South African Budget Safari

Muir's Tours - South African Budget Safari

The Highlights - Kruger National Park - Swaziland - Zululand - Moçambique's tropical beaches

The major highlight of this cultural journey and safari is the chance to travel in the magnificent Kruger NP, Africa's oldest national park. The park includes all the major species. Plus a cultural exchange with the very friendly people of the Kingdom of Swaziland and Zululand. And if that was not enough to satisfy you, there is the white sand beaches of Mozambique, where you may swim with dolphins, whale sharks and turtles.

Itinerary

Day 1: Johannesburg - Swaziland Reserve
We depart at 06h30 from the Randburg Towers in Randburg, north of Johannesburg, and travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland. The smallest country in the southern hemisphere, this monarchy, is known for its friendly people and beautiful traditional crafts. We stay in a Game Reserve, part of a conservation plan initiated and overseen by the king himself. (All meals).

Days 2 & 3: Zululand - Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Reserve

From our base in Zululand we safari in the famous Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Reserve, where a very big contribution was made to saving the endangered rhino. The area is rich in culture and wildlife and we will meet all. (All meals).

Day 4: Swaziland

We travel up the eastern flank of Swaziland to reach Mbuluzi Reserve which forms part of the Lubombo Conservancy - nestled against the foothills of the Lubombo Mountains. Wildlife watching in this beautifull area. (All meals).

Day 5: Praia Do Bilene - Mocambique
We cross the border into Moçambique, to our camp under an expansive canopy of shady trees alongside the Bilene lagoons. We relax and explore the small town nearby. (All meals).

Days 6-9: Inhambane Peninsular - Mocambique
We travel further north past numerous local fishing villages, lagoons and beautiful scenery. Through Inhambane town, one of Moçambique’s oldest and most charming towns with its picturesque dhows, before reaching the beautiful beaches of Inhambane Peninsular. We camp at one of Inhambane’s tropical resorts situated next to the azure ocean, amid sand dunes and palm groves. The days are spent relaxing or enjoying one of the many optional excursions on offer, including diving and snorkelling. (All meals).

Day 10: Casa Lisa - Mocambique
Retracing our steps southwards, the colourful and vibrant local markets, the social and economic hub of life in the towns and villages, provide the visitor with an insight into the richness of local culture. Our camp at Casa Lisa is situated north of Maputo. (All meals).

Days 11-13: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
We travel to Kruger National Park, one of the oldest game reserves in Africa, where we spend our time exploring the park on early morning and late afternoon animal viewing drives observing numerous species of animals and birds. We relax in camp during mid day. (All meals).

Day 14: Johannesburg
We return to the Randburg Towers, Johannesburg at about16h00. (Breakfast and lunch).

The itinerary may need to be amended to suit conditions in each locality.

Tour Type: Participatory Camping - you have to do some chores.
Accommodation: 13 Nights camping.
Meals: All meals when camping.
Group Size: 8-16 participants.
Sleeping Bag Hire: EURO 22 / GBŁ19 / US$35 per week – must be booked in advance.
Transfers: Transfers in Johannesburg (EURO 50 / GBŁ39 / US$73 pp) must be booked in advance.
Important: Only recommended for participants who are quite active.

Local Payment: A small sum in cash (payable in Euro 100 or US$120 only) is needed at the start of the trip to cover camp site fees in Mozambique, see below.

POSSIBLE OPTIONAL EXTRAS (booked locally)
· Night drive in Kruger National Park
· Horse riding in Mozambique
· Scuba diving & snorkelling from the beaches of Moçambique
· Ocean Safaris & quad biking in Moçambique
· Dhow/boat trip across Inhambane bay

Code Start Monday (JNB) End Sunday (JNB)

LP8 01st August 05 14th August 05

LP9 05th September 05 18th September 05

LP10 03rd October 05 16th October 05

LP11 07th November 05 20th November 05

LP12 23rd December 05 05th January 06

2005 Price Per Person: EURO 1063 / GBŁ775 / US$1375 on a shared basis + Local Payment: EURO 100 / US$120

email for availability

Visa
A visa is not required for British and US Passport holders for most tourism purposes.

Personal Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance is recommended.