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Fundani Tours & Safaris
Traditional dhow on turquoise water off the Mozambique coast

Tours / South Africa

Best SellerSouth Africa

SA and Mozambique Highlights

Duration
17 Days 16 Nights
Group
Max 16
Minimum age
10+
Price
Price on request

Departures: Daily departures subject to availability. Starts: Johannesburg. Ends: Maputo.

Get ready for the ultimate adventure with our 17-day self-drive bush and beach combo, an absolute favourite for nature and thrill seekers! Your journey begins in the scenic beauty of Tzaneen, Limpopo, before venturing into the untamed wilderness of Balule Private Game Reserve and the iconic Kruger National Park, where the legendary ‘Big 5’ await.

Highlights

Get ready for the ultimate adventure with our 17-day self-drive bush and beach combo, an absolute favourite for nature and thrill seekers! Your journey begins in the scenic beauty of Tzaneen, Limpopo, before venturing into the untamed wilderness of Balule Private Game Reserve and the iconic Kruger National Park, where the legendary ‘Big 5’ await. Then, immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Mozambique, with its pristine white beaches, swaying palm trees, delicious cuisine, and laid-back vibes that will steal your heart. To cap off this unforgettable holiday, explore the majestic mountain ranges of Eswatini, where the breathtaking landscapes will leave you speechless.

  • Guided game/bush walk
  • ‘Big 5’ in Kruger National Park
  • Sunset boat cruise
  • Ocean activities

Day by day

  1. Day 1ARRIVAL IN TZANEEN

    Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport where you’ll be assisted with picking up your rental vehicle. From there, embark on a scenic 4.5-hour drive to Tzaneen, a serene destination to kick off your unforgettable journey.

    Overnight at Kings Walden Garden Manor-Breakfast included.

  2. Day 2-3BALULE NATURE RESERVE

    After breakfast, travel to Balule Nature Reserve, a 2-hour drive away. With expansive views over the savannah and a prime position near a popular waterhole, the reserve offers breathtaking sights of the Drakensberg Mountains to the west and south. This wildlife sanctuary is perfect for guests looking to enjoy game drives or guided game walks. In the evening, gather around a roaring campfire for a delightful dinner in the boma.

    Overnight at Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge-Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  3. Day 4KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

    Begin the day with an early morning safari and return to camp for a delicious breakfast. Then, drive 2.5 hours to the world-famous Kruger National Park, where you’ll stay at Letaba Rest Camp in the park’s central region. Kruger is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, including the “Big 5.” You can book an optional night drive to experience the park’s nocturnal wildlife (at your own expense). The camp’s restaurants offer a wide range of meals and drinks (at your own expense), and the mix of cultures at the camp adds to a sense of camaraderie.

    Overnight at Letaba Rest Camp-Self-catering.

  4. Day 5MASSINGIR DAM

    After a morning safari in Kruger, head towards Mozambique, crossing the border (visas are required at your own arrangement and cost). Enjoy a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Covane Lodge, where you can unwind and soak in the serene surroundings. For a peaceful evening, consider booking a sunset boat cruise, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the area.

    Overnight at Covane Lodge-Breakfast and dinner included.

  5. Day 6-7LAKE NHAMBAVALE

    After breakfast at the lodge, continue your journey through Mozambique to Naara Eco Lodge, approximately 4.5 hours away. Nestled in indigenous bush on the banks of Nhambavale Lake, the lodge is just 2km from the pristine Chidenguele beach. Activities abound, from snorkelling and canoeing to kite surfing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, boat cruises, and even whale watching. Guests can also indulge in spa treatments or enjoy a horseback ride along the beach.

    Overnight at Naara Eco Lodge- Breakfast included.

  6. Day 8-10INHAMBANE

    After breakfast, guests will embark on a 3-hour drive to Sentidos Beach Retreat. Once frequented by sailors and pirates, this boutique hotel is deeply committed to social responsibility. The villas, designed with colors that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings, are nestled between the Indian Ocean and a tranquil lagoon, surrounded by coconut trees and mangroves. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as quad biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, ocean safaris, mangrove tours, cultural tours of Inhambane, Gubonga community tours, and sunset dhow or bay cruises to Linga Linga or Pansy Island (activities at own expense). All meals are served at the beachside restaurant, offering a delectable mix of regional and fusion cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood.

    Overnight at Sentidos Beach Retreat – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  7. Day 11MAPUTO

    After four relaxing days on the beach, guests will travel for 6.5 hours to the vibrant capital city of Maputo. Here, they’ll check into the Polana Serena Hotel, known as the “Grand Dame of African hotels,” where colonial charm meets modern amenities and exceptional service. Guests can choose from four on-site restaurants for dinner (at own expense), each offering exquisite cuisine and breathtaking sea views that soothe the soul.

    Overnight at Polana Serena Hotel – Breakfast included.

  8. Day 12-14PONTA MAMOLI

    Next, guests will drive 3.5 hours south to Ponta Mamoli, where they will stay at the luxurious White Pearl Resorts. Inspired by the region’s rich coastal biodiversity and the stunning Indian Ocean reefs, the resort offers a relaxed, beachside chic atmosphere with spacious accommodations designed to maximize the stunning views. The resort is set on 2km of pristine, unspoiled beach and is surrounded by lush indigenous bush.

    Overnight at White Pearl Resorts – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

  9. Day 15-16KINGDOM OF ESWATINI

    Guests will then head 5 hours inland to the Kingdom of Eswatini, where they’ll spend their final two nights at the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. As Eswatini’s first conservation area, Mlilwane is the kingdom’s premier eco-destination, with diverse habitats that support a wide variety of wildlife. From the top of Mlilwane Hill, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the plains from Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge.

    Overnight at Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge – Breakfast and dinner included.

  10. Day 17DAY OF DEPARTURE

    Guests will make the 4.5-hour journey back to Johannesburg and O.R. Tambo International Airport, where they will return their rental vehicle and continue with their onward travel.

    Breakfast included.

Includes

  • Accommodation: As specified
  • Meals: As specified
  • Activities: As specified
  • Entrance fees: Park fees
  • Car rental: Pick up and drop off at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Unlimited mileage, maxi cover insurance, one named driver.
  • Transport: 4WD

Excludes

  • All international / domestic flights and taxes
  • Visas
  • Travel and personal accident insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Excursions / activities not specified
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees and park fees
  • Car rental: contract fee, PAI, fuel, top up excess, rental deposit, additional driver fee

Also included as a complimentary: Umbrella, Entrance Fees.

Route map

Satellite map of the places named in this itinerary, in day order. Dashed lines are flights. Scroll-zoom stays off until you click the map.

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Gallery

A herd of elephants walking in single file across a dry grassy plain
A herd of elephants walking in single file across a dry grassy plain
Elephants gathered at a waterhole, with one drinking
Elephants gathered at a waterhole, with one drinking

Photographs are from Fundani’s own library.

About this journey

Arrival

O.R Tambo International Airport

Departure

O.R Tambo International Airport

What our travellers say

Independent reviews from guests who have travelled with Fundani.

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