Southern Africa 16-day self-drive safari

Johannesburg

Day 1: Touchdown in South Africa

On arrival at Johannesburg Airport, you'll be welcomed by a representative from your safari lodge accommodation for a road transfer to the lodge. It’s just a short drive from the airport and an ideal overnight stopover.

Your lodge has a large peaceful garden and swimming pool, so check in and relax after your journey.

Kruger National Park - Skukuza Restcamp

Day 2: The road to Kruger

This morning, it’s time to pick up your rental car and make your way to the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The park offers an incredible wildlife experience that ranks among the best in Africa. You’ll be staying at Skukuza Camp, the largest camp and administrative headquarters of the Kruger National Park.

There's a range of accommodation here, along with a choice of restaurants, a shop, a deli and a picnic area. You’ll stay for two nights on a self-catering basis: check in, freshen up and explore the facilities. 

Skukuza Restcamp

Day 3: The big five

Today you'll explore the Kruger National Park in your rental car. While the big five may steal the spotlight, Kruger National Park is home to many other fascinating creatures. Keep an eye out for giraffes gracefully browsing treetops, hippos lazing in rivers and cheetahs sprinting across the plains. Return to the rest camp in the afternoon for a dip in the pool before heading to dinner: again, tonight, you can choose between preparing your own or opting for one of the onsite restaurants.

Satara Restcamp

Day 4: Kruger road trip

Continue your explorations of Kruger National Park, setting off north to Satara Rest Camp, where you'll spend the night. This is the Kruger National Park's third largest camp and is situated in an excellent game viewing area. The bush here is relatively open and the animals are plentiful and diverse. The camp has a rustic charm, with the bulk of the accommodation set out in a series of circles. Satara is well-wooded and bird life here is prolific. Look out for lions, giraffes, blue wildebeest and honey badgers. Consider booking a guided night drive: it's a thrilling way to encounter nocturnal wildlife and learn more from a local guide.

Gaza

Day 5: Journey into Mozambique

After breakfast today, you’ll leave South Africa and cross the border into Mozambique at the Giriyondo Border Post.

Drive through Kruger Park and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, and make your way to Covane Community Lodge. Accommodation here is arranged around the shores of a large lake near the beautiful Massingir Dam and is owned by the local Canhane community. Once you've settled in, explore the lodge and get ready to enjoy a delicious dinner in a tranquil setting.

Gaza

Day 6: Experience village life

After a relaxed breakfast, it’s time to find out more about rural life in Mozambique on a two-hour guided tour of the local town of Massingir. Here, you’ll see and hear Portuguese influences while strolling through the markets, buying fresh bread rolls and ending with a refreshing drink in the local pub. In the afternoon, you might like a walk or a boat trip or perhaps to try some fishing. Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner watching the sunset over the lake.

Chidenguele

Day 7: Journey to the coast

Bid your hosts farewell after breakfast and continue your journey towards the Mozambique coastline. Surrounded by indigenous bush on the banks of the Nhambavale Lake, the Naara Eco Lodge & Spa is a luxury tented camp in a tranquil setting. An expansive lake forms a picturesque backdrop to the lodge and offers guests opportunities for swimming, freshwater fishing and kayaking. The lodge has a strong environmental ethos with 80 per cent solar energy use. It also focuses on responsible tourism by fostering close working relationships with the local Inhandine community.

Tonight, enjoy a good night's sleep at the lodge, ready for tomorrow's adventure.

Tofo Beach

Day 8: Beachside bliss

After breakfast, head further along the coast to the bustling village of Tofo, known for the incredible number of mantas and whale sharks that frequent its waters.

Your home for the next two nights is a small boutique guesthouse with spectacular sea views and a sun-deck terrace. The hotel is just a few steps away from the beautiful Tofo beach, 150 metres from the central market and just a few minutes' walk from the dive centres, bars and restaurants of the town. Once you've checked in, make sure to head out again to explore all Tofo has to offer.

Tofo Beach

Day 9: Time to dive in

Enjoy a home-made breakfast with fresh tropical fruits served on the top deck, accompanied by gorgeous sea views.

Later, you might like to take the plunge and go diving or snorkelling amongst the colourful reefs. You could see turtles, giant manta rays, dolphins and whale sharks, depending on where you choose to go. If you prefer a day in the dunes, the lodge is right on the beach, so kick back and make the most of the sun, sea and sand. 

Inharrime

Day 10: Eco-lodge in the dunes

After another delicious home-cooked breakfast, it's time to hit the road south. You're heading towards the small town of Inharimme for tonight's stay.

Nestled among the dunes and forest overlooking the Indian Ocean, your serene eco-lodge works closely with the local Chope community. Staying here gives guests the opportunity to explore the pristine dune forest and learn more about the local area and people in the village of Dovela. You'll be enjoying lunch and dinner here today, so make sure to bring a hearty appetite.

Maputo

Day 11: Buzz of the capital

After breakfast this morning, prepare for the hustle and bustle of Maputo, as you make a one-night stopover in the eclectic capital of Mozambique.

You’ll be staying in the city centre, making it easy to explore on foot. Get out and experience the buzz of the capital and book a table at one of the city’s many vibrant restaurants.

Ponta Malongane

Day 12: Camping on the coast

After breakfast, travel south to Ponta Malongane to the Tartaruga Maritima Luxury Tented Camp, home for the next two nights. You’ll be staying on the pristine Mozambique coastline, just 16km from the South African border.

Tartaruga is perfectly designed to blend into the surrounding coastal forest. The tents are set on raised wooden platforms with veranda decks offering an excellent hideout for birding or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the camp. There's a communal kitchen and braai area where guests can prepare meals. If you don’t feel like cooking, there are several good restaurants in Ponta Malongane and Ponta do Ouro.

Ponta Malongane

Day 13: Free time at the seaside

Today, you'll enjoy a full day kicking back on the coast surrounded by beautiful nature.

There are options for scuba diving, surfing safaris or swimming with dolphins. Alternatively, take things easy with a day at the beach and a stroll into town for dinner. This is your last day in Mozambique, so make it a celebration and dine out on some delicious local seafood.

Swaziland

Day 14: A tiny kingdom

After a beachside breakfast, drive to the small, landlocked kingdom of Swaziland.

For the next two nights, you’ll stay in a centrally located hotel just a short drive from the capital, Mbabane. It's an ideal base from which to explore the attractions of this magical country. Swaziland's countryside is beautiful and extremely varied, ranging from magnificent mountains and waterfalls in the west to lush valleys and the low-lying bushveld of the east. 

Swaziland

Day 15: Hiking & exploring highlands

Wake up in peaceful surroundings and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Today, you might like to drive to the highlands and hike. Swaziland is ideal for nature enthusiasts, as the landscape is so varied within a small, explorable area, and there is a huge variety of bird-life and flora Alternatively, visit a traditional Swazi homestead or school and learn about local life.

Later, head back to the hotel for a final evening of relaxation.

O.r. Tambo International Airport

Day 16: Homeward bound

After a final breakfast in Southern Africa, it's time to head back to Johannesburg Airport to return your rental car before checking in for your flight home.