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Bush walk in Swaziland

14 Day Eswatini, Mozambique & South Africa Safari (Lodge…

Tour Length14 days
Priced from pps $2448 R46300 £1939 2269 A$3756 C$3313 NZ$4097 Full pricing info
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Summary of this Lodge Africa Overland Tour

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  • Max. Group Size 20 Travellers
  • Starts & ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Accommodation Lodge / Safari Lodge / Luxury Camping / Hotel
  • Transport Large Overland Vehicle / Game Viewing Vehicle
  • Wildlife Big 5, Elephant, Leopards, Lions, Rhino & More
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Quick Itinerary Overview

This Eswatini, Mozambique & South Africa Safari combines the scenic Eswatini wilderness with the idyllic tropical beaches of Mozambique and the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Start your Africa Overland Tour with unspoiled nature in Eswatini. Go game viewing in Hlane Royal National Park, explore Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary on foot, and visit a local village. Then travel into Mozambique and the sandy tropical beaches of the Indian Ocean at Vilanculos.Take a day trip sailing to the spectacular Magaruque Island in the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago. Then, go snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays in Tofo, unwind on Barra beach and discover historic Inhambane. Visit the bustling city Maputo en route back to South Africa and Kruger National Park, one of Africa's best safari destinations to end off with exceptional game viewing and sightseeing along the stunning Panorama Route.

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Itinerary for this Tour

Day 1: Johannesburg to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Eswatini

This two-week Eswatini, Mozambique & South Africa Safari departs from the dynamic city of Johannesburg in South Africa. From Johannesburg, we travel east into neighbouring Eswatini, formerly called Swaziland. The Kingdom of Eswatini is a small landlocked country surrounded by South Africa and Mozambique. One of Africa's smallest countries, Eswatini is also one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world.

Crossing into the Kingdom of Eswatini, we make our way to the scenic Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Mlilwane is the oldest game park in Eswatini, covering 46 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness on the slopes of the beautiful Ezulwini Valley. Tonight we stay in en-suite huts inside Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary – Eswatini

Day 2 of our Africa Overland Tour kicks off with a nature walk in the scenic Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The game reserve features a network of nine interconnected walking trails and this morning your safari guide takes you to explore. As you walk through the bush your guide tells you more about the local environment and history, pointing out interesting sights along the way.

After lunch at the lodge, you are free to explore the Ezulwini Valley area on your own or join some of the numerous optional activities on offer. This beautiful area is also known as the Valley of Heaven, with the name Ezulwini meaning the 'place of heaven'. Optional activities include self-guided hikes and walks in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary which is safe for walking due to the absence of dangerous predators. If you prefer wheels, you can hire a mountain bike and go cycling in the nature reserve or join an optional game drive in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

To gain insight into Swazi culture you can visit a rural community in the area. Walk through a Swazi village with a local guide. This interactive tour offers a chance to participate in some of the day-to-day activities of village life, from grinding maize to carrying water.

  • Included Activity: Nature Walk with your tour guide
  • Optional Activity: Cultural & Outdoor Activities in Ezulwini Valley
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Hlane Royal National Park – Eswatini

This morning we travel to the nearby Hlane Royal National Park, the oldest protected area in Eswatini. Situated in the northeast of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Hlane Royal National Park hosts a rich variety of large mammals and birds. Hlane is home to lion, elephant, and endangered white rhino, as well as seasonal herds of wildebeest, impala, and zebra. Vegetation in the flat, low-lying Hlane Park consists of hardwood trees, grasslands, and shallow pans. The game park is also home to an abundance of birds, including various vultures and eagles.

In the afternoon we embark on a game drive in Hlane Royal National Park. We'll explore the bush in 4x4 safari vehicles, going in search of rhinos and other wildlife and birds. After our rewarding game drive, we head to our next safari lodge inside the Hlane Royal Park or return to our lodge in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.

  • Included Activity: Rhino Game Drive in Hlane Royal National Park
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Hlane to Chidenguele – Mozambique

Day 4 of our Africa Overland Tour sees us leave the African bush and Eswatini behind. Our overland tour takes us into our next country, Mozambique on the East Coast of Africa where the warm Indian Ocean waters await. Once border formalities are complete, we drive through the lush, beautiful rural landscapes of Mozambique past rural villages where you get a glimpse of local life.

Our route skirts around the capital city of Maputo and continues north to our stopover for the night in the beautiful beach village of Chidenguele. We arrive late afternoon, the road taking us through lush vegetation dotted with traditional thatched huts to our seaside lodge. Take a stroll along the unspoiled sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Chidenguele to Vilanculos – Mozambique

Today, our Eswatini, Mozambique & South Africa Safari continues north along the coast to Vilanculos, our next Mozambican beach stop. The lively seaside town of Vilanculos serves as our base for exploring the idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago, lying just off the mainland of Mozambique.

Vilanculos is a delightful town where colorful markets line the streets, with locals selling everything from fresh seafood to local handicrafts. Along the coast, traditional wooden dhow sailing boats dot the shoreline. We will stay at a comfortable lodge in Vilanculos for the next two nights. After arriving at the lodge late this afternoon your guide will brief you about the trip to the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago tomorrow.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Vilanculos to Magaruque Island (Bazaruto Archipelago) – Mozambique

Today we take a day trip to the dazzling Bazaruto Archipelago, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. This cluster of five unspoiled tropical islands is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Mozambique’s only marine reserve, Bazaruto, is world-renowned for its superb diving and snorkeling due to the abundant sea creatures inhabiting its intact reefs. Marine life includes an impressive variety of tropical fish, whales, and dolphins, as well as the rare Dugong (sea cow). Some of the aquatic creatures sighted on dives include whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, lobsters, barracuda, clownfish, Moorish idols, and mackerel.

We board a traditional dhow sailing boat and set sail for the beautiful Magaruque Island. Enjoy a day in the sunshine, explore this idyllic island on foot and snorkel the colorful reefs, the best way to enjoy this aquatic wonderland. We make our way back to our lodge in Vilanculos, sun-kissed and content.

  • Included Activity: Magaruque Island Day Trip by Dhow
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Vilanculos to Barra Beach, Inhambane – Mozambique

We're up early and back on the road this morning, heading south to the Inhambane Peninsula surrounded by azure oceans. Our long drive takes us through coconut, cashew, and sugar plantations and the lush rural countryside of Mozambique dotted with small villages.

The next destination on our Africa Overland Tour is a beach lodge at Barra Beach, near the charming town of Inhambane. Settle in and take a stroll on the palm-fringed beach or enjoy a dip in the ocean. We spend the next three nights at the lodge on Barra beach, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the idyllic beaches of the Barra Peninsula.

For the next three nights we stay in en-suite rooms at a lodge right on Barra beach. Tonight we are treated to a special Neptune’s Dinner.

  • Included Activity: Neptune’s Dinner
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 & 9: Barra Beach, Inhambane & Tofo – Mozambique

The next two days are free for you to enjoy the tropical beaches of Mozambique and sign up for some optional activities, from watersports like scuba diving and ocean safaris, to land-based adventure activities like horse riding or quad biking. You may wish to explore the historic town of Inhambane, one of the oldest settlements on the east coast, where Arabic, Indian, African and European influences blend together in an interesting mix.

On Day 9 your overland guide takes you to the beach town of Praia do Tofo, to browse the market, sample local foods, try some optional activities, or lounge on the beach. Once a sleepy fishing village, today Tofo is one of the most popular beach destinations in Africa, considered the diving capital of the country, and one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks. Snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays, on the Ocean Safari (own account) in Tofo is a not-to-be-missed highlight, so take the dive!

  • Included Activity: Praia do Tofo Visit
  • Optional Activity: Snorkelling, Ocean Safari (snorkel with whale sharks), Scuba Diving, Surfing, Horse Riding, Quad Biking, and more
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner x 2

Day 10: Barra Beach to Maputo – Mozambique

Relaxed and well-rested, we bid Barra Beach farewell this morning. Next, our Africa Overland Tour travels back south along the pretty coast of Mozambique. Take in the rural scenery of mango trees dripping with fruit, cashew nut, and fruit sellers along the roadside, small villages, and roaming livestock.

Our last overnight stop in Mozambique is the vibrant capital city Maputo, where we will stay in a comfortable centrally located hotel. After settling in, your guide leads a walking tour of the city to give you a taste of its exotic fusion of African, Portuguese, and Arab cultures, from bustling markets to grand old colonial architecture. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and world-class seafood.

  • Included Activity: Maputo Walking Tour
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Maputo to Kruger National Park – South Africa

Our lodge safari leaves Mozambique today, heading west and crossing back into South Africa. Our next safari destination is the world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa, one of Africa's top game parks covering an area of approximately two million hectares, which is roughly the size of Israel or New Jersey.

For the next three nights we will stay at a safari lodge located in a private wildlife concession area within Kruger National Park. This evening we enjoy a sunset game drive through the reserve keeping a lookout for wildlife. Kruger National Park protects an unrivaled diversity of plant and animal species, including around 336 tree species, 49 fish species, 34 amphibian species, 114 species of reptiles, 507 bird species, and 147 mammal species.

  • Included Activity: Sunset Game Drive
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Kruger National Park – South Africa

Today our overland tour is spent exploring Kruger National Park in open 4x4 safari vehicles - a great way to take in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. The open 4x4 vehicles are designed to offer excellent visibility which makes for better photographic opportunities.

Kruger National Park contains 16 different ecosystems, each supporting a unique combination of flora and fauna. Our full day of game viewing takes us in search of the abundant wildlife, including the Big 5 of Africa (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo).

In the late afternoon, we return to the lodge, and you have the opportunity to join an optional sunset game drive in the private wildlife concession area for a scenic sunset and wildlife spotting after dark, when nocturnal animals start to emerge. Booking is essential for the optional sunset game drive and can be arranged through your guide in the morning.

  • Included Activity: Full day 4x4 Safari in Kruger National Park
  • Optional Activity: Sundowner Game Drive (Subject to availability)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Panorama Route – South Africa

Day 13 of our Africa Overland Tour gets off to a leisurely start with breakfast at the safari lodge in Kruger Park. Then we travel along the scenic Panorama Route which travels up and follows the edge of the scenic Drakensberg Escarpment, stopping to admire the views along the way.

Panorama Route highlights include the eroded rock formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the hut-shaped hills of the Three Rondavels, and the impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest canyons and one of the few ‘green’ canyons full of vegetation. We also stop at God’s Window lookout point to take in the sweeping panoramic views over the Lowveld of Mpumalanga.

Returning from our Panorama Route exploration you have another opportunity to take an optional sundowner game drive.

  • Included Activity: Panorama Route Tour (Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon & God’s Window)
  • Optional Activity: Sundowner Game Drive (Subject to availability)
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Kruger National Park to Johannesburg – South Africa

On our final day, we leave the South African bushveld behind and drive back to Johannesburg where our epic South Africa Overland Tour finishes.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overland Tour Note:

We recommend arriving the day before your lodge safari departs and only booking flights for the day after the safari ends. We can help arrange accommodation for before and after this Africa Overland Tour on request.

This Lodge Overland Tour is also available as a Camping Overland Tour - Eswatini, Mozambique & Kruger Safari (Camping Overland Tour) which follows the same itinerary and stays at campsites instead of lodges.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris

Optional Extras and Excursions

For up-to-date and confirmed pricing info for optional items, please drop us an enquiry.

Eswatini Activities

  • Nature Walk
  • Bicycle rental
  • Game Drives

Mozambique Activities

  • Snorkeling
  • Quad Biking 
  • Horse riding
  • Scuba Diving at Praia do Tofo
  • Ocean Safari: Snorkelling with Whale Sharks 

South Africa Activities

  • Sunset Game Drive in Kruger Park

Child Policy

This tour does take children.

There is a minimum age limit of 8 years of age, for travellers on scheduled departures, however, children aged 8 and 9 years of age are accepted on a request basis only.
A maximum of 4 children, aged between 10 - 15 years will be allowed per scheduled tour departure date.
Should there already be 4 children confirmed on a tour, any further children requests will be dealt with on a request basis only.

Age restrictions may apply to certain items listed in the respective tour activities and it is important that you are aware of these restrictions prior to confirming children on tour.

Please contact African Budget Safaris for further information.

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Eswatini Activities

  • Nature Walk
  • Bicycle rental
  • Game Drives

Mozambique Activities

  • Snorkeling
  • Quad Biking 
  • Horse riding
  • Scuba Diving at Praia do Tofo
  • Ocean Safari: Snorkelling with Whale Sharks 

South Africa Activities

  • Sunset Game Drive in Kruger Park
+Included in the Tour Price
  • Overland tour transport
  • Lodge safari accommodation
  • Registered tour guides
  • Meals as per the itinerary
  • Included activities as indicated 
+Not Included in the Tour Price
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals not on the itinerary
  • Personal items and tips
  • Drinks and snacks
  • Optional activities
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1. Bazaruto Island, Mozambique

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