The heart of Africa

We recommend a trip to KwaZulu-Natal, Eswatini and Mozambique from May to September, when temperatures are pleasantly warm and the weather is dry. In the summer months, from December to February, on the other hand, temperatures rise and you must expect frequent rain and muggy weather.

In the morning, you will land in Durban and meet with our representative. After picking up your rental car and travel documents at the airport, your journey begins.

Durban is the capital of KwaZulu-Natal and today the second largest city in South Africa. Known for its fine sandy beach and warm Indian Ocean, the city attracts many sun worshippers. It is warm and sunny 320 days a year and the waves are ideal for surfing.

Durban Airport - Durban Hotel: 18 km / approx. 20 minutes

1 night with breakfast in Durban, South Africa

After breakfast, your journey continues to St. Lucia.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is located at a river and offers a unique landscape of water bodies, coastal forest, swamp forest, scrub, reeds and mangroves. In December 1999, the park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Your guesthouse is located in the village of St. Lucia. Situated on a magnificent stretch of coastline and fringed by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, this is the ideal base for excursions into iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Please note that for trips to the park, park entrance fees must be paid directly at the entrance.

Durban - St. Lucia: 237 km / approx. 3 hours

2 nights with breakfast in St. Lucia, South Africa

Today your itinerary takes you to the Mkhuze Game Reserve, a malaria-free reserve located near the northern border with Swaziland.

Mkhuze Game Reserve, which occupies a large portion of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and lies in the foothills of the coastal plain, is home to 420 species of birds as well as representatives of the Big 5. You can see lions, elephants, rhinos (black and white), cheetahs, leopards, antelopes, guenons and baboons in their natural environment.

St. Lucia - Mkhuze Game Reserve drive: 119 km / approx. 1 hour 30 minutes

2 nights full board and 2x game drives per day in Mkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa

Enjoy breakfast at the restaurant before leaving South Africa and heading to Eswatini (Swaziland) for your next accommodation. The drive takes you along a winding asphalt road through a mountainous landscape.

Four climatic zones stretch through this small country - tropics and highlands are usually only a walk apart. Thanks to the geographical richness, but also to sustainable nature conservation, almost the entire rich flora and fauna of Africa can be found in a very small area in Eswatini. Because of the mild climate and the scenic beauty, Eswatini is therefore also called the "Switzerland of Africa" by enthusiasts.

During your stay, you can hike to the Mantenga Waterfalls, one of the most famous and easily accessible waterfalls in Swaziland, and visit the Mantenga Cultural Village. Here you will be immersed in the world of Swazi culture - including customs, rituals, dance, music, folklore, arts and crafts.

Notes:

Please note that a visa for Eswatini (Swaziland) can be applied for directly at the border for most European citizens. It is issued immediately.

Mkhuze Game Reserve - Eswatini: 249 km / approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

2 nights half board accommodation in Mhlambanyatsi, Swaziland

After two days in Eswatini, you will drive back to South Africa today. Rest in your accommodation before continuing to Mozambique tomorrow.

Eswatini - White River: 230 km / approx. 3 hours

1 overnight with breakfast in White River, South Africa

After dropping off your rental car at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, continue your journey by road and boat transfer to Mozambique. The boat ride depends on the tide and takes about an hour.

The southern coast of Mozambique is considered wild and almost untouched. Miles of sandy beaches and an endless horizon bathed in red and gold colors in the evening guarantee peace and relaxation. Enjoy the next five nights in your lodge between forest and dunes within the Maputo Elephant Nature Reserve - you deserve it.

Notes:

Please note that a visa is required for entry into Mozambique.

White River - Mozambique: approx. 5 hours

5 nights including full board in Machangulo Peninsula, Mozambique

Before you know it, it’s the last day of your trip. You will reach the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport by boat and road transfer and board your flight home.

itravel - for that moment.

Sandals Guest House*****, Durban, South Africa

Your hotel is located just 200 meters from the beach. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can relax on the Indian Ocean beach or enjoy relaxing hours by the inviting outdoor pool. The individually decorated rooms are air-conditioned and feature tea and coffeemaking facilities, satellite TV and a king-size bed. The en suite bathroom is decorated in warm earth tones and includes toiletries and hairdryers. Take advantage of your accommodation's free parking and relax in the outdoor pool or bar.

Serene Estate Boutique Guesthouse*****, St. Lucia, South Africa.

The guesthouse welcomes you on the edge of the idyllic iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly known as the St. Lucia Greater Wetland Park). A short walk you will take you to the village center and Mackenzie Street. The house stylishly combines modern architecture and African nature. In the evening, enjoy a delicious cocktail on your private balcony with panoramic ocean views.

Ghost Mountain Inn ****, Mkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa

Situated at the foot of Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, amidst stands of ancient trees, the privately run Ghost Mountain Inn awaits you. It is a place full of magic and soul, inspired by a dream and created with passion. This award-winning hotel is the ideal base in northern KwaZulu Natal for game drives and walks.

The comfortable rooms have private terraces overlooking the landscape and sunsets.

Enjoy your meals of local and international cuisine in one of the two restaurants and end your eventful day at the bar. Relaxation is also on the agenda at the on-site spa.

Foresters Arms***+, Mbabane, Swaziland

This small, personally run 3-star hotel with its 30 rooms is set in a large, spacious garden in the scenic highlands of Swaziland, in the heart of the kingdom. The rural atmosphere is reflected in the stylish decor. The Forresters Arms is located about 27 km outside Mbabane in the middle of a forest area, about 1,200 meters high and offers a very nice, relaxing stay in the mountainous landscape of Swaziland, ideal for hiking. There is a typical English lounge and bar, a TV room and a restaurant with a front terrace and large pergola.

Silent Woning****, White River, South Africa.

Not far from Kruger National Park and the airport, Stille Woning welcomes you to a lush garden with pool. Rooms are en suite and feature satellite TV, a fan and tea and coffee facilities. Internet is available free of charge. Start your day right with a lovely breakfast.

Machangulo Beach Lodge****, Machangulo Peninsula, Mozambique

Machangulo Beach Lodge is located between Inhaca Island and the dunes of the Santa Maria Peninsula - overlooking endless white beaches, pristine forests and dunes, estuaries full of life and the eternally wide ocean. Amidst the dunes and hidden in the forests, Machangulo Beach Lodge captivates with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lodge has eight private luxury chalets. Each chalet has a private bathroom, air conditioning, mosquito nets and a private veranda. All chalets are connected by walkways and stairs to the main buildings and the beach. The impressive main building includes a large, inviting lounge with bar and large dining area. Tucked away behind the main building is the boma, where quiet Mozambican evenings can be spent beside the fire and listening to the silence of nature. Near the beach is a pool and beach bar, both of which are great for cooling off and taking an afternoon siesta.

Closest airport: King Shaka International Airport

Duration of the trip: 15 days / 14 nights

Included

• 14 nights in the above mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at Sandals Guest House***** with breakfast in a Superior Room, Durban, South Africa
  • 2 nights at Serene Estate Boutique Guesthouse***** with breakfast in a Garden Room, St. Lucia, South Africa
  • 3 nights at Ghost Mountain Inn**** with half board and 2x game drives per day in a Standard Room, Mkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa
  • 2 nights at Foresters Arms Hotel***+ with half board in Double Room, Mbabane, Eswatini
  • 1 night at Stille Woning**** with breakfast in Double Room, White River, South Africa
  • 5 nights at Machangulo Beach Lodge**** with full board and activities in Ocean View Room, Machangulo Peninsula, Mozambique
• Meals as indicated in the program
• Meet & Greet at King Shaka Airport in Durban
• 10 rental days of vehicle category R (Toyota RAV 4 or similar) including all additional drivers, exemption from theft and collision damage, personal accident insurance, unlimited mileage, airport surcharge, tourism tax, VAT of 15%, carbon emission tax, document administration fee, tire, hubcap, rim, water, windshield, sandblast and underbody damage, sat nav device. Pick up from King Shaka Airport in Durban & drop off Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
• Transfer from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.
• Boat transfer from Maputo to Machangulo Lodge
• Boat transfer from Machangulo Lodge to Maputo
• Transfer from Maputo to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
• Detailed travel documents
• The indicated price is valid in the following travel periods: 01.09.21 - 10.12.21 and 10.01.2022 - 31.05.2022.

Experiences included

• Mkhuze Game Reserve, South Africa:
  • 2x game drives per day (morning and evening)

Not included

• International flights
• Taxes and fees of the flights are subject to change
• Transfers not mentioned in the scope of services
• National park fees and optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees, etc.)
• Meals and beverages not included in the tour package
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Travel protection
• PCR test, if still required
• Visa, entry and/or exit fees, if required