Kruger Safari and South Mozambique Beach
13 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Camp Bethel Tented Camp, Kruger National Park Safari, Kruger National Park, Machangulo Beach Lodge, Maputo, United Kingdom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98936
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 45
Age range:
21-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
A blend of thrilling bush adventuring and blissful beach lazing is up for the embracing on this family-friendly escape.
Donne your khaki gear, but don’t forget your beach kit either, as this tour takes you into the heart of the Kruger National Park, as well the idyllically remote Machangulo peninsula of Mozambique.
Ample time for safaris, sundowners and all the seaside-centred fun make for the best-balanced holiday. Taking you beyond the trodden tourist path, this special journey showcases South Africa’s culture and highlights the importance of wildlife conservation. Nature-focused experiences by foot, open-air vehicle and boat capture the true beauty of both countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly To Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
You’ll fly overnight to Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa.
Day Two – Arrival And Transfer To Hotel
Location: Pretoria
After arriving, you’ll be introduced to your friendly tour guide before being transferred to your hotel in Johannesburg. Tuck into a delicious lunch and the rest of the afternoon is yours to settle in. This evening, dinner will be served in the comfort of the lodge.
Day Three – Transfer To Camp Bethel
Location: Camp Bethel Tented Camp
Following breakfast, you’ll set off on a journey to your tented safari camp in the heart of the bush, Camp Bethel (a stop will be made for lunch). Take some time to freshen up, enjoy a late lunch and experience a brief camp orientation.
It's then time to indulge in a sundowner (or two), and some snacks while taking in the beautiful backdrop. Before dinner, you’ll gather at the boma, where the firepit will be lit for an authentic African welcome.
You’ll then sit down to a feast of locally inspired dishes spread across tables on an expansive deck, which looks out over the bush.
Day Four – Included Full-Day Kruger National Park Safari
Location: Kruger National Park Safari
This morning, you’ll rise early, feeling rested and ready for the short journey to the Orpen Gate of the Kruger Natural Park, home to the famous ‘Big Five’ and a plethora of wildlife. After arriving at an idyllic spot for a picnic, you can fuel up on a packed breakfast prepared by the camp chef.
The tour will then venture to the southern part of the Kruger, which covers an expanse of lush terrain dotted with bushwillow trees. In the more northern area, the land is sparse, arid, and laden with Mopani bush. A lunch stop will be had at the rest camp – with a tempting assortment of meals on offer.
Heading back on the road, the open-safari vehicle will allow you to fully experience this epic natural paradise. After pulling over at several waterholes and lookout points, the safari will conclude, and you’ll return to the camp in the afternoon.
An early night might be appealing to those feeling tired post-adventuring, following a relaxed dinner, which will be served by the campfire.
Day Five – Included Wildlife Rehabilitation Tour And Optional Blyde River Canyon Boat Cruise
Location: Kruger National Park
Fill up on breakfast before another day of exploring as the tour heads to a local wildlife habitation centre. This centre cares for injured and poisoned animals that sadly cannot be released back into the wild. Here, you’ll watch a film presentation and then head out to the centre’s grounds on a two-hour excursion to see the resident animals and birds, such as wild dogs, cheetahs, and vultures. You can then have lunch at the on-site deli while watching the cheetahs play around.
The purpose of the visit is to highlight the threats wildlife is facing, as well as demonstrate the positive impact of rehabilitation centres like this. Hopefully, you’ll leave feeling more educated and enlightened.
This afternoon, you’ll have the chance to join the optional boat cruise along the Blyde River canyon. The main highlight is a sighting of the ‘living’ Kadishi Tufa Waterfall. Tufa waterfalls are formed when water running over dolomite rock absorbs calcium and deposits rock formations more rapidly than they erode the surrounding rock, supporting moss and other plant life. The Kadishi Tufa Waterfall is thought to be the second-oldest tufa waterfall on earth – and is truly amazing to view up close. This boat tour will also travel past the Three Rondavels, a trio of rocky outcrops that have eroded over time and now resemble a traditional Zulu beehive.
The Blyde River Canyon supports an impressive amount of biodiversity too with numerous antelope species as well as hippos and crocodiles, together with birds such as the African fish eagle and African finfoot and much more. Snacks and soft drinks will be available while you float along the water, adding to this unrivalled experience.
Day Six – Included Morning Safari To Kruger National Park And And Optional Night Safari
Location: Kruger National Park
Another morning safari presents an extra opportunity to seek out buffalos, elephants, and more as your guide shares their expert wildlife knowledge. The Kruger National Park is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on earth, including 146 species of mammals, nearly 500 different kinds of birds, 114 species of reptiles, 49 freshwater fish, 33 species of amphibians and countless insects and flora and fauna – many of them found nowhere else on earth.
After an exciting morning, a well-deserved lunch will be served in a dry riverbed back at camp.
At dusk, you can opt to venture on an enrapturing night safari as the sun sets, transforming the sky into a patchwork of pretty colours. Once in the dark, keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal animals, including porcupines, bushbabies, and caracals.
Day Seven – Included Panoramic Mountain Tour
Location: Kruger National Park
Prepare for a delightful breakfast in the camp’s boma area, and then it’s time for a panoramic mountain tour – bringing your camera is recommended! This tour travels to the Drakensberg Mountain Range, which stretches over 600 miles from the Eastern Cape toward Mpumalanga. You’ll also be able to see the dramatic Blyde River Canyon, which some of you might have travelled through yesterday. Spanning over 16 miles and over 2,000 feet deep, this is the third-largest canyon on earth.
The Three Rondavels are up next, as God’s Window, named for its sweeping panoramic views of the Lowveld and lush forest-clad ravines below. God’s Window is part of a 160-mile-long network of sheer cliffs that boast incredible views. Lisbon Waterfalls, another impressive set of waterfalls, are up before lunch at Graskop. This small town, enclosed by pine and eucalyptus forests, and known for pancakes and curio shops, is the last stop on the tour.
Day Eight – Included Morning Safari To The Greater Kruger National Park, And Nature Walk And Nyani Cultural Village Tour, Followed By Farewell Dinner
Location: Kruger National Park
You’ll embark on the final included safari this morning in a private game reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. A picnic breakfast stop will be followed by a talk about the plant life in the Kruger, which is vital to the park’s existence. Among many others, Kruger is home to the iconic marula tree, the fruit of which is used to make South Africa’s famous Amarula liquor – make sure to sample some during your holiday.
Lunch will be eaten back at the camp and you'll then join your guide for a nature walk around the camp, which sits on its own private game reserve. Tick off your wildlife list by trying to spot the warthogs, kudus, nyalas and zebras that often frequent the area.
A trip to Nyani cultural village is on this afternoon’s itinerary where you’ll learn about the culture while watching a performance in a traditional boma theatre. Music and dance will be featured from local tribes such as the San (Bushmen), Tsonga, Shona, Venda, Swati, and Zulu.
In the evening, you'll return to the camp for a closing dinner of a braai – a traditional South African barbeque. Feast and chat with your newfound friends, reminiscing on your week.
Day Nine – Transfer To Maputo And Travel By Boat To A Private Beach Resort
Location: Machangulo Beach Lodge, Maputo
An early breakfast will be followed by a six-hour journey to Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, located along the south Indian Ocean coast. There will be plenty of comfort stops along the way, as well as a break for lunch.
You’ll then go to Maputo Marina, say farewell to your South African tour manager and board a private speedboat. A one-hour trip on the waters will take you to the Machangulo Beach Resort, positioned at the tip of the Machangulo peninsula.
After this day of travelling, you’ll receive the warmest welcome by the resort staff and have the chance to unwind in utter paradise. Switch from your khaki gear to your beachwear, and wander around your new home for the next few days.
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Day 10 – Day At Leisure
Location: Machangulo Beach Lodge
This isolated haven of seaside splendour calls for all the lounging, either by the pool, in the spa or the private beach area.
Pick up the pace with a walk through the mangroves, visit the nearby villages of Santa Maria and Inhaca, or kayak, scuba dive and snorkel amongst the fringing coral reefs.
Day 11 – Day At Leisure
Location: Maputo
It’s your final day, and you have the freedom to fulfil whatever wishes you would have left. However, claiming a seat at the ocean-facing bar to watch one last spectacular sunset should be a must.
Day 12 – Return Flight To The Uk
Location: Maputo, United Kingdom
Today, you’ll be transferred to Maputo airport for the return flight to the UK via Addis Ababa.
Day 13 – Arrive In The Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Return home with a host of memories and photographs feeling inspired after your African adventure.
What's Included
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10 nights’ carefully chosen accommodation, including one at the Sanctuary Mandela, six at luxury tented Camp Bethel, and three at the boutique Machangulo Beach Resort, plus two on the aircraft
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29 meals, including 10 breakfasts, nine lunches and 10 dinners • Included water, coffee, tea, and juice, together with local beers and wines during your stay at Camp Bethel
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Three guided safaris in the Kruger and Greater Kruger National Park
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Educative wildlife rehabilitation tour and a guided nature walk
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A panoramic mountain tour of the Drakensburg Mountains
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Nyani cultural tour with live music and dancing
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A special South African braai in the bush
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50% off spa treatments at Machangulo Beach Resort
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Private speedboat transfer and transfers throughout
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Flights to Johannesburg and from Maputo
What's Not Included
Prices for children
Child prices are available for children aged between four to eleven years, when sharing a room with two adults. An extra bed will be placed in the room. Please note, this tour is not suitable for children younger than four years old. Please contact us on 0330 160 7707 for a quote.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Passports and visas
A visa is not required for UK citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Prices for children
Child prices are available for children aged between four to eleven years, when sharing a room with two adults. An extra bed will be placed in the room. Please note, this tour is not suitable for children younger than four years old. Please contact us on 0330 160 7707 for a quote.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 45 minutes.
Passports and visas
Your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of return and have five adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
A visa is not required for UK citizens travelling to South Africa.
A visa is no longer required for UK citizens for entry to Mozambique. A fee of US$10 must be paid at the border crossing.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Private speedboat transfer and transfers throughout
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.