Mozambique, Zululand & beach small group safari
Wild beaches and wildlife, Zulu culture and a Portuguese legacy – getting off the beaten track in Southern Africa is as fascinating as it is exciting.
Johannesburgh KwaZulu Natal Mkuzi Game Reserve Greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park Kosi Bay Nature Reserve meet local Zulu people Swaziland Hlane Game Reserve bush walk Mozambique Maputo Inhambane optional: dhow ride, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, surfing Bilene optional: kayaking and snorkelling on Uembje lagoon Kruger National Park game drives
Price
€2690 excluding flights
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Duration
14 Days
Countries
Eswatini (Swaziland), Mozambique, South Africa
Type
Small group
Group size
Up to 12 people
Reviews
More info
Includes 13 nights accommodation, park entrance fees, transport while on safari and meals as per itinerary, Professional guides.
Single supplement EUR 580. Local payment ZAR 1800 pp. Minimum age 12.
Single supplement EUR 580. Local payment ZAR 1800 pp. Minimum age 12.
Description of Mozambique, Zululand & beach small group safari
From the culture of the Zulu nation to the Portuguese and Arab influences in the food and architecture of Mozambique. Experience everything from beaches and excellent diving to big game viewing and bush walks with a local ranger. The accommodation 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.
DEPARTS: JOHANNESBURG on Sunday at06:30am, ENDS: JOHANNESBURG on Saturday at 18:00pm.
Highlights
* Zululand–game drives and bushwalks
* Kosi Bay–snorkelling &boat cruise
*Ponta do Ouro–dolphin encounter
* Inhambane& Chizavane–beaches, snorkelling
* Kruger National Park-game drives
Note: you can fly out of Johannesburg airport on the last day of tour, we do a free drop off at JNB at +/-17:00
Overnight - the accommodations on this tour are chosen for their location and the activities available. 13 nights twin share en suite chalets, lodges, hotels and casitas. The guides will sort out room allocations.
Meals - 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 6 dinners are included. Of which 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners are provided by the lodges. The remaining included meals are provided by the Sunway guides, prepared either at the truck or in the self-catering kitchen. Meals will be eaten either under the trees near your chalet or around the campfire at the truck.
Transport due to sometimes poor roads we use Sunway Safari trucks with 12 seats for this tour. On 5% of tours we may use Mercedes Sprinter minibuses with 12 seats and air conditioning. Potholes, rain damaged gravel roads, livestock and children on the roads can make travel slow, but at the same time you’ll pass through villages and witness the local lifestyle all the way. Game viewing in the national parks will be in the Sunway vehicle.
Limited participation an essential part of your safari is participation. From carrying your own bag to your room to packing the truck in the morning–it’s all part of your adventure. Your tour leaders will do the meal preparation when required but we do ask the clients to help (on rotation) with the washing up. There are some long travel days which means early morning starts so we all need to get involved to make the day run efficiently.
Itinerary
| Days 1-3: | JOHANNESBURG TO ZULULAND: Zululand, home of the nation forged by King Shaka Zulu, stretches from the warm Indian Ocean to the Drakensberg foothills. We travel across the Highveld before descending into the heart of KwaZulu-Natal known for its rich cultural heritage and spectacular wildlife. Our time in Zululand combines wildlife viewing with a deep connection to the bushveld while the lodge provides a peaceful place to relax. We explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve on a morning game drive with lunch at one of the picnic sites along the Hluhluwe River. The following morning we set out on a guided bush walk, following game trails and learning more about the surrounding ecosystem. Along the way we may encounter some of the resident wildlife, including giraffe, that frequent this unique private nature reserve. [tented lodge Bx2 Lx3 Dx3] |
| Days 4: | KOSI BAY: 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. [chalet BL -] |
| Day 5-6: | PONTA DO OURO: 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).[lodge BL -] |
| Day 7: | MAPUTO: 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). [hotel BL -] |
| Days 8-10: | INHAMBANE: We drive through mango and cashew nut plantations en route to the town of Inhambane for a three night stay on Mozambique’s beautiful coastline. Palm lined beaches, warm turquoise waters and a laid back atmosphere await us. Inhambane has a rich history shaped by centuries of Indian Ocean trade. During our stay, we visit the historic town, including its 200 year old cathedral and lively fresh produce market. Whether relaxing on the beach, swimming in the warm ocean or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, there is plenty of time to embrace the rhythm of life by the sea. A variety of optional activities (own expense), including snorkelling, diving, fishing, surfing and ocean cruises, are also available for those wishing to explore the coastline and marine environment further. [chalets Bx3 Lx3 Dx1] |
| Day 11: | CHIZAVANE: 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. [chalet BLD] |
| Day 12-13: | KRUGER NATIONAL PARK: Leaving Mozambique behind, we cross into South Africa and enter the world famous Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier big game reserves. Here, vast savannahs and riverine landscapes set the scene for classic safari viewing in one of the most wildlife rich regions on the continent. Game drives bring opportunities to encounter iconic species such as lion, elephant and giraffe in their natural habitat, while quieter moments in camp reveal the atmosphere of the African bush, where nature continues its rhythm uninterrupted. (chalets Bx2 Lx2 Dx1] |
| Day 14: | JOHANNESBURG TOUR ENDS: Our final morning in Kruger National Park offers one last game drive in the soft early light, a final chance to absorb the sights, sounds and stillness of the bush. Leaving the wilderness behind we begin the return journey to Johannesburg. The tour concludes at +/-18:00 at the hotel. [B--] |
Map
Price information
€2690 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Includes 13 nights accommodation, park entrance fees, transport while on safari and meals as per itinerary, Professional guides.
Single supplement EUR 580. Local payment ZAR 1800 pp. Minimum age 12.
Single supplement EUR 580. Local payment ZAR 1800 pp. Minimum age 12.
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
There aren't many places you can see penguins on the beach, whales from the shore, and then go on an incredible safari.
Safari and beach holidays combine exhilarating wildlife spotting with time to unwind.
Holiday information
'Free from' food:
We can cater for Vegans, Vegetarians, gluten free and celiac. We will just need to know this ahead of time when the bookings are being made.
LGBT:
With experience of personally guiding tours through a large number of African countries, and having previously led groups including LGBT travellers through those countries, I have not experienced any issues in accommodations or during the trip as a whole to date.
The important thing is to know the local laws and gain an understanding of local points of view before you travel – we can advise you on these and the UK Foreign office FCO also has lots of country-specific information on local laws and customs. If a country is on the conservative side, generally being careful not to openly show affection in public for example is enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. All our guides are welcoming of LGBT travellers and will be happy to give advice on the trip when/where needed.
Reviews
4 Reviews of Mozambique, Zululand & beach small group safari
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025 by Peter Lowles
Great fun and good value with so much included in the price. My 2nd tour with this operator and the guide/leaders are the best Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Oct 2024 by Tessa O
Impossible to say as there are so many brilliant, breathtaking moments and places to choose from. I think seeing our first herd of elephants marching in procession with their babies in tow, was very emotional. As was seeing our first cheetah! Incredible. Inhambane was a tropical paradise and our final lodge at Makuwa was stunning and the perfect place to end the trip. Our two guides, Ayi and Iton, were brilliant. Incredible first trip to Africa for me, above and beyond my expectations. My travel partner had already been to Africa and loved the trip and saw her first cheetah, which was her main goal for the trip. Highly recommend. Perfect balance of bush and beach! Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Oct 2024 by Helen Richardson
There were many memorable parts! Seeing a leopard so close, seeing the big 5, exploring different cultures - it was not a holiday it was an adventure! Excellent. The guides were super, if you don’t want to ‘muck in’ and help make lunches etc don’t book this trip. There was great variety. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Sep 2024 by Helen Richardson
There were many memorable parts! Seeing a leopard so close, seeing the big 5, exploring different cultures - it was not a holiday it was an adventure! The guides were super. Excellent. Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
Small Group TravelWe specialise in small group safaris, with a maximum of 12 and a minimum of 4 clients per tour. Travelling together means transport and activities are shared between a limited number of travellers, while our experienced guides manage the driving and logistics.
Fuel Use
Our purpose built safari trucks average approximately 25L/100km. With an average of 9.5 clients on board, this equates to approximately 2.6L/100km per passenger. For comparison, a typical 4WD rental using 12L/100km and carrying two people uses around 6L/100km per passenger. Actual fuel use varies according to the vehicle, route, road conditions and passenger numbers.
Waste and Water
We follow a leave no trace approach and collect waste for disposal at appropriate facilities. At our workshop, we recycle used oil and containers, use oil traps and use biodegradable cleaning products wherever practical. Our safari vehicles carry tanks of clean, safe tap water, which clients can use to refill reusable bottles, reducing the need for single use plastic water bottles.
Resources and Wildlife
Where practical, we use gas rather than wood or charcoal for cooking, particularly in remote areas where firewood is limited. We also ask clients to use water thoughtfully, especially in the drier regions we visit. Our guides follow established wildlife viewing practices, including maintaining appropriate distances, avoiding unnecessary disturbance and never feeding wild animals.
People
Local Crafts and MarketsWhen visiting curio markets, we encourage clients to buy locally made crafts and to consider smaller wooden items rather than large pieces. This supports local artisans while reducing the amount of timber required for larger carvings. When bartering, we encourage clients to do so respectfully and remember that even a small purchase can be meaningful to a local vendor.
Tours for Young People, South Africa
We run educational trips to South Africa’s national parks for young people aged 14 to 18 from Johannesburg, in partnership with the PEN Organisation. Many participants have never visited a protected area or experienced wildlife in the wild. The trips provide an opportunity to learn about nature, conservation and careers in tourism.
National Park Fees
National park entry fees contribute towards the operation and management of protected areas. Depending on the park, these funds can contribute to infrastructure, conservation activities and services for park staff and surrounding communities. Clients can ask their guide about the park fees included in their safari and how they are used.
Locally Owned Accommodation
Where practical, we use locally owned lodges, guesthouses, B&Bs and tented camps. Staying at locally owned properties means that our accommodation spend contributes to businesses operating in the areas we visit, including through local employment and the use of local services and suppliers.
Local Guides and Community Experiences
Our safaris include two professional Sunway guides, and we also use local guides and community experts for specific activities. Their knowledge provides a direct connection to the places we visit, while the activities provide income and employment within local communities.
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