Wildlife and wetlands of Zululand, magnificent beaches, snorkelling, diving, fishing, sun, sea and sand. A tropical paradise tour that includes a bush walk in Swaziland and game viewing in the famous Kruger National Park. From the culture of the Zulu nation to the Portuguese and Arab influences in food and architecture of Mozambique. This is an easy paced, relaxing safari for those looking for a different experience in Southern Africa.
Limited participation:
On our accommodated adventures we will require a limited amount of participation from you. The guides will, when required, do the meal preparation and will ask for you for a bit of help cleaning up afterwards (on rotation). Where restaurant meals are included in the itinerary, obviously these will be served by the lodge and do not require your assistance. When everyone gets involved in the safari it makes the entire tour more successful.
Overview
Itinerary Highlights:
- Dive or snorkel in some of the best spots in the world: Kosi Bay, Inhambane and Xai Xai
- Visit a local Zulu community and learn about their culture, history and traditions
- Enjoy a dolphin encounter at Ponta Do Ouro
- Discover the variety of wildlife on game drives in Kruger National Park
Itinerary Overview:
- Day 1-3: Johannesburg to Zululand
- Day 4: Kosi Bay
- Day 5-6: Ponta Do Ouro
- Day 7: Maputo
- Day 8-9: Inhambane
- Day 10: Chizavane
- Day 11-12: Kruger National Park
- Day 13: Greater Kruger
- Day 14: Johannesburg
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1-3: Johannesburg to Zululand
The tour departs Johannesburg at 06:30am, travelling across the Highveld before descending into the heart of KwaZulu Natal known for its rich culture and spectacular wildlife.
Zululand, home of the nation forged by King Shaka Zulu - stretches from the warm Indian Ocean, across the rolling green hills to the Drakensberg Mountains. Our lodge for the next 3 nights is situated on a private nature reserve.
We explore the natural serenity of the bush on a morning walk followed by an exciting afternoon game drive in Mkuzi Game Reserve. Mkuzi plays a key role in the preservation of the endangered black and white rhino and we look forward to watching from a hide overlooking a waterhole, as the animals quench their thirst.
On the third day we explore Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and in the afternoon get to know the people of the area as we visit a local Zulu community and our guides interpret the history, culture and traditions of the modern Zulu people.
Day 4: Kosi Bay
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve covers a region of fertile estuaries, mangroves, dune forest and tidal lakes. This afternoon we walk down to the lake to explore this amazing eco-system by boat and the following morning we take a 4WD transfer to the Kosi estuary mouth. A special feature of the Kosi Bay estuary is the traditional practice of subsistence tidal trap fishing. We have time to swim, walk on the beach or snorkel the shallow reefs in the estuary mouth.
Day 5-6: Ponta Do Ouro
Ponta do Ouro is the ocean lover’s mecca of Southern Mozambique. A highlight of this safari is the opportunity to join a local dolphin research team on ocean safaris. Research since the early 1990s indicates that there are approximately 400 individual dolphins moving through the Ponta do Ouro area, of which about 150 are resident. We have 2 boat launches planned which gives us a chance to snorkel on the shallow reefs, view dolphins and whales from the boat, and hopefully swim with dolphins if their activity at the time permits us to enter the water. A wild dolphin encounter is an extraordinary wildlife experience.
Day 7: Maputo
Maputo, formerly known as Lourenço Marques is situated on a natural harbour and is the economic hub of Mozambique. Once referred to as the “African Riviera”, Portuguese and African cultures meet in an exquisite blend of seafood and vibrant life. Sample the excellent seafood in a local restaurant (own expense).
Day 8-9: Inhambane
Travelling north along the Indian Ocean coastline, we drive through mango and cashew nut plantations en-route to the town of Inhambane. Arab influences are strong in Inhambane dating back to when slaves, ivory, gold and spices were traded. Explore Inhambane and its 200 year old cathedral and we visit the enchanting fresh produce market before moving to Praia de Barra.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the warm sea and expansive white beaches. For the more energetic, there are optional activities such as dhow rides, scuba diving, fishing and surfing (own expense).
*Dinner is included for you on Day 8, but not on Day 9.
Day 10: Chizavane
We turn south along the coast to a secluded fishing lodge on the beach north of Xai-Xai. The lodge is perched on the coastal dunes with a magnificent view of the surrounding natural bush and expansive beach. Low tide exposes a long rocky reef parallel to the beach, which creates a shallow, calm pool ideal for snorkelling and swimming. For our last night on the beach we enjoy a fish braai (barbeque) dinner at the lodge restaurant overlooking the warm Indian Ocean.
Day 11-12: Kruger National Park
Leaving the Indian Ocean coast, we travel through the Limpopo Transfrontier Park and enter Kruger National Park, South Africa. An icon of nature conservation, Kruger is big game country! As we make our way to our camp, we enjoy an exciting game drive and hope to spot lions, giraffe and elephant among others.
*Dinner is included for you on Day 12, but not on Day 11.
Day 13: Greater Kruger
The following morning we are up early and we spend the day exploring the national park before we leave and head to our private game lodge. Relax around the pool or the campfire on our final evening in the tranquil African wilderness.
Day 14: Departure Johannesburg
Our final day on tour starts with an exciting game walk. We explore the private game reserve on foot with our rangers.While the opportunity to see big game on foot exists, our guides will also take the time to interpret the tracks and signs of the African bush.
We head back to the lodge for brunch before we return to Johannesburg in the evening, sun-tanned, laid-back and ready to re-join life. The tour ends with a drop off at Johannesburg Airport at approx. 17h00, or a drop off at a city hotel at approx. 18h00.
| Dates | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|
| 04 May 2025 - 17 May 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 22 Jun 2025 - 05 Jul 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 13 Jul 2025 - 26 Jul 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 03 Aug 2025 - 16 Aug 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 10 Aug 2025 - 23 Aug 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 24 Aug 2025 - 06 Sep 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 07 Sep 2025 - 20 Sep 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 14 Sep 2025 - 27 Sep 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 05 Oct 2025 - 18 Oct 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 12 Oct 2025 - 25 Oct 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 26 Oct 2025 - 08 Nov 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
| 07 Dec 2025 - 20 Dec 2025 | NZD$4306pp | Contact us |
** Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
** Single supplements may apply
Suggested Accommodation
| City | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Zululand | Zululand Lodge or similar |
| Kosi Bay | Kosi Bay Lodge or similar |
| Ponta Do Ouro | Planet Scuba Guest House or similar |
| Maputo | City Lodge Hotel Maputo or similar |
| Inhambane | Bay View Lodge or similar |
| Xai-Xai | East Africa Safaris or similar |
| Kruger | Kruger National Park Chalets or Tents or similar |
| Kruger | Makuwa Safari Lodge or similar |
Whats included?
- Accommodation in guest houses/cabins/chalets
- Professional Safari guides
- Transport in minibus/safari truck & 4WD
- 13 Breakfast, 13 lunches and 7 dinners
- Entrance fees
- Activities and excursions as per itinerary
What’s not included?
- Airfares
- Compulsory local payment of ZAR1,500 per person (pp), collected by the tour leader on departure in 2024.
- Compulsory local payment of ZAR1,600 per person (pp), collected by the tour leader on departure in 2025.
- Travel insurance, visas
- Meals not listed in the itinerary, beverages
- Arrival transfers
- Optional excursions
- Any other items of personal nature
Notes
- Limited participation:
On our accommodated adventures we will require a limited amount of participation from you. The guides will, when required, do the meal preparation and will ask for you for a bit of help cleaning up afterwards (on rotation). Where restaurant meals are included in the itinerary, obviously these will be served by the lodge and do not require your assistance. When everyone gets involved in the safari it makes the entire tour more successful.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
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