April to October
south-east Africa Bush & Ocean Safari
SOUTH AFRICA – ZIMBABWE – MOZAMBIQUE – SWAZILAND
A perfect combination of wilderness and marine safari, in the most untouched regions of South-East Africa.
From bush to the ocean the wildest and most pristine places in South-east Africa.
Southern Africa is an astonishingly diverse region fused by its prolific wildlife, breathtaking sceneries and stretches of untouched coastline.
From the desert to the beach, we will travel through many different types of landscape and ecosystems, hosting not only a huge diversity of plants and animals but also an incredible diversity of peoples, cultures and local traditions and languages. Among this astonishing diversity, there’s a common factor: the wilderness! Prepare to travel through some of the most remote places in Africa.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. It is the largest South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa covering an area of 2 million hectares of unrivalled diversity of life forms. This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath which lurk the Big Five, the Little Five, the birding Big Six and more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve. The park was initially created to control hunting and to protect the diminished number of animals in the park and it’s a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK
Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe’ssecond-largest National Park, covers just more than 5,000 km² of some of the most spectacular scenery in the region incorporating the iconic Chilojo Cliffs, sandstone cliffs reaching 180 meters high and running for some 20 kilometres along the south bank of the Runde River. Due to its vast size, rugged terrain and its location away from main tourist routes, Gonarezhou remain as a pristine wilderness, boasting an amazing diversity of landscapes, features, and growing wildlife populations. Home to about 11 000 elephants, the Gonarezhou truly deserves its name as ‘Place of Elephants’.
MATOBO NATIONAL PARK
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for the Matobo Hills, a range of rock formations created by the erosion of the granite plateau where many examples of Stone Age rock art can be found. This small national park contains some of the region’s most arresting scenery. The Park is home to a wide range of game, including Africa’s largest concentration of leopard and a record density population of black eagles. The black and white rhinos can reliably be tracked on foot. There are no lion or elephant, meaning that you can walk freely amongst the hills. Due to the high population of unique and endangered animals, the park is designated as one of the country’s Intensive Protection Zones.
LIMPOPO NATIONAL PARK
Together with South Africa’s Kruger National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park, Limpopo National Park forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and it is a fairly new and upcoming safari destination. Home of spectacular sunsets and surreal scenery, after suffering from decades of poaching and habitat desecration, the reserve is quickly returning to its former splendour and natural glory. From towering mountains to flowing rivers and grassland plains, the Limpopo National Park has everything you want in a safari destination. The Big Five roam free throughout the land, along with many other animal species who make their homes in the different habitats the park provides.
ROYAL HLANE NATIONAL PARK
Home to Swaziland’s largest herds of game, Hlane Royal National Park conserves vast natural resources and holds deep royal and cultural significance. Hlane is a destination with exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife. The rhino and elephant often visit the waterhole at Ndlovu Camp, while lions – the emblem of royal Eswatini – occupy a separate fenced area, where you can see them on a guided game drive. Giraffe, zebra and hippos are among the other large mammals, while antelope include abundant impala, plus kudu, wildebeest and waterbuck. Highlights among more than 300 species of bird include a large breeding colony of white-backed vultures.
TOFO, VILANCULOS & BAZARUTO
The coastline of Mozambique has some of the most intact reef ecosystems in the world and here you can enjoy some spectacular diving. Dolphins, manta rays, dugongs, whale sharks and migratory humpback whales swim off the coast. In the Bazaruto Archipelago, you can choose to relax on the beach, visit some cultural heritage of colonial buildings, try some of the delightful seafood dishes, or do some snorkelling and diving. Diving in the “Two Mile Reef” has just got to be one of the most memorable things to do in Mozambique. This reef is a protected area of the Bazaruto National Park and promises unrivalled visibility underwater and breathtaking views of colourful reef infused with pelagic fish that are sure to leave you speechless.
Are you ready for adventure?
tailor-made safari
We offer you our favourite itinerary to deliver the best experience of the remote wilderness of South-East Africa!
We will provide you with everything you need, plus a personal professional guide for your trip.
We work with highly reliable people to deliver you the most authentic experience. We support local businesses and local communities!
Set your mind free and enjoy the adventure!
Included
- 19 nights accommodation mixed Style (10 nights camping, 8 nights lodge)
- Pre-tour accommodation (Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge, Johannesburg)
- Airport transfer (OR Tambo – Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge)
- Transport (in a fully equipped 13 seater overland truck)
- Meals – 18x breakfast, 14x lunch, 15x dinner
- Experienced and knowledgeable tour guide
- All national park entrance fees
- Drinking water
- All safaris and other activities (see highlights)
Highlights
- 3 nights Kruger National Park with 5 game drives
- 2 nights Matobo Hills National Park
- Rhino trekking in Matobo Hills National Park
- Bushman painting historical tour in Matobo
Hills National Park - Great Zimbabwe Ruins
- 4 nights in Gonarezhou National Park part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area)
- 7 game drives in Gonarezhou
- 3 nights in Vilanculos
- Traditional “Dhow” trip to Bazaruto Archipelagos
- Snorkelling at Bazaruto Archipelagos
- 3 nights in Tofo
- Ocean safari – Tofo
- Royal Hlane National Park in Swaziland with 1 game drive
Not included
- international flights
- travel and medical insurance
- personal drinks/snacks (other than water)
- personal spending money
- visas
- optional activities
- tips for guides
FAQ
When is the best time to visit South-East Africa
The trips run from April to October, in correspondence with the dry season. Although we are still going in the ‘dry’ season, in some places temperatures range from being very hot (+- 35 °C) during the day and dropping down to ±15 oC at night.
Do I need a Visa?
You can obtain your Visas on arrival when entering all these countries. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return home and must be at least 4 blank pages for stamps.
Prices for a tourist visa:
South Africa: free entry
Zimbabwe: US$30 – $70,
Mozambique: US$50 – $90
Eswatini (Swaziland): free entry
Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents. Double-check with the embassy of your country about visa requirements.
Is the team on site to assist me?
How is the accommodation like?
We have selected all of our trip accommodation because of their fantastic location, facilities, service and comfort. We will go out of our way to ensure that any accommodation used does not disappoint!
We will stay in different types of accommodation. All rooms are invariably twin. In case you are accompanied and prefer a double bed (king size bed), we will try, without any guarantee, to book a double room. Individual bookings will be sharing a twin room or double tent with other individual booking guests. For single occupancy request, guests should enquire and an extra fee will be charged. The rooms at the lodges, hotels, guest houses or some other accommodation invariably have private bathrooms, bath towels and other amenities.
Camping is no doubt one of the best experiences on tour. This style of accommodation was chosen to enhance your experience in those specific areas.
On camping nights, we provide spacious two-person tent and a sleeping stretcher (camping beds), which we will help to set up. Don’t forget your sleeping bag, inflatable pillow and other items you find important to bring with you. In some campsites, you may be able to upgrade to rooms for an extra charge.
During this trip, we will be sleeping in unfenced campsites, in the heart of the National Parks. It is not uncommon to be visited by giraffes, various antelopes, or even elephants and hippo’s while camping out in this area. A truly memorable time!
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Is it safe to travel?
All the places selected on tour are safe for travellers, although it is important to maintain usual travel precautions to avoid less desirable situations, especially in cities.
Even pickpockets are less frequent than in European cities but it is always advisable not to carry valuables with you or to be careful to carry them close to you and in a visible place.
Will we have electricity during the trip?
Electricity is limited on the tour, so if you have a power bank, you should bring it! There is, however, a small charging station in the vehicle that can be used while the vehicle is running. The power is 220 Volts and in some lodges, the sockets are compatible with those of Europe, and it is recommended to carry an adapter and possibly a 3 port charger if you have many devices to charge daily.
Which are the health precautions and requirements?
The only recommended prophylaxis is against Malaria. Please consult with your general practitioner before coming regarding this.
We strongly advise the use of insect repellant on exposed areas after sunset.
All guides have first aid boxes for use in emergencies, however, we recommend that you bring along your own basic supply of medication, headache tablets etc. If you are taking any regular medication, we advise you to bring it with you for the entire stay, as it may not be easy to find these medicines at local pharmacies.
How to stay connected during the trip?
A large number of local cellphone operators offer roaming connection, however, it is best to inquire about tariffs and conditions before leaving. We can help you buy local SIM cards so that you can better and more economically communicate with friends and family back home and share your experiences.
The Internet connection is available almost all the way, although sometimes slow and nonexistent in the most remote areas, namely in some of the National Parks that we will visit. The easiest thing to do is to wait for a Wi-Fi internet connection in some of our lodges, cafes and restaurants, and communicate via Skype, WhatsApp, etc.
Is laundry available during the trip?
There will be limited laundry facilities during this trip, please feel free to bring along some biodegradable washing powder so you can wash your own clothes at our various campsites, where laundry service is not available.
Which is the local currency and how much money should I bring along?
Currencies:
- South Africa: The Rand (ZAR)
- Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe Dollar (official currency but it is not used in Zimbabwe nor anywhere). American Dollars are the most used currency in this country.
- Mozambique: The Mozambican Metical
During our tour, there will be limited opportunities to exchange or withdraw money on tour, specifically during our time in Zimbabwe. We encourage our guests to come prepared and bring sufficient US$ in cash that you may need for the entire duration of the tour. (recommended ±$250 in small bills).
It is recommended to bring extra US$ in cash which you can exchange into local currencies. All major currencies can be exchanged in any exchange bureau. Major credit cards can be used for expenses such as restaurant meals, etc. Although, small trading stores will probably not have the facilities to deal with a credit card.
There are ATMs in almost every major city along the way and this is undoubtedly the easiest way to get local currency and also the safest way without having to carry a lot of money with you. However remember that every time you make a withdrawal or transaction, you will have to pay a commission to the bank. We recommend bringing around $250 USD.
Ideally, you should bring US Dollars (not Euros because it is harder to exchange and the exchange rate is usually lower) and exchange if necessary.