18 Days Jo’burg, Kruger Park & Mozambique
- Visit the spectacular Bazaruto Islands.
- Snorkel / dive with Manta Rays & Whale Sharks.
- View the Blyde River Canyon & Panorama Route.
- Get close to African wildlife on a Big 5 safari.
- Swim, relax or surf on tropical beaches.
- Visit local Mozambican markets.
- Meet your ancestors at Cradle of Humankind.
- Get informed on a guided Soweto Tour.
Arrive Johannesburg
Pick up your 4x4 car rental at O.R. Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, and drive to your Rosebank apartment. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged at an additional cost.
Johannesburg (Day 1 & 2)
2 Nights Luxury Apartment, Self-catering – 25 km
Welcome to Johannesburg, the economic heart of our country and a rapidly changing city with a vibrant and eclectic urban culture. Depending on your flight arrival time on Day 1, you may choose to explore some of the city’s attractions on the Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus or drive to the Sterkfontein Caves to visit the Cradle of Humankind. On Day 2, you will get picked up at your apartment for a Guided Soweto and Apartheid Museum Tour including a traditional South African buffet lunch.
Your luxury self-catering apartment is located in Rosebank – a vibrant multi-cultural district, business node and tourist attraction. The apartment is safe, secure and well-equipped. Its central location means that you can easily enjoy Johannesburg’s vibey food scene and bustling nightlife.
Activity Included: Guided Soweto & Apartheid Museum Tour
Optional Activities: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus, Sterkfontein Caves/Cradle of Humankind Tour
Hazyview (Day 3)
1 Night En-suite River Chalet, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast – 410 km
Hazyview’s close proximity to the Kruger and picturesque Panorama Route makes it a popular base from which to explore the area. On Day 3 you will leave Johannesburg early to start the drive to Hazyview and the scenic Panorama Route. The most popular stretch of the route is the R532 that winds its way from the town of Sabie via a selection of graceful waterfalls – the Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac Falls – to God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the three Rondavels. Later, check in at the unique Hippo Hollow Country Estate in Hazyview. Your semi-luxury river chalet has a loft and a private deck overlooking the Sabie River.
Activity Included: Shangaan River Club Dinner & Dance
The Manyeleti Game Reserve, meaning ‘‘Place of the Stars’’ in the local Shangaan language, is situated in the wildlife-rich region of the Limpopo Province Lowveld which forms part of the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park. Nestled between the Timbavati and Sabi Sands Game Reserves, Manyeleti is situated away from the mainstream tourist areas where travellers can experience the tranquility of the African bush in total seclusion. Animals roam freely between the reserves, delivering spectacular game viewing without having to share the sightings with crowds of tourists.
Pungwe Safari Camp (Day 4 & 5)
2 Nights En-suite Tent, Full Board & Game Activities – 132 km
On Day 4, enjoy more of the scenic Panorama Route on your way to the Greater Kruger. Day 4 and 5 will be spent at a private bush camp in the heart of the Manyeleti.
Known for its exclusivity and rustic ambience, Pungwe is a small, authentic safari camp situated in the southern section of the reserve. This intimate camp houses a maximum of eight guests and is all about the bush and a enjoying a secluded safari experience. At night, kerosene lamps and campfires add to the ambience of camp (no electricity). Your private thatched and canvas meru-style tent is positioned to enhance this great bush experience. All tents offer simple, elegant comfort and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water.
Activities Included: Daily Morning Game Walks, Afternoon/Evening Guided Game Drives with a qualified ranger and tracker.
The Kruger Park is without a doubt the highlight of any visit to South Africa. The park stretches for about 350 km from south to north along the Mozambique border to where South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe meet at the infamous Crook’s Corner on the confluence of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo rivers.
Well known for its diversity of habitat and wildlife, Kruger offers visitors an excellent opportunity to experience close encounters with elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard in a natural unfenced environment. Wild dog, cheetah, zebra, giraffe and a variety of other species are also indigenous to the park. A paradise for the wildlife enthusiast with close to 150 mammals, over 380 species of indigenous trees, as well as over 500 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher’s haven.
Satara Rest Camp (Day 6 & 7)
2 Nights En-suite Bungalow, Self-catering – 90 km
On Day 6, drive to Satara Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. Having your own 4×4 means that you can explore this wildlife wonderland’s every loop and back road at your own pace. Satara is prime predator territory as the open savanna vegetation here allows for better sightings. Lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are among the favorite sightings. At Satara, you’ll be treated to an exciting guided night game drive. Your basic bungalow in traditional Kruger style has an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette and braai (barbeque) facilities.
Activity Included: Guided Night Game Drive plus Self-drive Game Drives
Optional Activities: Guided Morning/Sunset Game Drives or Bush Walks.
Letaba Rest Camp (Day 8)
1 Night En-suite Bungalow, Self-catering – 70 km
On Day 8, take a leisurely game drive through the Park to Letaba Rest Camp. Letaba is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River where game often visit to drink. You can view game right from camp. The area is known for its colossal elephants, endangered rhinos, rare roans, giraffe and prolific birdlife. Your basic bungalow is authentic Kruger style and has a kitchenette and outside braai (barbeque) area.
Activity Included: Self-Drive Game Drives
The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is a peace park linking the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Gonarezhou National Park, Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe, as well as the area between Kruger and Gonarezhou, the Sengwe communal land in Zimbabwe and the Makuleke region in South Africa. The Giriyondo Border Post between South Africa and Mozambique allow self-drive travellers to venture from the Kruger Park into Limpopo Transfortier Park (4×4 needed).
Massingir (Day 9)
1 Night En-suite Lake View Chalet, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast – 130 km
On Day 9 you will follow a thrilling 4×4 trail crossing the border between South Africa and Mozambique in the Kruger. The border crossing will be seamless, Go Self-Drive Tours will have had all paperwork prepared and our written guide will lead you well. This trail takes you deep into the wild Kruger-looking Limpopo National Park.
The village of Massingir lies on the eastern border of the Park with its main feature being the Massingir Dam. The small town has a central market area to purchase necessities. Your accommodation, Covane Community Lodge, is owned by the local Canhane and the ideal stopover before venturing further into Mozambique. Your mid-range lake view chalet overlooks the dam.
Optional Activities: Boat-based Bird-viewing or Sunset Safaris, Canhane Village Tour, Massingir Town & Market Tour
Beline (Day 10 & 11)
2 Nights Beach Apartment, Self-catering – 230 km
After breakfast on Day 10, you’ll literally steer from bush to beach as you venture past the Massingir dam and meet up with the southern shores of tropical Mozambique as you make your way to Bilene. Apart from stunning seaside beaches, Bilene’s turquoise Uembje Lagoon is perfect for swimming, relaxing, kayaking and snorkeling. At San Martinho Beach Club you will spend two nights in a luxury self-catering beach apartment set along the lagoon shore. On the road you would’ve passed fresh markets and roadside stalls. You can also visit some of the smaller markets in Bilene for fresh produce. The chances are you’ll be offered fresh seafood which make for a great dinner. There are great bars and seaside restaurants in the area too. Welcome to coastal Mozambique!
Optional Activities: Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, Hiking, Quad Biking, Snorkelling
Tofo (Day 12 & 13)
2 Nights En-suite Beach Front Cabin, Bed & Breakfast – 385 km
By now you would’ve slipped into the Afro-Portuguese rhythm of life as you head northwards along the coast with its extensive lush palm groves and African towns. Two nights in the vibrant seaside village and surfing mecca, Tofo, awaits. On route make a stop at historical Inhambane with its interesting Portuguese architecture. There is a large, colourful central market in Inhambane good for stocking up to be visited. Tofo has a lot to offer for ocean and beach lovers! Snorkeling with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks is a priceless trip (included in tour price). Stroll around Tofo with its cool restaurants and bars, sunbathe and swim at Tofo main beach, go diving at some of the area’s best reefs, join a yoga class, learn to surf on main beach or go surfing at the famous Tofinho break. Your mid-range beach cabin has a private outdoor area and a sea view.
Activity Included: Manta Rays & Whale Sharks Snorkelling Trip
Vilanculos (Day 14 & 15)
2 Nights En-suite Beachfront Chalet, Bed & Breakfast – 315 km
After breakfast on Day 14, make the 315 km scenic drive to the tropical gem and gateway to the Bazaruto Islands that is Vilanculos. Vilanculos is a sleepy coastal town with dirt and sand roads boasting an extensive beachfront from which the beautiful Bazaruto Islands are almost always visible on the horizon. Beautiful sunset scenes with bobbing dhows are iconic of this region. Spent two nights in a basic beachfront chalet (traditional Mozambican-style casita with your own hammock) at Baobab Backbackers & Lodge with breakfast included the the lodge’s lovely restaurant. Included on Day 15 is an unforgettable boat day trip to the spectacular Bazaruto Islands where you will snorkel at famous 2-mile coral reef, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on an island beach and have a chance to spot dolphins, whale sharks & dugongs! Vilanculos have awesome seafood and traditional restaurants, we are delighted to share these secret spots with you. Or make use of the shared kitchen at camp to prepare food from one of the markets in Vilanculos.
Included Activity: Bazaruto Island Day Trip
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, Quad Biking, Kite Surfing
Barra (Day 16 & 17)
2 Nights En-suite Beach House, Self-catering – 320 km
On Day 16, you will start driving back in the direction of Maputo – but first, a two-night stay on the beautiful Barra Peninsula. Your accommodation, Bay View Lodge is located on the north-eastern tip of the peninsula, facing a massive sandy beach with an estuary behind. Barra is relatively secluded and the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail and enjoy long beach walks. Your mid-range self-catering beach chalet has a full or partial sea-view, open plan kitchen and lounge, air-conditioned bedroom and an under-cover patio.
Depart Maputo
The following morning on Day 18, you will hit the road early to drive the 500 km to Maputo Airport. Depending on your flight time, you can either take a late-afternoon or evening flight from Maputo or overnight to depart the next morning. Drop-off your car rental (one-way drop -off fee included in tour price) at the airport and get ready to depart on your flight.
For fully guided and catered tours, please visit Fleet Foot Safaris, our sister company’s website.
What’s Included
- Car Rental: Standard Cover 4×4 Rental (Toyota Land Cruiser Prado or similar vehicle) for 18 days with unlimited kilometers, GPS and cross-border documentation.
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade).
- Meals and drinks as specified in the day-by-day section.
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional).
- Kruger National Park conservation fees (For non-residents).
- A personalized self-drive Tour Package including accommodation and activity vouchers, map books and a detailed itinerary with GPS coordinates, directions, local tips and area information.
- All Taxes/VAT.
What’s not Included
- Domestic and international flights. (Can be arranged at an additional cost).
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour.
- Tips
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees.
- Visas to be arranged by the client at their own cost.
- Community/bed levy’s and fees.
- Optional activities: List to be supplied, can be booked with us in advance.
Special Conditions
- This is a tour example only, and the actual tour price will vary based on the number of travellers, travel period and accommodation availability. Please email us for a quote.
- A single supplement applies for single travellers.
- Should a particular accommodation type not be available, we will offer an alternative of the same standard.
- Please note that if Park Fees are not mentioned with inclusions above, the Park Fees are payable by the traveller on arrival.
- This tour can be tailor-made to suit your specific needs.