Natal, Swaziland, Kruger, Mozambique Wildlife & Coastal Safari

From the first day driving through the Zuku Kingdom of Kwa-Zulu Natal to the awe-inspiring Ithala Game Reserve, watching and tracking Black Rhino, to the culturally rich Kingdom of Swaziland, through the wildlife mecca that is the Kruger National Park and all the way to the relaxed, sublime tropical atmosphere that is Mozambique - this 12 day safari, that takes in three different countries, offers comfortable accommodation, traveling in superbly modified and spacious Toyota Landcruisers, and an itinerary that is unique and different. All logistics are taken care of by guides that are the best in the business. Guests who appreciate the idea of very small groups, of itineraries that are well thought out and unique, will be at exultant on this safari. Nothing quite prepares you for the variety, the ambiance and the sheer joy of this 12 day trip. Travel and be inspired by the remarkable wildlife that is there to be found in Kruger's two million hectares of wilderness. We cross recently conserved Trans-Frontier Parks to the bone-white sands of Mozambique's fabled beaches. Guests may Dive amongst the striking Coral Reefs of the Indian Ocean or sail a catamaran in search of dolphins. Fall asleep listening the roaring of Lions, or the sound waves coming in with the tide. Experience the unique aspect of sleeping in an en-suite beehive hut, and the friendliness of the peoples of Southern Africa.

Tour costs start from US$2325-00 pp.
Tour code: NKM

DEPARTURE POINT IS OR Tambo International Airport Guests are required to be at the arrivals area by 08h30 on day 1.


• Day 1:
• Johannesburg to Ithala Game Reserve
  
  Upon arrival in JHB, you are met by a representative and will transfer Toyota Landcruiser to Ithala Game Reserve in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, situated in the rugged and mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-Natal. Ithala's multitude of habitats hosts a spectacular array of wildlife species. This little known reserve name is derived from a Zulu word meaning 'the top shelf'. When one enters these valleys and shear rock faces, one cannot be humbled as the Zulu's themselves were. Both rhino species are found here and one is able to approach these animals on a guided walk, while experiencing scenery which to describe as simply spectacular is a gross understatement. Ithala, within a very small area, rises from 400m at the Pongola River to 1500m. The huge oxbow bend in the river under the imposing cliffs and un-spoilt forests make Ithala unique. Days are spent driving or walking in pursuit of rhino, elephant, leopard as well as a tremendous variety of antelope. Ithala is home to both Black and White Rhino, as well as Elephant and a myriad of antelope species.
  
  (L,D: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 2:
• Ithala, Open Vehicle Gamedrives
  
  This magnificent reserve, tumbling from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over the eons by the Phongolo River is a game viewers paradise. Its scenic beauty aside, Ithala's most characteristic feature is perhaps it's astonishing geological diversity. Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found here, dating back 3 000 million years. With a topographic profile varying from 400m above sea level in the north to 1 450m near Louwsberg in the south, Ithala's terrain extends over Lowveld and densely vegetated riverine valleys to high-lying grassland plateaus, ridges and cliff faces. The area now proclaimed as Ithala has been occupied by man for thousands of years and there are many sites littered with Stone Age spear and axe heads dating back some 20,000 years. There has even been a middle Stone Age tool discovered by archaeologists which pushes the date back to anything up to 200,000 years. More recently, in the last few hundred years, with the advent of the Nguni people, iron smelting took place in Ithala and there are a number of smelting sites adjacent to deposits of banded ironstone which was crushed to provide the iron ore. Ithala has provided the setting for many historic events, from Shaka's reign and those of successive Zulu kings, to a number of gold mining enterprises in the early years of the 20th Century.
  
  (B,D: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 3:
• Ithala to Mlilwane,Swaziland
  
  We leave Ithala and take a short drive to Swaziland.Swaziland is unique south of the equator as it is one of the world's few remaining monarchies. Swaziland has a proud tradition that has kept its culture in the face of modernization. It is a kingdom of mountain passes and rivers that have been inhabited by the Swazi people since the 18th century. Their stronghold has always been the Ezulweni Valley - the Valley of Heaven. To drive through and experience this is to be perhaps on the edge of the world. All the Swazi kings from time immortal have found their final rest amongst the forest and rivers here.
  
  (B: Beehive Huts)
• Day 4:
• Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Swaziland
  
  Mlilwane is Swaziland's oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust. Mlilwane is situated in the low foothills of the Nyonyane Mountains, the Sanctuary has been rehabilitated and is now Swaziland's most frequently visited reserve where one can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the abundant wildlife that grace the plains. Visitors can explore the southern portion of the Sanctuary by foot, vehicle, on horseback and on mountain bikes. Those who simply want to relax can sit back in the camps and enjoy the tranquillity of Nature.
  
  (B: Beehive Huts)
• Day 5:
• Mlilwane to Kruger Natioanal Park,Open Vehicle Gamedrives
  
  After an early start, we drive north, enter South Africa and a little further on cross the Crocodile River into the Kruger National Park. This two million hectare wilderness is amongst the world's first proclaimed Game Reserves and is justifiably South Africa's showpiece, with 147 mammal species that roam in the freedom that this National Park offers. It has a very good infrastructure, although 96% of the land is still as pristine and untouched as it was before the first settlers arrived. The Kruger Park is a world leader in animal and plant research. It offers scenery as diverse as riverine forest, granite outcrops, endless savannah and impenetrable Mopani woodland. We take open-vehicle Game-drives in our modified Toyota Landcruisers on our way to the camp in which we overnight. These camps are very comfortable, offering a unique experience that does not insulate people from the very things they have come to see. It is still a supreme African wilderness that offers great spaces washed with sun.
  
  (B: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 6:
• Kruger National Park Gamedrives
  
  Letaba lies in the Central part of the Kruger National Park. The area is situated in the Sandveld region that is often described as the Botanical Garden of the Kruger National Park. There are numerous plant species which occur that are unique to the area. Game species most likely to be sighted include Impala, Zebra, Buffalo, Elephant and Sable and the area is a bird paradise. Letaba is a fine-looking camp, and not without reason. It is situated in an excellent game viewing area, with the bush relatively open and the animals plentiful and diverse. The camp itself has a rustic charm, with the accommodation set out under Natal Mahogany and Marula Trees. Letaba is well wooded and the bird-life is prolific. At night the clink of fruit bats is fused with the chirping of cicadas and crickets. The calls of owls and nightjars add to the symphony that is punctuated intermittently by the whoop of Hyena, the howling of Jackals and the roars of Lion.
  
  (B: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 7:
• Kruger National Park to Bilene, Limpopo Trans-frontier National Park, Mozambique Coast
  
  We leave Kruger today and drive westwards through the so called 'Greater Limpopo Trans frontier Peace Parks Initiative', a world first in the combination of conserved areas across borders. The result is an area that is now amongst the largest conservation areas on earth. We skirt along the valley of the Oliphants River (Rio das Eliphantes) after going through customs and immigration formalities, we proceed past Masinger Dam and onwards to Praia do Bilene. Previously known as Sao Martino, Bilene is a peaceful village situated on the Uembje Lagoon which is a huge stretch of water, about 8km wide and 27km long and reaching depths of 50 metres. The shores are shallow and are ringed by beautiful white sandy beaches with rolling sand dunes and tropical lush vegetation.
  
  (B,L,D: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 8:
• Bilene to Inhambane, Mozambique Coast
  
  A casual start for a drive up to pristine tidal bay of Inhambane three hours north. The lodge is situated on the beach and the crystal clear waters of the warm Indian Ocean. This eco-paradise is home to Flocks of Flamingo's, tropical fish and the very rare Dugong. The sunsets at Inhamabane are nothing less than breathtaking. The warm Indian Ocean offers safe bathing all year round and the endless wide open beaches offer hours of strolling pleasure. The lodge faces the open sea and is placed on the beautiful dunes. Guests witness tidal changes, feel breezes and hear the sounds of waves. All these factors create a striking environment with the fish following the tide as it moves in and out as well as the birds and other estuarine creatures appearing and moving with these daily changes. The Lodge has access to the open ocean which is a direct walk out onto the beach! The lodges facilities ,as well as all the optional activities on offer, which include Dhow Trips, Fishing, Quad Bikes and PADI approved dive courses, are right on the main beach.
  
  (B: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 9:
• Inhambane
  
  Inhambane is recognised as the Second Oldest European settlement in Southern Africa (Mozambique Island, to the north, is the oldest). It grew gradually as an ivory and slave trading centre particularly in the eighteenth century under mostly Indian control. It was destroyed in 1834 by Soshangane, a fugitive of King Shaka and founder of modern Mozambique, but grew rapidly in the second half of the century as a town of Portuguese East Africa, from which period its old cathedral and old mosque date. The 170 year old Cathedral of our Lady of Conception is located in the old quarter of the city where a rusted ladder leads to the top of the spire, offering panoramic views of the city and harbour. The city is now home to a museum and a market and is nearby the beaches of Tofo and Barra. The central market is located along the main boulevard and is very interesting. The town of Inhambane has one of the largest working fleets of dhows on the East African coastline.
  
  (B: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 10:
• Inhambane to Vilncoulos, Bazaruto Archipelago
  
  We have an early start to Inhambane, to take a Dhow trip across the harbour to the town of Maxixe, and then further to our accommodation in Vilancoulos, overlooking the Bazaruto Archipelago, offering brilliant views of the islands & the crystal clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The town, with friendly people and a lively atmosphere, offers the perfect base from which to explore the picturesque Bazaruto Archipelago and the Bazaruto National Park. The marine reserve includes five islands - Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Bangue. The Archipelago offers some of the world's best snorkelling, diving and big game fishing. The islands are pristine in their natural beauty and diverse ecologies. The coral reefs are profuse with a diversity of tropical fish and turtles, and are amongst the most pristine in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins are seen year round and whales are seasonal visitors to the Archepelago. The park is also home to the last viable population of dugong on the east African coast. There is an abundance of bird species, including the crab plover and olive bee-eater that tunnels its nest into the sand dunes. Large flocks of migrant waders visit the fertile mud flats from September to April, and the nomadic Greater Flamingo arrive around mid-October.
  
  (B: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 11:
• Bazaruto Archipelago
  
  The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of several tropical islands and includes some awesome reefs which are home to a diverse array of marine life. As a result there are a host of optional water sports available in the area including world class deep sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Optional Dhow trips, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, catamaran trips, sunset cruises and full-day trips to the Bazaruto Islands with a barbecue lunch on the beach can be arranged.
  
  (B: Overnight Bungalow)
• Day 12:
• Vilancoulos
  
  After breakfast the safari arrangements end.
  
  While we endeavour to ensure the itinerary runs as advertised, Wilderness Dawning reserves the right to change this due to unforeseen circumstances or external influences beyond our control. E&OE
  
  
  

Included:

Use of specially modified 4x4 vehicles, Professional Guide. Meals as specified (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). Accommodation on a share basis. South African National Parks and Game Reserves entrance fees. Mozambique National Parks entrance fees. Swazlinad Game reserve entrance fees. Open Vehicle Game-drives in all National Parks and Reserves.

Excluded:

All airfares, mineral water, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, activities in Inhambane and Vilancoulos, any gratuities, any personal expenses, visa fees, departure taxes. Travel Insurance (compulsory).Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers.