, walk on the beach or snorkel the shallow reefs in the estuary mouth.

Distance/time: 35kms, ±45min, excluding border formalities

Ponta do Ouro is the ocean lover’s mecca of Southern Mozambique. A highlight of this safari is the opportunity to join a local dolphin research team on ocean safaris. Research since the early 1990s indicates that there are approximately 400 individual dolphins moving through the Ponta do Ouro area, of which about 150 are resident. We have 3 boat launches planned which gives us a chance to snorkel on the shallow reefs, view dolphins and whales from the boat, and hopefully swim with dolphins if their activity at the time permits us to enter the water. A wild dolphin encounter is an extraordinary wildlife experience. (Should weather prevent a boat launch then a portion of your local payment will be refunded to you pro rata).

Distance/time: 120kms, ± 1½ hours, excluding border formalities & stops for sightseeing

Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques. Situated on a natural harbour, Maputo is the economic hub of Mozambique. Once referred to as the “African Riviera”, Portuguese and African cultures meet in an exquisite blend of seafood and vibrant life. Sample the excellent seafood in a local restaurant (own expense).

Distance/time: 500kms, ±7 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing and lunch

Travelling north along the Indian Ocean coastline, we drive through mango and cashew nut plantations en-route to the town of Inhambane. Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200 year old cathedral and we visit the enchanting fresh produce market before moving to Praia de Barra.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the warm sea and expansive white beaches. For the more energetic, there are optional activities such as dhow rides, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and surfing (own expense).

Distance/time: 355 kms, ± 5 hours, excluding stops for sightseeing and lunch

We turn south along the coast to a secluded fishing lodge on the beach north of Xai-Xai. The lodge is perched on the coastal dunes with a magnificent view of the surrounding natural bush and expansive beach. Low tide exposes a long rocky reef parallel to the beach, which creates a shallow, calm pool ideal for snorkelling and swimming. For our last night on the beach we enjoy a fish braai (barbeque) dinner at the lodge restaurant overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.

Distance/time: 350kms, ± 5½ hours, excluding border formalities & lunch stop (this is a long day!) + game drive from the border to camp on day 11 and a full day in the park on day 12.

Leaving the Indian Ocean coast, we travel through the Limpopo Transfrontier Park and enter Kruger National Park, South Africa. An icon of nature conservation, Kruger is big game country! As we make our way to our camp, we enjoy an exciting game drive and hope to spot lions, giraffe and elephant among others.

Distance/time: 180kms, ± 2½ hours + game drive

The following morning we are up early and we spend the day exploring the national park before we leave and head to our private game lodge. Relax around the pool or the camp fire on our final evening in the tranquil African wilderness.

Distance/time: 500kms, ± 6½ hours, excluding stops for lunch

Our final day on tour starts with an exciting game walk. We explore the private game reserve on foot with our rangers. While the opportunity to see big game on foot exists, our guides will also take the time to interpret the tracks and signs of the African bush. We head back to the lodge for brunch before we return to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to re-join life. Tour ends at +/-18:00 at the hotel.