Dear Traveller,
This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed for travelers seeking a well-balanced journey that combines self-drive freedom, exceptional wildlife experiences, and relaxed time by the Indian Ocean. Traveling independently by car allows you to explore South Africa at your own pace, enjoying scenic routes and iconic landscapes, while carefully chosen lodges and guided activities ensure comfort, safety, and memorable experiences throughout.
The journey unfolds in two distinct yet complementary parts — beginning in South Africa and ending on the tropical shores of Mozambique.
Your adventure starts in Johannesburg, from where you set off on a scenic self-drive route through Mpumalanga, passing mountain passes and escarpments before reaching the wildlife-rich Lowveld. The first safari experiences take place in the Balule Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger ecosystem, followed by deeper immersion within Kruger National Park itself. Here, guided game drives offer outstanding opportunities to encounter Africa’s iconic wildlife in vast and varied landscapes.
Leaving the bush behind, the route continues along the spectacular Panorama Route, where dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls, historic towns, and lush forests provide a striking contrast to the savanna. This scenic interlude offers a slower pace and a chance to appreciate South Africa’s natural diversity beyond its wildlife.
The final chapter of the journey takes you to Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast, flying to Vilanculos — gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Here, the focus shifts entirely to relaxation and marine exploration. Days are spent enjoying white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, snorkeling and boating excursions, and the laid-back atmosphere that defines this part of the world.
Altogether, this is a rich and varied African journey, blending road-trip adventure, unforgettable safaris, dramatic landscapes, and tropical beach time. It’s an ideal itinerary for travelers who want to experience the many faces of southern Africa — from the bush to the beach — in one seamless and rewarding trip.
|
day 0 |
Hops Hollow | Panorama Route |
1 night |
B&B |
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|
day 1 |
Tanamera Lodge | Hazyview |
2 nights |
B&B |
||
| Idle & Wild |
alternate |
|||||
| Timamoon Lodge |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 3 |
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge | Balule Private Game Reserve |
2 nights |
B&B |
||
| Umlani Bushcamp |
alternate |
|||||
| Kings Camp |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 5 |
Mdluli Safari Lodge | Southern Kruger |
3 nights |
B&B |
||
| Jock Safari Lodge | Main Lodge |
alternate |
|||||
|
day 8 |
asDunas Lodge | Vilankulos |
6 nights |
B&B |
||
| Azura Marlin Beach |
alternate |
|
B&B: Bed and Breakfast |
|
15 Days / 14 Nights
Reference Number: IOA_ZAMZ_15D_LDG_JNBtoVNX_EN
Pricing & Budget Notes
The overall cost of travel will depend on several factors, including:
- Duration of travel (longer journeys dilute transfers over more nights, making the average rate per night more efficient)
- Season of travel (March and April are ideal in terms of climate and also offer considerably lower pricing compared to peak season)
- Group size (sharing transport and guides reduces per-person costs)
- Lodge category (entry-level vs. luxury lodges).
Entry-level budgets start from approximately €450 per person per night on average, with higher pricing when selecting more luxurious lodges.
Includes:
Accommodation
14 nights’ accommodation as specified in the itinerary
All lodge taxes and tourism levies where applicable
Meals
Full board at safari lodges and beach lodge, as specified:
Ku Sungula Safari Lodge (Balule Private Game Reserve)
Mdluli Safari Lodge (Kruger National Park)
AsDunas Lodge (Vilanculos)
Breakfast only at guesthouses and self-drive regions, as outlined in the itinerary
Transport & Transfers
Rental vehicle in South Africa, collected at OR Tambo International Airport and returned at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
Meet & greet service on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
All scheduled lodge and airport transfers as per the itinerary, including:
Vilanculos International Airport ↔ AsDunas Lodge
Flights
Scheduled flight: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) → Vilanculos International Airport (VNX)
Activities (as specified)
Guided game drives at Ku Sungula Safari Lodge (as specified)
Guided game drives at Mdluli Safari Lodge:
Afternoon game drive on arrival
Morning and afternoon game drives on full days
Morning game drive on departure day
Boat trip & snorkeling excursion in the Bazaruto Archipelago with Wild Africa Mozambique
Park Fees
National park and conservation fees for included safari areas and activities, unless stated otherwise
Excludes:
International Flights
International flights to/from South Africa
International departure flight from Mozambique
Visas & Border Costs
Visa fees for South Africa and Mozambique (where applicable)
Any border or immigration fees not explicitly stated as included
Meals & Drinks Not Specified
Lunches and dinners in self-drive and guesthouse regions unless stated as included
Drinks not specified as included
Premium brands, champagne, and imported spirits at lodges
Optional & Non-Included Activities
Panorama Route activities and entrance fees unless explicitly stated as included
Snorkeling, scuba diving, horse riding, and other optional activities in Vilanculos (unless specified as included)
Any additional activities not explicitly listed as included in the itinerary
Personal Expenses
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Gratuities and tips to guides, drivers, lodge, and hotel staff
Souvenirs and personal shopping
Laundry (unless specified as included)
Phone calls, data usage, and other personal expenses
Self-Drive & Vehicle-Related Costs
Fuel costs during self-drive sections
Parking fees and tolls
GPS units, child seats, additional drivers, or other rental vehicle extras
Fines or penalties incurred during the rental period
