KRUGER NATIONAL PARK PANORAMA ROUTE, INCLUDING PILGRIMS REST

From Johannesburg, White River or Nelspruit,

Highlights 

• Waterfalls
• magnificent scenery
• interesting geology
• historic gold mining
• Kruger National Park with its Big 5 and other beautiful creatures – birds, reptiles etc.
• Flora
• sunsets
• wide open spaces.

DAY 1 – WHITE RIVER/NELSPRUIT, PILGRIMS REST, PANORAMA ROUTE - OVERNIGHT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

We leave White River/ Nelspruit early, to travel to the town of Sabie and its Lone Creek Falls.  We have easy access to the falls through a canopy of creepers and ferns, by means of a paved walkway.  The crystal clear water and fresh air is quite invigorating.

Those interested in geology will be amazed at the sedimentary rock over which the 68 metre high falls tumble.

This bit of exercise and fresh air will energise us for the rest of the day. 

Our next stop - the historic gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest.

Pilgrims Rest  (the whole town has been declared a national monument) has its roots in 1873 – the rich alluvial gold discoveries had gold prospectors from all over the world rushing to the region.

These gold rush towns attracted all types of people – bar ladies, loan sharks, gamblers and the rest.  Pubs and hotels sprang up, fortunes were made and lost.  We learn about COCKNEY LIZ, ‘wheelbarrow‘ Patterson, The Highwayman and The Robber, and other interesting characters.

We visit the local pub which was once a church, the graveyard, the Robbers grave, the Old Trafford sports ground and a replica shop of the period.  During our visit to Pilgrim’s Rest we will find time to have a cup of tea (own a/c)

Our tour continues to the town of GRASKOP where we have the opportunity to visit a silk shop, a shop selling elephant dung paper etc and good quality curios.  We have lunch in Graskop either at the famous Harries Pancakes, or one of the equally good restaurants in town (lunch for own a/c)

After lunch we travel to some magnificent view sites (WEATHER PERMITTING).  The escarpment is at a high altitude (approximately 1600 mt), so sometimes the mist is very thick, limiting visibility.

Our itinerary includes Pinnacle Rock, God’s window, Lisbon Falls, Bourke's Luck potholes. The potholes have been shaped by rocks suspended in the swirling water of converging rivers (the Treur and the Blyde).

Those not doing the hike can spend some time visiting an informative on-site museum.

After our hike, we have time to have a cooldrink, before traveling to our last stop on the route to the 3 Rondawels.

The 3 Rondawels (mountains) are set in the 26km long BLYDE RIVER CANYON, reported to be the 3rd largest canyon in the world!  The view from the lookout points is probably the second most photographed viewsite in South Africa (Table Mountain in Cape Town being the first)

We travel for approximately 1 ½ hours to the Kruger National Park where we arrive at approximately 4 o’clock in the afternoon.  This is a good time to arrive in the park as the animals are emerging from under the trees where they have spent much of the day escaping the heat.

We overnight at ORPEN OR SATARA camps NB – Kruger National Park is very popular, so we can only stay over at camps where accommodation is available.  We stay in self catering accommodation where we have a typical South African braai (barbeque).  Our guests are encouraged to take a morning or night game drive (own a/c) in an open game viewing vehicle, as this affords our guests the opportunity of seeing nocturnal animals. 

On arrival back at camp, the fire is lit, the beer is cold, the wine is waiting and we enjoy our braai before going to bed early in preparation for an early morning start

DAY 2 ORPEN - SATARA - LOWER SABIE. 

We leave our camp early – approximately. 6 am, for an early morning game drive, to see what action the nocturnal animals like lion and leopard have brought.  We return to camp – have breakfast, pack up and prepare ourselves for the drive to the next overnight stop.

We arrive at our next stop SKUKUZA or LOWER SABIE where we relax perhaps at the swimming pool before we set off on a late afternoon game drive – normally Lion Road and Sunset Dam.

The second night we eat in a restaurant before retiring.  By this time the African bush is getting under our skin and we awake to the sounds and smells ready for a fun filled day.

Many of the camps offer game walks (own a/c).  You are led by highly experienced rangers and trackers who will teach and show you so much – well worth doing.

DAY 3

After breakfast we rest and pack up before spending the rest of the day in the KRUGER NATIONAL PARK.  We return to White River/Nelspruit in the late afternoon, having had an exciting and fun filled time.

Price: POA per person sharing – DBB included - Min 2 pax

Single supplement available

This tour can be combined with a tour to MOZAMBIQUE, SWAZILAND or BOTH

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK ("KNP") (INCLUDING PANORAMA ROUTE) DBB BASIS) -4 DAYS/3 NIGHTS

(includes conservation fees, and one open vehicle night drive)

(1-3 guests) R7900 pp sharing)

(4-6 guests) (R6800 pp sharing)

5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS
1-3 guests

4-6 guests)

COST :POA dependant on group size

(Single supplement available)

DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG PILGRIMS REST - GRASKOP

We leave Johannesburg at approximately 07h00 and travel East to the Province of Mpumalanga "where the sun rises". We travel through farmlands and the coal fields of Witbank and Middelburg.

Stop for tea in Dullstroom, a fly-fishing village with wonderful European Beech and Elm trees over 100 years old lining the streets. After tea, we travel to the Voortrekker town of Lydenburg "the town of suffering".

We visit the Voortrekker Church/school (dated 1851) before travelling over the Long Tom Pass to Sabie, en- route to stop at the replica of the "Long Tom", a field gun used in the Anglo Boer War of 1899 to 1902. In Sabie, we visit the Lone Creek Falls and continue on to Pilgrims Rest, a gold mining town (the whole town is declared a National Monument) and stop for lunch (own account).

Visit the Royal Hotel where the old church now serves as a pub, the museum, the Robber's Grave, the Old Trafford Sports Ground and a replica shop of the period. Following our visit to Pilgrims Rest we continue on to Graskop (approximately 30 minutes drive) where we overnight in a Bed & Breakfast establishment and hit the town for dinner! (Dinner own account)

DAY 2 GRASKOP - PANORAMA ROUTE - KNP

After breakfast, we visit the site of the Big Swing (where the brave swing over the Graskop Gorge 68 metres of pure adrenalin rush)! In Graskop town, we visit an amazing silk shop and factory where one can buy wonderful silk products. Other shops offer curios such as Elephant dung paper, safari and leather gear. Whilst in Graskop, we will stock up on last minute provisions because we will be braaing (barbeque) tonight. (Own account).

From Graskop we travel the short distance to the Pinnacle Rock, God's Window and Lisbon Falls. Then we travel approximately 40 minutes through some more magnificent scenery to Bourkes Luck Potholes. The potholes have been formed over millions of years by the swirling action of stones and rocks on the sandstone where the Blyde and Treur Rivers meet. After our hike, we have a tea break (own account) before continuing to the Three Rondawels in the Blyde River Canyon, reputed to be the 3 rd largest canyon in the world! The view is breath-taking and one of the most famous view sites in South Africa.

From here, we make our way to KNP via the Abel Erasmus Pass and JG Strijdom Tunnel where we have a lunch at an artist's café. (Own account). We enter KNP at Orpen Gate. We take a game drive to orientate ourselves and find animals and birds before booking into our overnight accommodation. Please note: We try to stay at either Orpen Gate or the nearby Marula Safari Tented Camp (KNP is extremely popular and we cannot guarantee accommodation details, but you will be guaranteed comfortable accommodation).

Tonight we go on our open safari vehicle game drive (included in the price) and on return, the braai (barbeque) fires are lit, beer is cold, wine is chilled and the evening spent eating, drinking and chatting under the African sky and take in the sounds of the African bush.

DAY 3 KNP - Full day

We rise early (before sun rise) and after coffee/tea/rusks, we set out in pursuit of nocturnal animals and the excitement of the night. We arrive at Satara Camp and have breakfast. After breakfast, we spend a day in the Park.

We stop at one of the picnic spots for lunch (own account) before booking into our overnight accommodation. Afternoon spent at leisure, swimming, reading, visiting curio shop and museum (if we are staying at Skukuza Camp). In the evening we could take in a movie at the outdoor cinema (where/when available) where animal movies are shown or chill out at the restaurant (own account).

DAY 4 KNP KMIA AIRPORT (NELSPRUIT) JOHANNESBURG AND/OR PRETORIA

After an early start, we travel to a Southern park gate where we have breakfast. We exit KNP here and travel back to Johannesburg or Pretoria.

For those travelling on to Durban or Cape Town we will go via Nelspruit (KMIA airport) for drop-off.

We visit the hamlet of Kaapsehoop, the home of wild horses and the endangered blue swallow before joining the N4 highway back to Johannesburg or Pretoria.

The journey back to Gauteng Province is interesting because we learn a lot about the Eastern railway line, Paul Kruger's escape route to Mozambique, the elusive Kruger Millions and the Anglo Boer War of 1889 to 1902.

ADD A DAY

DAY 5 - KNP TOUR AS ABOVE BUT WITH ONE EXTRA DAY IN KNP

This trip can be combined with a visit to Mozambique, the Kingdom of Swaziland, Kwa-Zulu Natal with its highlights of beach, battlefields and mountains.

Perhaps a trip into Lesotho or even down to Cape Town.

Terry Hack on +27 (0) 82 697 6058

SWAZILAND

BUDGET TOURS SWAZILAND

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS – SWAZILAND (MIN 2 PAX) – PPS
Johannesburg/Nelspruit – Swaziland – Johannesburg/Nelspruit

BUDGET TOUR : COST :POA dependant on group size : SEMI-LUXURY TOUR : COST :POA dependant on group size

• Budget Action Packed Tour - Activities for own account : hiking, biking, white water rafting, quad-biking, horse riding, night-clubbing etc.
  
  
• Semi-Luxury Cultural Tour - Glass blowing factory, candle-making factory, King Sobhusa II Monument, Swazi Cultural Village, Shopping, etc

• If you have the time, why not include a couple of night in Kruger Park, Panorama Route or even Mozambique.
  
  
• These tours start in Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Budget tours to Swaziland differ from the semi-luxury tours to Swaziland listed below, in the following way :

• Accommodation in Swaziland is Self catering, budget style accommodation
• Safari tents in Kruger Park (when available)
• We can tailor make budget tours to Mozambique for small groups

Please contact us for a quote to add on a tour to Mozambique

SWAZILAND 3 DAYS - 2 NIGHTS - SEMI LUXURY

ALL VISITORS REQUIRE PASSPORTS.
MOST COUNTRIES DO NOT REQUIRE VISAS. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR EMBASSY

DAY 1

We leave White River/Nelspruit early (approximately 8 am) to enter the  northern Swazi border at Jeppes Reef.  We break the 2 hour journey to the border at Malelane for last minute shopping and a toilet/tea break.  The border crossing is a simple straight forward affair with most countries NOT needing a Visa.  (Please check on your country’s Visa requirements before embarking on a trip to Swaziland).  By being polite and being aware that you are entering a KINGDOM, you will ensure a happy welcome.  All Swazis show great respect for the King and Queen Mother.

We travel through some magnificent mountain scenery to the town of PIGGS PEAK where we stop at CORAL STEPHENS hand weaving studio. The chance to stretch our legs and to inhale clean fresh mountain air, whilst enjoying the art is quite invigorating.

On leaving Coral Stephens, we travel for approximately one hour to the famous NGWENYA Glass Factory, stopping briefly at the young branch-wearing dancers at Maguga Dam.  At Ngwenya Glass, we witness the art of glassblowing from an overhead balcony.  Each item is made from 100% recycled glass and the end result from the African craftsmen is quite amazing.  The showroom has a large range and purchases can be sent ‘home’.  We have lunch at the on-site restaurant before our relaxing 45 minute drive to our 2 night stay at Forester’s Arms. 

The Forester’s Arms is an “old style” English colonial hotel in the USUTU forest.  The hotel enjoys a picturesque setting, whilst offering horse riding, a swimming pool, a golf course nearby, and great birding walks. The English pub has a great ambience, whilst the restaurant offers excellent fare. The accommodation is en-suite and the comfy double beds have down-filled duvets.  The chocolate on the pillows and the early morning tea or coffee delivered to the room is really the way it should be!

Overnight Day 1 – Forester’s Arms D.B.B.

DAY 2

After breakfast, we travel to the Ezulweni Valley (The Valley of Heaven) where we visit, amongst other places, the Royal Swazi Hotel, the craft markets (Swazi people are famous for their basket ware and quality curios).  It is quite refreshing not to be hassled by vendors as in so many places in the world

We spend a short time at KING SOBHUZA II memorial park and the PARLIAMENT PRESCINCT before heading to the Matenga Cultural village, where we learn about Swazi culture and tradition before being entertained by some very energetic dancing.  We enjoy lunch at the RESERVES RESTAURANT before taking the short walk to the Mantenga Falls.  On our way back to Forester’s Arms, we pop into the Swazi Candle Factory.  Besides a standard range of candles, the workers are given carte blanche to do their own thing – the results can be quite amazing and make great gifts!

On arrival at Forester’s Arms, we enjoy tea, perhaps a siesta and evening drinks in the pub before dinner.

Day 2 overnight Forester’s Arms D.B.B.

DAY 3

After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely return to S.A. This Swazi tour could be combined with a tour to KWA-ZULU NATAL, MOZAMBIQUE, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, or even JOHANNESBURG/PRETORIA

Price: POA pp sharing – DBB included

Tour costs include all petrol, tolls, all entrance fees, DBB at Forester’s Arms and the services of a professional guide.

MOZAMBIQUE TOURS

BUDGET TOURS MOZAMBIQUE

These tours can start in either Maputo, Mozambique or Nelspruit, South Africa (220 kms to Maputo.)

These tours can be either

• 5 days/4 nights budget tour : 2 nights Bilene - 2 night Maputo
• 6 days/5 nights budget tour : 2 nights Bilene - 2 night Maputo - 1 night Kruger Park
• 7 days/6 nights budget tour : 2 nights Bilene - 2 night Maputo - 1 night Kruger Park - 1 night Panorame Route
• If you have the time, why not include a couple of nights in Swaziland?

Budget tours to Mozambique differ from the semi-luxury tours to Mozambique listed below, in the following way :

• Accommodation in Mozambique is Self catering, budget style accommodation
• Safari tents in Kruger Park (when available)
• We can tailor make budget tours to Mozambique for small groups

Please contact us for a quote

MOZAMBIQUE BUDGET – 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTS SELF-CATERING TOUR

3 NIGHTS BILENE, 1 NIGHT MAPUTO CITY

White beaches,Palm Trees, Snorkeling, Seafood to die for, Booze Cruise,Fishing etc

DAY 1 – OVERNIGHT BILENE

From White River / Nelspruit to Bilene

We leave White River/Nelspruit at approximately 08h00 to travel the 140 kms to the South African/Mozambique border.  We will stop en-route for last minute shopping and a toilet/tea break.  After clearing the border (which can be quite hectic), we proceed to the outskirts of Maputo. 

The architecture and the pulse reminds one of Portugal or Brazil.  By taking the N2 north, we could travel for 2300 kms to the Tanzanian border, but our 3 night stop is in Bilene.  Bilene is a small holiday town overlooking the Umbje Lagoon.  With its calm waters and sandy white beaches, it is the ideal place to unwind.  We stay in an excellent establishment on the banks of the lagoon. 

DAY 2 – FULL DAY BILENE – OVERNIGHT BILENE

Most guests take the ferry across the Umbje Lagoon to soak up the sun and swim in the warm Indian Ocean returning in the late afternoon to drink beer, play pool or just chill out.

If you intend doing this, don’t forget suncream, towel, hat, water and snacks.  The cost of the ferry will be for your own account – the charge can be negotiated but approximately US$5-7 each.

DAY 3 – FULL DAY BILENE – OVERNIGHT BILENE

The day could be spent sun-tanning, snorkeling, spear fishing, deep sea fishing for Marlin or Sailfish (for the more energetic), whale watching, quad biking etc.  If there are enough takers, we could perhaps take a booze-cruise on the lagoon and return to a seafood dinner (prawns, crabs, fish etc) prepared by our personal chef. 

We all club in for this treat!

DAY 4 – BILENE TO MAPUTO – OVERNIGHT MAPUTO

We leave Bilene around 08h00 to travel 180 kms (about 2-1/2 hours) to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.  Maputo is a city in recovery.  The civil war of 1975 to 1992 and the experiment with socialism left a city with potholed streets, decaying buildings and little or no infrastructure and services. 

Today, after billions of dollars of aid from the West, roads are being repaired, buildings are being painted and the Portuguese feel, but with an African touch, is returning and is reflected in the pavement cafes, 5-star hotels and beautiful Villas.  On arrival in the city, we take coffee/tea at an excellent bakery and cafe in the upmarket Polana district. 

After an envigorating cuppa, we book into our overnight accommodation.  The afternoon is spent chilling out before taking a late afternoon ferry ride across the Maputo harbour to Catembe.  This ferry ride offers us the opportunity to mix with the locals and take in the Maputo skyline.  After returning to Maputo, we go out for a farewell dinner (dinner and drinks for your own account).

DAY 5 – MAPUTO – SOUTH AFRICA/KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

We leave Maputo at about 08h00 to complete our city tour.  We visit or drive past the Eifel designed Railway Station, War Memorial, Fort, tennis courts, Cathedral, City Hall, Radio Clube de Mozambique, Eifel Iron House, Botanical Gardens, Samora Machel Monument, Airport, Heroes Circle, Old Bull Ring before proceeding either to South Africa/Kruger National Park or K.M.I.A. airport in Nelspruit to continue your tour of Gauteng.

COST :POA dependant on group size

Please note:  Over 35 Adventure Tours CC reserves the right to change accommodation in Bilene, BUT it will be a great establishment!  Mozambique is becoming a very popular destination, so we need to make our bookings early!

It would be a great shame for travellers to this part of the world to miss the Kruger National Park and Panorama Route (see our website www.goldenoldiestours.co.za) for more information.

Add on Kruger National Park – 2 nights/2 days
Add on Panorama Route – 1 night/1 day

If you have the time, we could tailor-make a tour for you which could include the Kingdom of Swaziland down to Durban or Cape Town.

MOZAMBIQUE TOURS - Maputo/Inhaca island - 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS

DAY 1

We leave White River/Nelspruit at approximately 8 am, to travel for about 1 ½ hours to the S.A./Mozambique border.  We will stop en-route for last minute shopping and a toilet/tea break.

The border is currently “hectic” with helpers and money changers all doing their thing, but for the 2010 World Cup things will have been streamlined and we should enjoy an easy passage.  The 100 km drive from the border to Maputo is on an excellent toll freeway and takes no time at all.

As we approach Maputo city, one can’t help but think that one is in Brazil or even Portugal!  The architecture, the sidewalk cafes etc are so very different from South Africa. 

Maputo today, is a thriving, bustling metropolis with buildings being repaired or repainted, pavements being laid and new buildings going up everywhere.  All thanks to the peace and stability that came with the adoption of a democratic government in 1995 and the billions of dollars in aid that was rendered by so many countries.  It is hard to believe that only 13 years ago the roads were potholed, sewerage flowed in the streets, shops were pretty much empty.  The city of Maputo was a festering, filthy place.

We arrive at our city hotel at approximately 10.30 am where we book in, and rest a while  before heading out on an orientation drive.  We stop at a “very African” restaurant on the beachfront and sand dunes.  We enjoy lunch while chickens, ducks and turkeys serenade us in their enclosure!  (lunch own account).

After lunch, we travel along the marginal Marine Parade past the colonial yacht club to our hotel where we have a siesta until about 5.30 OR the ladies will enjoy the safe shopping environment, I am sure.

At 5.30 pm we travel to the harbour area where we catch a 15 minute ferry ride across Maputo harbour to CATEMBE.  This ferry ride affords a wonderful view of the Maputo skyline and the chance to mix with the locals, as they go about their business. 

After “sundowners”, we travel back to Maputo city by ferry then drive to our dinner destination at COSTA DO SOL.  This restaurant has not closed its doors since 1938, surviving through turmoil and civil war to prepare arguably the best seafood in Maputo. (dinner included in tour price).  After dinner, we return to our hotel for an early night.  D.B.B.

DAY 2  INHACA ISLAND

(bring swimming costume, sunblock, towel etc – sometimes we have to wade ashore, so be prepared!)

After an early breakfast, we travel the short distance to the harbour where we board the ferry to Inhaca Island.  The approximately 1 ½ hour trip to the island can be quite ‘choppy’ but the receding Maputo skyline and the race with the dhows can be quite fun.  To relax on the beach or have a refreshing drink at the rather upmarket hotel is an option before visiting the market and our lunch stop at Lucas Restaurant – an African restaurant serving amazing (you guessed it!) seafood.  (lunch own account).

Weather permitting, we could take a short speedboat ride to Portuguese island, or just ‘CHILL’ on the beach before returning to Maputo by ferry.  By this time, we will have all become friends and will have dinner together somewhere. (dinner included in tour price).  After dinner, back to the hotel.  D.B.B.

DAY 3

After breakfast, we will take a city tour – we visit the Fort, the Railway Station, the Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, Eifel House and the market.  During all this activity, we will find time to have tea and lunch (own account), before making our way back to White River/Nelspruit, Swaziland or KNP 

Price: Semi-luxury Tour : COST :POA dependant on group size

CLICK HERE FOR BUDGET TOUR OPTION

MOZAMBIQUE - 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS

• Day 1 – Nelspruit to Bilene – overnight Bilene
• Day 2 – Bilene at leisure - overnight Bilene
• Day 3 – Praia de Barra Overnight
• Day 4 – Praia de Barra Overnight
• Day 5 – Praia de Barra Overnight
• Day 6 –Praia de Barra Overnight
• Day 7 – Maputo – overnight Maputo
• Day 8 – Maputo
• Day 9 - City Tour, then return to Nelspruit, South Africa or this tour can be combined with a tour of Swaziland and/or Kruger National Park

MOZAMBIQUE EXPERIENCE - 9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS

DO YOU NEED A VISA? PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR EMBASSY

SNORKELLING, SCUBA DIVING, BIG GAME FISHING, QUADBIKING, MAGNIFICENT WHITE BEACHES, SEAFOOF, HISTORIC CITY TOUR ETC…

DAY 1 

White River/Nelspruit – Bilene

We leave White River/Nelspruit at approximately 8 am to travel the 100 km to the South Africa/Mozambique border.  We will stop en-route for last minute shopping and a toilet/tea break.  After clearing the border, which can be quite hectic, we proceed to the outskirts of Maputo.  The architecture and the pulse reminds one of Portugal or Brazil!  By taking the N1 north, we could travel for 2300 km to the Tanzanian border, but our overnight (2 nights stop) is in Bilene.  Bilene is a small holiday town overlooking the Umbje Lagoon.  With its calm waters and sandy white beaches, it is the ideal place to unwind.  We stay in an excellent establishment on the banks of the lagoon – en-suite facilities and an excellent restaurant.  Night 1 – Bilene D.B.B.

DAY 2 

Bilene 

Day at leisure – we meet for drinks before dinner. 

Overnight Bilene – D.B.B.

DAY 3

Bilene/Inhambane. 

We have an early start after breakfast, en route to Inhambane.  On the outskirts of CHISSANO we will stop at one of the numerous furniture factories where exquisite solid mahogany wood furniture is made. 

We continue traveling north, passing through the city of XAI XAI which was devastated by flooding in 2000 when the LIMPOPO RIVER broke its banks.  The fertile countryside is home to millions of palm trees and small African villages. 

We pass through small towns which today are just tumbledown, roofless, windowless wrecks.  Most of these old buildings have been painted either yellow or blue, the colours of the 2 cell phone companies vying for the business of peasant farmers.  It seems as if “everyone” in Mozambique has a cell phone.

The destruction of these towns was either caused by the fleeing white Portuguese (some were given only 24 hours to leave the country) at the granting of independence from Portugal in 1975, or by local natives.

The drive up north is on mostly superb roads with the ever-enthusiastic traffic inspectors stopping mostly S.A. registered vehicles.  The local vehicles by and large are over loaded, unroadworthy death traps, but are allowed to pass.  These days the harassment of South African tourists has declined as the authorities have realized that they need the S.A. Rand.

We travel through the towns of CHIDENGUELE, QUISSKO AND INHARRINE, which are set on beautiful fresh water lakes. 

We stop at the town of LINDELA at a restaurant offering clean toilets.  We have a light snack here (own account) before traveling the short distance (approximately 40 km) to Inhambane. 

A quick drive through will take us to Praia de Barra, our home for 4 nights

(We will be doing a city tour and dhow ride to Maxine during our stay at PRAIA DE BARRA.)

We stay at a new development offering self-catering, thatched accommodation, with the best crockery etc.  The facility has been chosen as it offers privacy and access to the sea and beach.  It is absolutely perfect for our guests as it is a quiet place.  We will have dinner at the lodge either as a group or privately. 

Overnight PRAIA DE BARRA D.B.B.

DAY 4 

Day at leisure - scuba diving, deep sea fishing, quad biking, lying in the sun etc. are options

Overnight PRAIA DE BARRA D.B.B.

DAY 5 

Morning at leisure and an afternoon visit to Tofu Beach for sundowners and dinner.  Overnight PRAIA DE BARRA. D.B.B

DAY 6 

Morning at leisure.  Afternoon city tour of Inhambane  and dhow trip to Maxixe

Overnight Praia de Barra

DAY 7 

After breakfast we bid our farewell, our promise to return and set off south, retracing our steps to Maputo – we expect to arrive in the city by mid-afternoon and settle into our city centre hotel. We rest up before meeting in the lobby at 5.30 for our trip to CATEMBE – Catembe is a 15 minute ferry ride across Maputo Bay. 

The trip across the bay affords a magnificent view of the Maputo skyline.  We have a ‘sundowner’ at one of the local ‘pubs’ in Catembe before making our way back by ferry to the city.

We have dinner at COSTA DO SOL, a restaurant which has survived turmoil and civil war and has never closed its doors since 1938.  It is reputed to serve the best seafood in Maputo.

Overnight MAPUTO

DAY 8 

INHACA ISLAND

Bring swimming costume, sunscreen and a towel.

After an early breakfast, we travel to the harbour to board the ferry to Inhaca Island. 

The 2 ½ hour  ferry ride can be quite choppy but the Maputo skyline and sailing with the natives on their centuries old dhows design is great fun. 

We spend our time on Inhaca Island relaxing on the pristine beach or visiting the market. 

We have lunch at the excellent LUCAS Restaurant (own account) After lunch, perhaps a sail to Portuguese Island before boarding the ferry back to Maputo city.  An overnight stay at the excellent Pestana Hotel could be arranged, but this would extend the tour by one day. 

We have dinner in the hotel before an early night.

Overnight City Hotel MAPUTO  D.B.B.

DAY 9 

After breakfast we do an interesting city tour which includes the Fort, the Railway, Station, the Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, Eifel House, before setting off to the S.A./Mozambique border.

For those continuing to Swaziland, we will enter Swaziland at either Goba or Namaacha Border Post.

PRICE : POA dependant on group size

LESOTHO TOUR

Coming Soon

4 COUNTRIES TOUR  - 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

• SOUTH AFRICA
• MOZAMBIQUE
• SWAZILAND
• LESOTHO

On arrival in Johannesburg, we will collect you and transfer you through the coalfields of Mpumalanga and the majestic scenery of the Panorama Route. We overnight in Pilgrim's Rest.

The following day we visit Pinnacle Rock, God's Window, Lisbon Falls, Bourke's Luck Pothpoles and the Three Rondawels.

From here we will overnight either in Kruger National Park or an excellent hotel adjoining the Kruger.

We will enjoy an open safari vehicle night drive in the Kruger and game viewing

during the day.

From Kruger we move on to Maputo in Mozambique, where we will enjoy seafood and the Portuguese ambience. We will enjoy a full city tour and a ferry trip across the harbour. The 2 night stay in Bilene, with its white beaches and palm trees is very romantic!

From Mozambique we venture forth into the Kingdom of Swaziland, where we will spend time in a private wildlife sactuary, sleep in Swazi beehive huts and absorb the essence of the Swazi Culture by visiting a Swazi Cultural Village. We will pay a visit to a variety of Swaziland places of interest : Swazi memorials, candle making, arts and crafts ...

We travel on from Swaziland to Clarens, a delightful arty town in the forthills of the Golden Gate National Park. After overnighting here, we continue our adventure to the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, where we settle in to our mountain lodge from where we will do pony trekking or hiking ...

Please contact us for our itinerary which we can tailor make to your specifications

1/3 guests

4/6 guests

COST :POA dependant on group size

GAUTENG AND PRETORIA TOURS

JOHANNESBURG TO JOHANNESBURG

(Bed & Breakfast, Entrance/Conservation Fees and one open safari vehicle game drive)

GROUP DISCOUNTS and SINGLE SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE

SOUTH AFRICA AND SWAZILAND TOURS

These tours include the Battlefields, Drakensberg Mountains, Sani Pass into Lesotho and return, Hluhluwe, mFolozi, St Lucia Wetlands Park (iSimgaliso Greater Wetland Park) and Durban.

STARTING FROM JOHANNESBURG, DURBAN OR NELSPRUIT
(Inclusive of Dinner, Bed & Breakfast, Entrance/Conservation Fees)
(Activities for own account)
GROUP DISCOUNTS and SINGLE SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE

4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS – DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS

(MIN 2 PAX) : POA - DBB

(Prices are dependent on current special offers from the hotel)

Johannesburg – Drakensberg Mountains – Johannesburg -

Relax in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, easy walks, hiking, horse riding, bowls, tennis, golf etc

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS – KWA-ZULU NATAL

(MIN 2 PAX) : POA dependant on group size

Johannesburg/Nelspruit – Swaziland – Hluhluwe – mFolozi – St Lucia (iSimgaliso Greater Wetland Park) - Durban

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS - BATTLEFIELDS

SANI PASS (MIN 2 PAX) – DBB POA dependant on group size

Johannesburg/Nelspruit – Swaziland – Battlefields – Drakensberg Mountains – Sani Pass into Lesotho and return (day tour) – Drop-off either Johannesburg or Durban

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS – SANI PASS – LESOTHO

(MIN 2 PAX) : DBB  -POA dependant on group size

Johannesburg/Nelspruit – Swaziland – Hluhluwe – St Lucia (iSimgaliso Greater Wetland Park) – Durban – Sani Pass into Lesotho and return (day tour) – Drakensberg Mountains – Clarens – Drop-off Johannesburg

These tours can also start in Durban, finish in Swaziland. They can be combined with a tour to the Kruger National Park/the Panorama Route with drop-off either in Nelspruit (KMIA International Airport) or Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport).  Please note that you can include a tour to Mozambique. We have wonderful itineraries which we will forward to you on request