Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Johannesburg to Inhambane (Barra Lodge)
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo International) you will be met by one our representatives, who will assist you while you book on to your 2 hour connecting flight to Inhambane on the warm tropical coast of Mozambique.
Inhambane is located 485km north of Maputo on Mozambique’s Manta Coast. This area is fast becoming world famous for its spectacular diving, friendly Mozambique people and breathtaking scenery. The diving can compare with some of the best in the world and is still a relatively well-kept secret. From the awesome sightings of Manta Rays, Whale sharks and Humpback Whales to the sought after Harlequin Shrimp, Frogfish and Sea Horses – there is something to please everyone. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are teeming with life and the reefs are pristine. The species list is endless and the colors of the pristine reefs beyond description, and there is still so much to discover!
The Barra area has two completely different diving environments. There are 16 different reefs out to sea that range in depth from 7 – 40 meters, and then there is the Barra Lagoon near the mangrove swamps, which has its own unique eco-system. Water temperatures range from 29 degrees Celsius in summer months to 22 degrees Celsius in winter while visibility ranges from 8m to 40m, depending on how much plankton there is in the water. These conditions provide with a fantastic all year round diving experience. On arrival in Inhambane, you will be met your Lodge representative, who will escort you to your Lodge, a stones throw from the edge of the Indian Ocean. Check into your Lodge, relax and enjoy.
Days 2-4: Barra Lodge, Inhambane
Barra Lodge (3 Star) is nestled between groves of coconut laden trees on a secluded, unspoilt tropical beach over looking the crystal clear waters of Flamingo Bay. A truly idyllic Indian Ocean setting where the warm Indian Ocean offers safe bathing all year round and the wide open, sun drenched beaches offer endless hours of strolling. The Accommodation is in traditional Casitas made of thatch, brick and reeds creating a charming atmosphere, all of which are a stone's throw from the beach and offer en-suite bathroom facilities.
Located on the Manta Coast of Mozambique, Barra Lodge offers some of the finest diving worldwide and is an experience not to be forgotten. The Unspoilt reefs are home to local Dolphin pods, resident Manta Rays and Whalesharks as well as several Turtle Species, while Seahorses are a common find in the secluded Inhambane estuary. The area boasts over 1000 local fish species, while mammals are not hard to find either, with migrating Humpback Whales a common sighting between August and October, and you just might be likely enough to see the highly endangered Dugong.
The Lodges dive/activities center is located in between the Coconut trees a mere stones throw from the waters edge. All diving in the ocean is enjoyed from semi rigid boats, specifically designed for this purpose. Barra Dive Center holds the highly coveted Padi Gold Palm status which guarantees unsurpassed professional service excellence.
A wide range of activities enable guests to delight in the Mozambique ocean environment off Inhambane and the modern Activities Center, situated at Clube Naval, provides all the water sport equipment you may need. The Lodge offers windsurfing, water skiing, wake and knee boarding, as well as sailing (Hobie Cat, Laser or Gypsy Sailing Dinghy) from the nearby marina. The colorful marine life can be explored on snorkeling excursions to stunning tropical reefs nearby, where dolphins, marine turtles and other marine life can be seen.
Guided and unguided snorkeling is available, with up-to-date equipment supplied by the Activities Center. We also provide a range of kayaks for guests to enjoy self-guided kayaking excursions on the estuary and at sea. After an activity-filled day, sunset cruises along the stunning Quirimba coast and around Pemba Bay provide the ultimate form of relaxation.
At night, you will enjoy the Mozambique tropical heat as you drift to the Lodges’ Beach Bar and Restaurant, which is extremely popular with both locals and guests, here you will indulge your taste buds in a variety of seafood delights infused with Portuguese and South African flavors. The tropical locations creates an atmosphere of relaxation, where many gather to watch the sun go down or participate in a beach volley ball, pub games or simply to enjoy the atmosphere and a few tropical cocktails.
Day 5: Barra Lodge, Inhambane / Nelspruit, South Africa
Unfortunately, this is your final morning in Mozambique but not the end of your adventure. After breakfast and some last minute sightseeing, you will be escorted back to Inhambane. You will then have time to do some final curio shopping in the local markets, where we are sure you will pick up a few fantastic bargains.
You then board your onward flight to the Kruger-Malalane International Airport, where you will be met by your Safari Guide, who will be your host throughout this Big 5 safari experience. You will then enter the world famous Kruger National Park, where Game viewing opportunities should present themselves almost immediately in this vast 2-million hectare game sanctuary the size of Wales. Hopefully we will see several species of antelope, zebra, wildebeest and maybe even giraffe before we reach camp.
The Kruger Park offers a choice of seven camps, each situated in a different section of the park with its own unique flora and fauna: Skukuza, Letaba, Olifants, Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop, Satara and Berg-en-Dal. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable thatched game park bungalows, with each camp having a restaurant and a small shop. Check in, settle down and relax in your outdoor bush veld surroundings before enjoying dinner (exact camp subject to availability at time of booking).
Days 6-9: Kruger National Park – South Africa
As you will have the services of a private driver/guide throughout your safari, you will have the flexibility of discussing preferred routes and traveling times with him each day. However we recommend setting off early each morning as the camp gates open, to take advantage of the best game viewing conditions of the day.
Explore the vast Kruger Plains, which offer magnificent game viewing opportunities and the highest concentration of lion in the whole of Africa. Hopefully we will see at least one of the Big Five today - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino, before returning to camp for breakfast. The rest of the morning can be spent relaxing at camp, reading or bird watching, before setting out again at the time of your choice (usually the late afternoon) for another game drive.
One game drive per day will be in an open-top game viewing vehicle operated by the Kruger National Park (either early morning, late afternoon or evening), with all other game drives taken with your host in an air-conditioned minibus, as this is more comfortable in the heat of the day. On top of which you will also participate in a game walk escorted by 2 expert Kruger rangers. In the evening, enjoy the balmy weather and pristine stars of the Southern Sky and Milky Way, as you have never seen them before – including the spectacular Southern Cross.
Days 10: Kruger National Park – South Africa
Our final day will begin with an early morning game drive to a secluded picnic site in order to enjoy our last African breakfast before making our way out the Park. We will have time to do some final curio shopping in Nelspruit and Malalane before heading to the Kruger-Malalane International Airport, where you will catch you final connecting flight to Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo).
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Prices:
- 4 to 6 people pay £ 1,375.00 per person sharing
- 6 to 8 people pay £ 1,245.00 per person sharing
Price Includes:
- All ground transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Local Flights where applicable
- All Accommodation
- Breakfast and Dinner Daily (except on Safari where all meals will be provided)
- Services of Expert Safari Guide
- Activities specified in itinerary, including transfers and entrance charges
Price Excludes:
- International Flights
- Lunches, Drinks and refreshments
- Tips for porters and restaurants
- Telephone calls, laundry and other incidental personal expenditure
- Visa fees, in countries where these apply
- Airport departure taxes, in countries where these apply.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Mozambique
South Africa
Wildlife Viewing
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