Day 1 to 3: Johannesburg to Hoedspruit Airport & Timbavati Private Nature Reserve – South Africa

Your Kruger & Mozambique Safari begins in Johannesburg, where you catch a flight to Hoedspruit Airport. On arrival, you are greeted and transferred to Simbavati River Lodge, in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve which shares a border with the Kruger National Park. Travel about 48.15 km (1 hour 25 minutes).

Arrive at Simbavati River Lodge in the early afternoon. After a warm welcome by the staff, you’ll be escorted to your Double Luxury Tented Room. Your tent offers stunning views of the river or the bush, providing an immediate connection to the wilderness.

Later join your first game drive in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Your skilled guide will take you through the diverse landscapes, where you might spot the Big Five animals, along with other iconic African wildlife. Return to the safari lodge at dusk and enjoy a traditional African dinner around the campfire while listening to the sounds of the African bush. Accommodation includes meals and most beverages.

Days 2 & 3 are spent on safari in the Timbavati Nature Reserve of Greater Kruger National Park. Wake up early for a morning game drive, the perfect time to spot wildlife as they start their day. Return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast served on the riverside deck. The heat of the day is spent relaxing at the lodge. Take a dip in the pool, unwind with a book in the lounge, or simply soak in the tranquillity of your surroundings from your private deck.

After a relaxing day, embark on another exciting game drive in Greater Kruger Park in the late afternoon. Your guide will focus on different areas of the reserve, enhancing your chances of spotting various species and understanding the ecosystem of Timbavati. Animals on the private reserve include the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo & elephant, with a special emphasis on the elusive leopard and the rare wild dog – and a host of other wildlife. Bush walks are offered for guests aged 12 years or older.

Return to the lodge for another evening under the African sky with dinner in the boma. The ambience of the open-air setting, combined with delicious food and excellent company, makes for a memorable experience.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer, Game Drives in Timbavati
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

About Timbavati Private Nature Reserve – South Africa

Located in the Mpumalanga Province, north of Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This 60,000-hectare reserve is best known for its two rare white lions, discovered in the 1970s. The name ‘Timbavati’ refers to these two unique creatures, it means ‘the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens’. It is home to several exclusive African-style bush lodges set amidst spectacular African savannah and abundant game including over 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of activities including daytime safaris, night game drives, guided bush walks, and bird watching.

About Simbavati River Lodge in Timbavati Nature Reserve

Simbavati River Lodge, nestled within the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in South Africa, offers an intimate safari experience along the banks of the Nhlaralumi River. The lodge features a selection of luxury tents and family suites, each thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings while providing modern amenities and comfort with a river or bush view.

Central to the lodge is a spacious lounge, bar, and dining area with an outdoor deck overlooking the Nhlaralumi River, where guests can relax and enjoy panoramic views of the bushveld. A lively waterhole just below the dining deck is a favourite gathering spot for majestic elephants. The lodge also boasts a swimming pool and a wellness spa for those seeking relaxation. Dinner is a memorable occasion around the campfire in an open-air boma.

Simbavati River Lodge is renowned for its exceptional game drives and guided bush walks, offering guests the chance to encounter the Big Five and other diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Additionally, the lodge provides bird-watching opportunities, photography safaris, and cultural village visits, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive safari experience.

Day 4 to 6: Hoedspruit to Maputo & Machangulo Beach Lodge – Mozambique

On Day 4 of your Kruger & Mozambique Safari, savour the early morning beauty of the reserve for a final time. After breakfast, bid farewell to the friendly staff of the Timbavati Nature Reserve as you are collected for a transfer to Hoedspruit Airport, a 2-hour drive. Here you catch your scheduled flight to Maputo Airport in Mozambique. On arrival, you are greeted and taken to Maputo Marina (a 20 to 30-minute drive) where you embark on a boat cruise to Machangulo Beach Lodge (approx. 60 to 90 minutes travel time). Note: some wading in ankle-deep water is involved when alighting at the beach of Machangulo Beach Lodge.

Settle into your beautiful ocean-view double room at Machangulo Beach Lodge which will be home for the next three nights of your bush & beach safari. Soak in the breathtaking views of the untouched African coast. The laid-back yet professional staff and stunning surroundings offer blissful barefoot luxury. The lodge lies on Santa Maria’s unspoiled golden sand beach, tucked in a lush, secluded peninsula in Southern Mozambique. Surrounded by five nature reserves, the lodge is your own serene and private paradise.

Machangulo Beach Lodge offers a diverse range of activities. Explore vibrant coral reefs, snorkelling or scuba diving, go deep-sea or shore fishing, or take peaceful beach walks and picnics on the pristine sands. Island excursions offer opportunities to visit marine reserves and local villages, while cultural visits provide insight into the Mozambican way of life. Adventurous guests can kayak through mangroves, experience traditional dhow sailing, or go whale watching during the migration season. For relaxation, the lodge offers spa treatments and guided nature walks, including bird watching in the surrounding reserves.

• Included Activities: Airport Transfer, Boat Cruise
• Optional Activities: Boat Trips, Snorkelling, Deep-Sea Fishing, Scuba Diving, Kayaking and more
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner x3

About the Santa Maria (Machangulo) Peninsula – Mozambique

Situated below Inhaca Island, the Santa Maria Peninsula, also known as the Machangulo Peninsula, is home to the little village of Santa Maria, which overlooks the beautiful Maputo Bay. Set amid mangroves, this little village oozes authentic Mozambican charm with its local restaurant and traditional market stalls. The surrounding area offers a variety of comfortable beachside accommodations dotting the coast and boasting spectacular views. Visitors can enjoy an array of activities such as boat trips around the glistening bay, snorkelling in the calm turquoise waters, and enjoying a sundowner while listening to the gentle waves lapping the shore. Other popular activities include deep sea fishing, scuba diving, bird watching, whale watching, kayaking, swimming and water skiing.

About Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique

Machangulo Beach Lodge, located on the pristine southern coast of Mozambique, offers a tranquil retreat with direct access to the unspoiled beauty of the Machangulo Peninsula. The lodge features luxurious beachfront villas and rooms, each designed with a blend of modern comfort and traditional African style, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean or the surrounding dune forest. The central lodge area includes a swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a restaurant that serves fresh, locally inspired cuisine.

Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, including snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and traditional dhow sailing, with all necessary equipment provided by the lodge. For relaxation, the lodge offers private beach access, serene nature walks, and indulgent spa treatments. Additionally, the lodge organizes cultural excursions to nearby villages and guided tours of local nature reserves, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in a luxurious setting.

Day 7: Santa Maria (Machangulo) to Maputo & Johannesburg – South Africa

Enjoy your last Mozambique sunrise this morning as you prepare to say farewell to the staff of Machangulo Beach Lodge, and climb aboard your boat for your cruise back to Maputo. At Maputo Marina, you will be met by a driver who will transfer you to Maputo International Airport. Your Kruger & Mozambique Safari draws to a close with your return flight to Johannesburg.

• Included Activities: Boat Cruise, Airport Transfer
• Meals: Breakfast

Kruger & Mozambique Safari: Flight Bookings

These Kruger & Mozambique Safaris are fly-in packages that do not include the cost of the required flights. When booking these safari packages, you must book the flights listed below at extra cost. Flights are subject to availability and are costed at the time of booking:

• Return Flights from Johannesburg
• Scheduled Flight from Hoedspruit to Maputo International Airport (MPM)

Our travel experts are happy to help you book flights online through our flight partners (payable directly) upon request.

Kruger & Mozambique Safari Notes

• All safari tours are conducted on a private departure basis. A minimum of 2 clients is needed to guarantee a departure.
• Tour costing is based on a per-person sharing basis; therefore, there is a minimum of 2 persons (3rd person enquiries will be quoted separately for a single room).
• Talk to one of our travel experts if you would like us to arrange accommodation before and/or after your Kruger & Mozambique Safari Package.

For more details contact African Budget Safaris.