Itinerary

Ø  Day 1 – Johannesburg to Ezulwini Valley, Eswatini

Leaving the city of Johannesburg behind, we cross the highveld towards the Drakensberg escarpment in the Mpumalanga province. Turning off the highway as we travel towards the Kingdom of Eswatini. Keep the passports nearby today as we have a Border crossing.

Our destination for today is the Ezulwini Valley just south of the capital Mbabane. Visit Ngwenya Glass Factory Shop before heading to an open-air museum and Swazi Cultural Village for an insight into the Swazi Culture and Traditions.

Arriving at the lodge in the late afternoon (17:00).

**Border Crossing today, please keep passports nearby**

Ø  Day 2: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary to Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini

This morning you have free time to explore the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary. Filled with free roaming animals and offers the opportunity to do some walking, mountain biking or horseback safaris. Endless hours of guided or self-guided exploration within the small 4560 Ha sanctuary are possible due to the relative absence of dangerous game.

Mlilwane offers an array of activities and adventures in the picturesque Ezulwini Valley (Valley of Heaven), flanked by the dramatic backdrop of mountains and the huge Usuthu Forest stretching into the distance.

Departing Mlilwane after the morning’s optional activities (11:00) we head to Swazi Candles Centre and Craft Market. Swazi Candles is not just a candle experience. They are happily surrounded by other talented crafters, artists and artisans as well as a bustling market and souvenir shops. Perfect opportunity to find a gift.

Tonight, we stay at Hlane Royal National Park (please note there is no electricity), with an exciting species lists including impressive ancient hardwood habitats, big game and rich birdlife. This 22,000-ha park, still boasts the largest herds of game in the Kingdom with speciality species being lion, rhino, elephants, vultures and marabou stork.

Guided game drives and bush walks are optional activities on offer or simply relax at camp overlooking the waterhole with resident hippos and frequently visited by Rhinos and other game.

*Booking is essential and your guide can assist.

Ø  Day 3: Hlane Royal National Park to Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

This morning you can join a truly unique experience the ever-popular Rhino Drive, which is a shorter 1,5-hour drive focusing on White Rhinoceros. The highlight of this drive is the potential opportunity of alighting the vehicle and quietly approaching them on foot. Not all Rhinoceros’s are approachable and guides have discretion. Due to the nature of this activity, minimum age 13 years.

After breakfast we depart for Mozambique, time for fun and adventure in the quaint little town of Ponta do Ouro. Situated in Southern Mozambique where we get our first glimpse of the Indian ocean. Activities for the next day to be booked on arrival.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Ponta do Ouro, you will be sure to find beautiful white sand beaches, dense dune forests and an ever-stretching azure sea. A very traditional open-air market, several "cantinas" (little shops) and eager curio sellers will quench your thirst for shopping before you make your way to one of the rustic restaurants in town.

**Border Crossing today, please keep them passports nearby**

Ø  Day 4: Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique

A day for fun, adventure and optional activities! From diving courses, beginner to advance diving as well activities for the non-diver and those that do not want to try scuba diving but still would like to explore the beautiful ocean and see the beautiful sea-life you will find ocean safaris, snorkelling trips or boat rides.

Hire quad bikes, go for endless beach walks, or simply relax on the beach before trying the local fresh seafood. The day is yours to spend at your own leisure.

Ø  Day 5: Ponta do Ouro to Southern Kruger National Park, South Africa

After breakfast and any last morning activities we bid farewell to the beautiful beaches of Southern Mozambique re-entering South Africa near the world-famous Kruger National Park. After the border crossing it is a short drive to Marloth Park where we stay for the next 2 nights.

Marloth Park is a wildlife sanctuary situated on the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park. Marloth has its own wildlife and boasts four of the big five with the exception of elephant, however as the crocodile river forms the boundary between Marloth Park and the Kruger National Park you are lightly to spot elephants playing in the river.

Buffalo, rhino and lion are confined to Marloth's game reserve "Lions Spruit" whereas the rest of the game such as Kudu, Zebra, Giraffe, Blue wildebeest, Nyala, Impala, Warthog and plenty more aren't restricted by fences and roam freely between the units that are built on 1500 hectares.

With the dangerous game restricted you can take a walk along the river or on the many of dirt roads and is a birder's paradise.

This afternoon you have an option to embark on an optional 3-hour afternoon/sunset safari in the Kruger Park. Boarding an open safari vehicle. *Booking is essential and your guide can assist.

Ø  Day 6: Kruger National Park – Full Day Kruger Safari

Rising early this morning to enter the southern Kruger National Park by gate opening times, a full day of game viewing with a Kruger Park specialist guide on an open safari vehicle. Making use of 9-seater open air Safari vehicles which are perfectly designed to give you a real bird’s eye view of the wildlife you will encounter on your Safari. Stopping throughout the day at various animal sightings, waterholes, viewpoints and a stop at one of the rest camps for lunch.

A breakfast pack will be provided to take with. Don’t forget to pack your sun screen and safari essentials (camera, binoculars etc).

Kruger Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and is truly the flagship of the South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Returning in the late afternoon to the lodge where you can enjoy leisure time before dinner.

Ø  Day 7: End of Tour, Johannesburg, South Africa

While those who elect to do an extra optional morning drive will have an earlier start (04:00/05:00). For the rest we set out a little later today and travel back to Johannesburg after breakfast where the tour ends.

Arriving back in Johannesburg in the early to late afternoon depending on the morning’s activities. *Booking is essential and your guide can assist.