Rise early with the sounds of the bush and enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea before heading out on a morning game drive in Hwange National Park.

Hwange’s diverse landscapes are home to more than 100 mammal species and nearly 400 birds. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants moving silently through the teak forests, kudu standing alert in the thickets, or a pride of lions resting after a night’s hunt. We return to our lodge late morning for a bit of relaxation during the heat of the day, before visiting the nearby Painted Dog Conservation Centre in the afternoon, a vital project dedicated to protecting one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores — the African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf. Here, you’ll learn about the threats facing these remarkable animals and the community-driven efforts to safeguard their future.

After breakfast, we depart Hwange and journey toward the mystical realm of Matobo Hills, also known as Matopos National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its otherworldly rock formations, rich spiritual history, and diverse wildlife. Unlike the open plains of Hwange, Matopos offers a dramatically different environment: massive granite boulders balance precariously on each other, and ancient caves hide millennia-old San rock art. Matopos is one of the best places in Africa to track white and black rhino on foot (if conditions and park regulations allow).

After breakfast, we hit the road heading east toward one of Africa’s most significant historical landmarks — the majestic Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

By early afternoon, we arrive at Great Zimbabwe, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe and once a thriving trading centre between the 11th and 15th centuries. The stone structures — including the Great Enclosure, the Hill Complex, and the iconic conical tower — are marvels of dry-stone architecture and steeped in myth and mystery. After exploring the ruins, we head just a few minutes away to our accommodation for the night.

This morning, we depart the historical heart of Zimbabwe and set our course southward toward the wild frontier of our overnight lodge, nestled near the Limpopo River in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area. The journey takes us through remote, seldom-visited parts of Zimbabwe — a land of open skies and baobab-dotted hills. As we travel, the landscape shifts from highveld to lowveld, gradually giving way to the semi-arid bush that characterizes Zimbabwe’s deep south.  By late afternoon, we arrive at our accommodation - surrounded by mopane woodland, ancient sandstone formations, and the calls of wild birds echoing in the distance. Enjoy a relaxed dinner under the stars, with anticipation building for the wildlife encounters that await in this beautifully preserved corner of southern Africa.

We set off on a journey that blends ancient human expression with raw African wilderness. Our first stop is the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, where San (Bushman) paintings dating back thousands of years adorn the sandstone walls. These vivid images of animals, hunters, and spiritual symbols offer a powerful glimpse into the beliefs and daily life of southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants.  In the afternoon, we participate in an unforgettable guided tracking experience in Mapesu Private Game Reserve. Walking through the private reserve, your guide and tracker will teach you how to read the bush — from fresh tracks and broken branches to calls in the distance — piecing together the movements of cheetah, rhino, or perhaps the wild dog.

After an early breakfast, we make our way south toward the iconic Kruger National Park.  Entering the park through one of its northern gates, we enjoy a scenic drive through Kruger’s diverse landscapes, with the chance to spot the animals along the way.  By late afternoon, we arrive at our lodge, located just outside the Phalaborwa Gate. After checking in and freshening up, we head out on an exciting sunset game drive, exploring the nearby private reserve. As the bush transforms under the golden hues of dusk, we search for nocturnal wildlife beginning to stir.

We begin the day with a morning bush walk in the Phalaborwa area. This immersive experience offers a ground-level perspective of the bush — where every footprint, scent, and bird call tell a story. After the walk and a hearty breakfast, we travel southward toward the Timbavati region, a renowned conservation area that shares unfenced borders with Kruger, allowing wildlife to move freely. By mid-afternoon, we arrive at our overnight lodge, and shortly after check-in, we head out on a sunset game drive in the greater Timbavati/Greater Kruger area. With luck, this could be the day you spot the Big Five.  We return to the lodge, where dinner and storytelling around the campfire complete another unforgettable day in the bush.

After breakfast, we set off on a scenic drive along South Africa’s famous Panorama Route — a day filled with dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and cascading waterfalls. Our route takes us to iconic viewpoints such as God’s Window, the remarkable rock formations at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the sweeping vistas of the Three Rondavels overlooking the Blyde River Canyon. We pause along the way to explore the Lisbon or Berlin Falls and enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local spot. By late afternoon, we arrive at our lodge, nestled in the tranquil surrounds of Hazyview.  Settle in, enjoy a quiet dinner, and prepare for the final stretch of your journey.

Today is all about the thrill of the wild as we embark on a full-day guided safari in Kruger National Park. Setting off early in an open 4x4 safari vehicle, we enter the park through one of the nearby gates and begin our search for the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

We will enjoy a break at one of the park’s rest camps, with time to stretch, grab a bite to eat and take in the surroundings before continuing our game-viewing journey. By late afternoon, we return to our lodge, where you can relax and reflect on a day filled with incredible sightings and unforgettable moments in the African wild.

This morning after breakfast, we begin our return journey to Johannesburg. This relaxed drive offers time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days — from ancient rock art and dramatic escarpments to thrilling game drives and quiet moments in the bush. We arrive in Johannesburg by late afternoon or early evening.

Today is a day at leisure. If you would like to book an optional day excursion, please speak to our reservations team for assistance. .

Please note that during the next few days (while you embark on your Kruger & Mozambique tour), the order of our overnight stays and/or activities could change without prior notice and a degree of flexibility is needed.  This is to allow for maximum opportunities and experiences.  All items will be delivered, and highlights will continue to be offered as outlined in the itinerary, however it may occur on alternative days. 

We depart Johannesburg and travel through scenic Mpumalanga until we reach Eswatini, where we will overnight for the next 2 nights.

Officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, Eswatini is a landlocked country which means that it doesn’t have a coastline and is completely surrounded by South Africa.  Some key Swazi phrases to try include:  Hello: “Sawubona” or Yes:  “Yebo”.   Today you will have the opportunity to explore your surroundings at leisure.

We depart Mlilwane and head to another great reserve, Hlane Game Reserve. Our stay in Eswatini presents us with an opportunity to enjoy a game drive through the reserve.

With the beaches of the Indian Ocean beckoning we enter Mozambique and make our first stop near the town of Xai Xai, arriving in the late afternoon we have time for a walk on the beach or a sundowner say ‘Hello!’ to the Indian Ocean and the pristine beaches of Mozambique.

This morning we travel north to our next stop, the costal town of Vilanculos, which is renowned for its idyllic white sandy beaches and azure waters. It’s the gateway to the greater Bazaruto Archipelago, offering fantastic snorkeling, diving, and fishing opportunities. With vibrant local culture, diverse marine life, and picturesque dhow safaris, Vilanculos epitomizes tropical serenity and adventure.

We board a traditional dhow this morning and set sail to the island of Magaruque. We spend the day exploring the island, snorkelling and enjoying the beaches of this island paradise. Be sure to keep your sunblock handy as today is filled with sun, sea, sand and exploration. We return in the afternoon and enjoy a well-earned night of rest.

Our journey takes us to the palm lined beaches of the Inhambane District for two days of relaxation and ocean fun. We travel back south along the coast, passing the many villages and plantations of coconuts, cashews and sugar cane. Inhambane is a historic city, steeped in Portuguese colonial charm. Known for its rustling palm trees and tranquil beaches, the city offers a delightful blend of African and colonial architecture. It’s a gateway to diving hotspots like Tofo Beach, renowned for its whale shark and manta ray sightings.

With two days of beach time we have an opportunity to relax and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the more adventurous can sign up for a variety of optional activities. While the beaches at Barra are safe for swimming, the reefs on this stretch of coast offer excellent opportunities for diving or snorkelling.

Today we make the short drive to Tofo to spend the day enjoying yet another of Mozambique’s iconic beach destination. With safe swimming, a charming market and a number of popular beach bars, Tofo is perfect for a day’s outing. A second day not only ensures that you have the opportunity to make the most of the activities on offer; it also allows us some flexibility to adapt to the weather.

With the beaches of the Indian Ocean behind us, we enter Maputo, the capital city offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of cultures. Maputo offers interesting and varied architecture and no visit to the city would be complete without a browse through a market.

Shaking the sand from our shoes, we pack up and depart Mozambique for the sounds of the bush of Kruger National Park.

Rising early this morning we enter the Kruger National Park to enjoy a full-day of game viewing. The abundance of wildlife presents us with opportunities for excellent sightings, while the Kruger is also home to the famed members of Africa’s Big-5. The game drive offers the excitement of experiencing the park from an open-sided 4×4 vehicle. Returning to camp this afternoon, and after a short break, there will be an opportunity to join an optional sundowner drive. Booking is essential and your guide can assist on departure this morning.

We set out a little later today and travel the short distance to the Panorama Route. Strung along the escarpment that divides the central plateau and low-lying bushveld of the Kruger, the sights of the Panorama Route offer us a day of scenic delights. We will visit the highlights of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window before returning to camp in the late afternoon. This evening there is an opportunity for the optional Sundowner Drive.

We enjoy our last drive through the park before setting off for Johannesburg. We arrive in Johannesburg in the late afternoon, where your tour ends upon arrival.