15 Days South Africa and Mozambique Self Drive - 15MO1

White River

Days 1 - 2

Situated just north of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, White River is a quiet, peaceful town made up of a large farming community. Culinary types will delight in the town’s renowned delicious tropical fruits, tasty vegetables and wineries, while history lovers should stroll around town and check out White River’s early Lowveld architecture, or explore the fascinating White River History and Motor Museum. Three dams, thick forests, a picturesque botanical garden, and distinctive rock formations enhance the splendour of the area, making it an ideal base for hiking and nature photography. Several incredible reserves can also be reached easily from here, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. Other highlights include a reptile park, a wonderful art studio, and numerous craft and antique shops. The Born Biking Indoor Skate Park appeals to active travellers.

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White River

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Days 2 - 4

Located in the Mpumalanga Province, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This magnificent 60 000 hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions discovered here in the 1970s, which gave this destination its name. Meaning 'the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens', the park lives up to the hype with its enthralling African savannah, abundant wildlife, and friendly people. Visitors have the opportunity to see 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Enjoy a wide array of activities including daytime safaris, guided night game drives, bush walks, and excellent bird watching.

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Central Kruger

Days 4 - 5

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.

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Central Kruger

Chidenguele

Days 6 - 7

Located north of Xai Xai, Chidenguele is a small village that shares its name with a long stretch of neighbouring pristine beaches along Mozambique’s scenic coast. The surrounding area is dotted with glittering lakes, one of which is Lake Nhambavale - a popular freshwater body stretching over 20 kilometres in length. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities in this area. Enjoy a wide selection of thrilling watersports on Lake Nhambavale, explore the Boa Paz Lighthouse, and stroll along unspoilt deserted beaches. Other popular activities include snorkelling, diving, fishing, bird watching, and hiking.

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Chidenguele

Inhambane

Days 7 - 9

The Imhambane Province is known for its wide, almost land-locked bay and its beautiful but crumbling Portuguese architecture. Points of interest include the vibrant local market, intriguing heritage museums, charming mosques and the 200-year-old Cathedral of our Lady of Concepti. Located within close proximity are the popular beach destinations of Barra, Tofo and Guinjata Bay, which offer excellent snorkelling, diving, fishing and watersports; and the tiny, remote Ilha dos porcos which is home to traditional villages and a few of the remaining namesake wild pigs. Tofo is also an ideal destination for animal lovers, as it is home to manta rays and whale sharks, while Barra features an incredible bird estuary. It is possible to take traditional dhow boats across the bay, allowing visitors to experience it in the same way it was hundreds of years ago.

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Inhambane

Vilanculos

Days 9 - 11

Situated in the Mozambican province of Inhambane, Vilanculos is a laidback town featuring some lovely beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. It is stocked with all the amenities needed for a fantastic seaside holiday. This bustling coastal town has its own international airport and serves as a great base for exploring the idyllic islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The town itself offers good diving, a wide range of accommodation choices and lively nightlife. Visitors can jump on a traditional dhow boat and venture to the pristine Bazaruto Archipelago, browse for fresh produce and locally-made souvenirs in the bustling market in the centre of town, and spend the day soaking up the sun on an array of idyllic beaches. Other popular activities include: horse riding, game fishing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, snorkelling and sailing.

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Vilanculos

Zavora

Days 11 - 13

Set along the breathtakingly beautiful coast of Mozambique, Zavora is a popular beach destination providing visitors with the ultimate diving holiday. Zavora is said to offer some of the best diving and deep sea fishing in Africa. This popular diving mecca boasts long stretches of white-sand beaches, a thriving underwater world and comfortable accommodation and facilities. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of wonderful activities including: snorkelling and diving with manta rays, spotting humpback whales in the warm coastal waters, and exploring the secret undiscovered coral reef.

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Zavora

Maputo

Days 13 - 14

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.

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Maputo

Komatipoort

Days 14 - 15

Set at the confluence of the Crocodile and Komati Rivers, Komatipoort is a town in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. This country town is known primarily for its proximity to the Kruger National Park and the Mozambique border and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacular surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a huge variety of activities such as fishing, scenic game drives to see the majestic Big Five, spotting a wide range of extraordinary, colourful birds, hiking through incredible flora and fauna, mountain biking through rough terrain, or spending a lazy day on a golf course or around the bush barbeque (braai).

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Komatipoort
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