16 Days Best of South Africa and Mozambique Safari

The scenic N4 highway takes you from Jo’burg into the rugged hills of the Great Escarpment which comes to an abrupt and dramatic halt, falling steeply away into the Lowveld, accompanied by incredible views over the grasslands of South Africa. Have lunch in quaint Dullstroom, the “trout capital” of SA and pay a visit to the Lydenburg Museum which focuses on the cultural-historical, archaeological and ethnographic (Pedi and Voortrekkers) history of the area. The Lydenburg Heads is a very special exhibit here.

Head along the Panorama Route which affords incredible Blyde River Canyon views from a height of 1219 m, revealing the Blyde River cutting its way through lush valleys below. You’ll spent your first night resort camping here. The Panorama Route also visits graceful waterfalls like the Sabie & Mac Mac Falls. You'll be stunned with the heavenly views from God's Window and Three Rondavels view-points. Note: all camping chores are your responsibility, it is a complete self-drive tour.

Pack-up camp and head for the world renowned Kruger Park. Having your own 4x4 means that you can explore this wildlife wonderland’s every loop and back road at your own pace. Spend 3 nights camping in South Africa’s top park at main camps, Letaba and Satara, before taking on the 4x4 route that takes you into the Limpopo Transfrontier Park, Mozambique. Letaba is situated on a sweeping bend of the Letaba River where game often visit to drink. You can view game right from camp.

Letaba area is known for its colossal elephants, endangered rhinos, rare roans and prolific birdlife. Satara is prime predator territory as the open savanna vegetation here allows for better sightings. Lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah are among the favorite sightings. At Satara, you’ll be treated to an exciting guided night game drive (included in tour price). Optional activities: Guided morning & sunset game drives or bush walks. Main camps have a superette, gas station, and a restaurant for easy meals.

Today you will follow a thrilling 4x4 trail crossing the border between South Africa and Mozambique in the Kruger. The border crossing will be seamless, Fleet Foot Safaris will have had all paperwork prepared and our written guide will lead you well. This trail takes you deep into the wild Kruger-looking Limpopo National Park. Tonight, take a break from camping and stay in a semi-luxury tented wilderness camp with full board. Your Meru-styled tent with a private balcony is set on the Machampane River in Big 5 territory. A great idea to take out your binoculars and camera here while admiring the pristine riverfront from your balcony. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner in a lovely bush setting. Optional activities: guided afternoon game drive and / or morning guided game walk.

After breakfast, you’ll literally steer from bush to beach as you venture past the Massinger dam and meet up with the southern shores of tropical Mozambique as you make your way to Bilene. Apart from stunning seaside beaches, the real draw of Bilene is the turquoise Uembje Lagoon perfect for swimming, relaxing, kayaking and snorkeling. You’ll spend 2 nights camping on the shores of the lagoon right on the beach. The camping spot here has good facilities, camp comfortably. On the road you would’ve passed fresh markets and roadside stalls. You can also visit some of the smaller markets in Bilene for fresh produce. The chances are you’ll be offered fresh seafood which make for a great camp dinner! There are great bars and seaside restaurants in the area too. You won’t get bored here with optional activities like: kayaking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hiking, SUP, kite surfing, quad biking and snorkeling. Welcome to coastal Mozambique!

By now you would’ve slipped into the Afro-Portuguese rhythm of life as you head northwards along the coast with its extensive lush palm groves and African towns. Two nights camping in the vibrant seaside village and surfing mecca, Tofo, awaits. On route make a stop at historical Inhambane with its interesting Portuguese architecture. There is a large, colourful central market in Inhambane good for stocking up to be visited. Tofo has a lot to offer ocean and beach lovers! Snorkeling with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks is a priceless half-day trip (included in tour price). Stroll around Tofo with its cool restaurants and bars, sunbathe and swim at Tofo main beach, go diving at some of the area’s best reefs, join a yoga class, relax in the garden setting of your campsite at Turtle Cove, learn to surf on main beach or go surfing at the famous Tofinho break.

Break up camp and head north still to the rustic untouched beachfront and private surroundings of your traditional Mozambique beach house in Massinga (150km). Your home for 2 nights is a perfect base from which to go on incredible beach and dune walks, do fishing, go on traditional village walks, traverse palm grove 4x4 tracks, relax on the beach, and surf (or learn to surf!), all of which are right on your doorstep. Included here are two BBQ / seafood dinners (beer and wine included) served around the fire place and two full breakfasts. Self-catering facilities allow for preparing lunch. Also included are two 1.5-hour private surfing lessons by instructor and / or the full use of the surfboards for the duration of your stay. The sunsets and sunrises here are fantastic and the evening sky is great for stargazing. Let one of the staff there pick a fresh coconut for you from the grove. Optional activities: kayaking, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hiking, kite surfing and quad biking.

After breakfast make the 180 km scenic drive to the tropical gem and gateway to the Bazaruto Islands that is Vilanculos. Vilanculos is a sleepy coastal town with dirt roads boasting an extensive beachfront from which the beautiful Bazaruto Islands are almost always visible on the horizon. Beautiful sunset scenes with bobbing dhows are iconic of this region. Spent 2 nights camping on the grassy terraces close to the beach at Baobab Backpackers & Lodge. Included here is the unforgettable boat day trip to the spectacular Bazaruto Islands where you will snorkel at famous 2-mile coral reef, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on an island beach and have a chance to spot dolphins, whale sharks & dugongs! Optional activities such as scuba diving, kite surfing, deep sea fishing and quad biking can easily be arranged. Vilanculos have awesome seafood and traditional restaurants, we'll share our secret spots. Or use of the shared kitchen at camp to prepare food from one of the Vilanculos markets.

Have your 4x4 picked up by our agent from the airport in Vilanculos. Included in your tour price is the one-way fee for dropping off the 4x4 in Vilanculos and not Johannesburg. Depending on your time-and flight schedule drop-off of 4x4 can be arranged for Inhambane Airport (320km from Vilanculos) or Maputo (720km). Kindly note that we specialize in tailor-made tours and safaris. This itinerary may easily be amended and upgraded. Accommodation upgrades for nights spent camping are also possible, please inquire. We hope to hear from you soon!