Day 1: (Sun) Malalane
We depart from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport by 12h00 and proceed to the Jane Goodall Institute – Chimpanzee Eden, for a unique opportunity to see chimpanzees in semi-wild surroundings in the first and only sanctuary in South Africa. Afterwards we continue to your hotel which is located on the banks of the Crocodile River, a natural boundary of the Kruger National Park.
Accommodation: Rio Vista Lodge or similar
Day 2: (Mon) Kruger National Park (B)
Early this morning we head into the Kruger National Park for a full day’s game viewing in our closed vehicle. Together with your experienced and qualified guide you will search for creatures big and small in the magnificent reserve, which is home to the ‘Big Five’. Return late afternoon in time to witness a typical African sunset, weather permitting, from the hotel’s deck overlooking the Crocodile River.
Accommodation: Rio Vista Lodge or similar
Day 3: (Tue) Mozambique (BD)
We depart for Mozambique today, for an interesting orientation tour covering the historical, cultural and scenic palm lined beachfront sights of Maputo, the Capital of Mozambique. After lunch (own account), a ferry ride across Maputo Harbour brings us to the start of our 4x4 adventure, 110 kilometres south, to our lodge located along a beautiful, isolated and relatively untouched area of Africa.
Accommodation: Ponta Mamoli Lodge or similar
Day 4: (Wed) Mozambique (BD)
A full day at this remarkable beach resort. Relax in the sun on what is regarded as one of Southern Africa’s best beaches, or take advantage of the many optional extra activities on offer, including scubadiving, deep-sea fishing, fly-fishing, rock surf fishing or horse riding. Keep your eyes peeled for wild dolphins and the odd whales and whale sharks which are known to visit the area.
Accommodation: Ponta Mamoli Lodge or similar
Day 5: (Thu) Hluhluwe / St Lucia (B)
Later this morning we visit a local orphanage which is run by a dedicated NGO organization determined to improve the lives of the local Mozambique people. A short drive will take us into rural northern Zululand, where we will proceed to the town of Hluhluwe in time for lunch (own account). A short ride further will bring us to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park for an afternoon game drive. This reserve is the oldest in Africa, renowned for its white rhino conservation, as well as being home to the ‘Big Five’ plus an abundance of other animal species. After what will hopefully be a rewarding day’s game viewing, we proceed to the town of St Lucia reminiscing about the day’s sightings.
Accommodation: Elephant Lake Hotel or similar
Day 6: (Fri) St Lucia (B)
This morning we visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, for a 2-hour boat cruise on the estuary, home to a huge variety of birdlife and hundreds of crocodiles and hippo. Your afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You way wish to take an optional extra game drive through Eastern Shores Game Reserve and spend time at the beach at Cape Vidal (where you can also do some snorkelling) or alternatively you may wish to do an optional extra afternoon open vehicle game drive into Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.
Accommodation: Elephant Lake Hotel or similar
Day 7: (Sat) Swaziland (BD)
We depart early morning for the second smallest country in Africa, Swaziland. We pass through scenic mountainous countryside, before arriving at Ngwenya Mine, reportedly the oldest in the world, dating back to 42 000 BC! A local Swazi guide will fascinate you with its history, which was mined by the Khoisan and Nguni people thousands of years ago for Ochre, used for ceremonial purposes. Afterwards we continue to our lodge which is situated close to the beautiful Malalotja Mountain Reserve.
Accommodation: Hawane Lodge or similar
Day 8: (Sun) Swaziland / Mpumalanga (B)
This morning we visit the Nsangwini Rock Art (weather conditions permitting and walking shoes essential). These rock paintings, created by the Khoisan people recording their fascinating history, are painted on the oldest rock formations on earth. Thereafter we cross the Jeppes Reef Border back into South Africa where your 3 Country tour ends with a drop off at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport by 13h00.
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