Mozambique and South Africa - Small Group

Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to exploring one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five; soaking up the incredible natural scenery; and enjoying a variety of activities including scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking.

Situated just north of Durban along South Africa's scenic coast, Kosi Bay lies only two kilometres from the Mozambique border. It encompasses a pristine system of four lakes that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean. Beachgoers can enjoy a calm, quiet beach and a river mouth with exceptionally clear water, home to an abundance of fish species. Other faunas in the area include duikers, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bull sharks, loggerheads, and leatherback sea turtles – which lay their eggs on the beach – and diverse birdlife. An interesting fact about Kosi Bay is that it is home to the Kosi Palm, which has the largest leaf of any plant in the floral kingdom.

Just north of Mozambique’s border with South Africa, the quaint town of Ponta do Ouro lies on the country’s remote southeastern coast. The town's name is Portuguese for "tip of gold", which refers to the expansive cape at the southern part of the beach. This holiday destination serves as a stop on many overland itineraries and is host to some of the most beautiful coastline in Africa. The colonial-era town of Ponta do Ouro is a seaside playground for tourists with its beachfront resorts, seafood restaurants, and an array of outdoor adventure activities. The main attraction is undoubtedly the world-class scuba diving and snorkelling. Explore the thriving underwater world teeming with aquatic life, shop at the local craft market or take in the magnificent views from barefoot bars with a cold Mozambican beer in hand. Other popular activities include deep-sea fishing, surfing, quad biking, and jet skiing.

Mozambique's capital, Maputo, is known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. With its beautiful art deco architecture and its exceptional setting on a hill overlooking the glittering Maputo Bay, the city of Maputo once sparkled as the 'Riviera' of Southern Africa. Previously called Lourenco Marques, Maputo is Mozambique's largest city and home to the country's most famous harbour. It is well-equipped with a wide selection of hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene and open-air sidewalk cafes lining the streets. Visitors can stroll down the jacaranda-lined streets of the Baixa neighbourhood in the Old Town, explore the Praca da Independencia square, discover the Neoclassical City Hall and view the unique bronze-domed Maputo Railway Station. Other popular activities include visiting Catembe and Ponta d'Oura's beautiful beaches as well as snorkelling and scuba diving in the warm Mozambican waters.

Resting on the southeastern shore of Mozambique, roughly 485 kilometres of Maputo and 25 kilometres of Inhambane, the magnificent Barra Beach (or Barra) is an idyllic holiday destination. Pristine, gorgeous soft sands line the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, which are warm enough for swimming year-round. The beach stretches far enough to provide a good location for walks, and is lined by coconut trees and wonderful beach resorts. Brightly coloured fish inhabit the reefs offshore, making this an excellent spot for scuba diving. There are also ample opportunities for fishing, surfing, kite surfing, quad biking, safari tours, dhow trips to the breathtaking Pansy Islands, and guided walks through the mangroves. Make sure to indulge in a little bar hopping to try the delicious local cocktails and culinary specialities.

Chizavane is a coastal paradise with a prime location, only a few hours' drive north of Maputo and close to the town of Xai-Xai. A haven of relaxation, this sun-soaked destination offers miles of pristine golden beaches fringed by warm Indian Ocean waters and backed by rolling dunes dotted with welcoming rustic chalets. Travellers can spend their days swimming in crystal clear waters, snorkelling on dazzling coral reefs, fishing, or wandering along the idyllic coastline. After a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea, head to one of the bustling beachfront cafés to feast on spicy peri-peri chicken or freshly caught seafood roasted on the barbeque.

Set at the heart of South Africa’s largest and most famous game reserve, Central Kruger is home to large numbers of lions, hyenas, cheetah, leopards, buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, zebra, and birds of prey. The Olifants River flows through the region, a popular bathing and drinking site for hippos, elephants, and other mammals. Visitors can explore the area by way of guided game drives, bush walks, bird walks, and night drives. The area is also conveniently close to the Masorini archaeological site, an excavated ruin that dates back to the late Iron Age known to be a trading post for iron products by the Ba-Phalaborwa people. Other popular attractions easily accessible from the region include the spectacular Mac Mac Falls and the quaint historic town, Pilgrim’s Rest.

Scattered along the unfenced western boundary of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, private game reserves combine with the Kruger to establish one of the world’s largest game reserves. This incredible destination offers visitors excellent Big Five game viewing opportunities and an array of luxury safari accommodation complete with world-class cuisine, relaxing spas and private pools. Visitors can look forward to fascinating night-drive safaris, guided nature walks, and open-top safari adventures. Some of these prestigious private reserves include: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Thornybush Private Game Reserve, and Timbavati Private Game Reserve, to name a few.