11 Days South Africa Safari and Mozambique Diving Adventure from US$3,451.-pp

Safari in “Big-5” world renowned Timbavati Private Game Reserve, which is part of Greater Kruger National Park. Enjoy the view of the South African scenery and villages during your drive from the safari destination to Johannesburg with stops for fresh tropical  fruit and picture taking. The quaint Mozambiquen village of Tofo awaits with superb diving for sharks, rays, whales and turtles.

Accommodation Destination Basis Room Type Duration
Shindzela Tented Safari Camp Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa FB+ 1x Safari Units 4 Nights
Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport Johannesburg B&B 1x Double Room 1 Night
Hotel Tofo Mar Tofo Mozambique B&B 1x Standard Seaview 5 Nights

Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB+: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities Daily

Price

US$3,451.- per person, double occupancy

Deduct US$398.- for non diver

Price valid for 2020 except during August and public holiday seasons.

Add US$140.- pp during August 2020.

Included

Accommodation and meals as per package. Flights as per package – see below.  All transfers including road transfer from safari lodge to Johannesburg , morning and afternoon safaris at safari lodges, National Park fees,  8 dives (4 fun dives and 4 far reef dives) with Diversity Scuba PADI 5*

Excluded

International flight to and from Johannesburg ,  optional tours, diving equipment rental US$40 for the duration, Nitrox US$6 per dive, DAN dive insurance (mandatory for divers) visa, shuttle from Garden Hotel to Johannesburg airport.

Note: Closest decompression chamber is in Durban, South Africa.

Day 1:           Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve          

South Africa

This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches of Cape Town; enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sample some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Located in the Mpumalanga Province, north of the 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 very rare white lions that were discovered here 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 a number of 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.

Day Itinerary

Arrive in Johannesburg and fly to airstrip serving the safari lodge.  Join the first safari this afternoon.

Overnight: Shindzela Tented Safari Camp         

Shindzela, named after the honey badger in the Shangaan language, is an unfenced tented camp within the world-renowned Timbavati Private Game Reserve forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Our safari style tents are situated under thatch (grass roof) structures and can be made up in either twin or double-bedded accommodation. Enjoy your morning coffee on your wooden deck or freshen up in your semi open en-suite bathroom (shower, W.C. and hand-basin)

We strive to offer an affordable wildlife safari during which you can explore the African wilderness on game drives in open 4×4 vehicles (don’t forget your sunscreen) and/or on foot during a walking safari. Our safari activities are conducted by professional, knowledgeable and fully qualified guides. The camp can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests in total, (8 safari tents) where you will be treated with our warm South African hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy and soak up the true African wilderness,  
items of personal nature.

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Day 2:           Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve          

Day Itinerary

Search for Africa’s “Big-5” during daily morning and afternoon safaris that extend to after dark to see the night prowlers as well.

Your safari schedule:

Morning

05:00/06:00 – Wake-up call (early but worth it!) 05:15/06:15 – Morning coffee and rusks in the dining room before departure. 05:30/06:30 – Morning safari departs. 07:30/08:00 – Stop for morning coffee-break somewhere in the bush. 09:00/10:00 – Back at Camp for breakfast/brunch. 11:00 –  Enjoy time around the pool or just relaxing in the lounge with a book.

14:30 – Lunch.

15:30/16:00 – Afternoon safari departs.

17:30/18:30 – Stop for a sundowner break. 18:30/19:30 – Return to camp, time to freshen up or just relax around the fire before dinner starts. 19:00/20:00 – Dinner.

Activities

Morning and afternoon safaris

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Day 3:           Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve          

Day Itinerary

You many also choose to join an armed ranger for a safari walk in lieu of your morning game drive/safari. Highly recommended to get a different but also very interesting aspect of life in the bush.

Activities

Game Drive

Game Drive

Search the African bush for wild life in your custom designed safari vehicle. Watch animals lookign for their next meal or even catching one and mothers tending to their babies.  Your game ranger will not only point out game and birds for you but also explain about their life cycle and habitats. He will also show you tracks in the sand and explain what animal they belong to.

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Day 4:           Shindzela Tented Safari Camp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve          

Basis

Full Board and Activities

Day 5:           Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg     

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction. Please check your itinerary for inclusions.

Day Itinerary

Enjoy the sights and sounds of you morning safari prior checking out and taking a drive to Johannesburg enjoying the sights of the South African countryside and villages along the way (approximately 6 hours).

Overnight: Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport  

The Garden Court OR Tambo International Airport hotel offers an ideal combination of affordability, comfort and service, near Johannesburg’s main airport. For guests just stopping over, traveling on business or starting an amazing holiday in South Africa, the hotel offers an excellent location and superb amenities.

Guest accommodations feature well appointed en suite rooms, equipped with air conditioning, complimentary WI-FI access and more. A porter service, complimentary airport shuttle service and wake-up call facility, are also available. The buffet restaurant serves a choice of full or continental breakfast, as well as a delicious dinner buffet, while Rosie O’Gradys Pub is an ideal venue for sun downers. Nine flexible conference venues and meeting spaces that can host up to 80 delegates are available, and business guests can make use of the self-service workstations.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 6:           Hotel Tofo Mar, Inhambane  

Mozambique

Mozambique beckons with its coastline and swaying palms, its traditions, its cultures, its vibe and – most of all – its opportunities for adventure. This enigmatic southeast African country is well off most travellers’ maps, but it has much to offer those who venture here: long, dune-fringed beaches, turquoise waters abounding in shoals of colourful fish, well-preserved corals, remote archipelagos in the north, pounding surf in the south and graceful dhows with billowing sails. Add to this colonial-style architecture, pulsating nightlife, an endlessly fascinating cultural mix and vast tracks of bush populated with elephants, lions and birds galore. Discovering these attractions is not always easy, but it is unfailingly rewarding. Bring along some patience and a sense of adventure, and jump in for the journey of a lifetime.

Inhambane

The Imhambane Province is known for its wide, almost land-locked bay and its beautiful but crumbling Portuguese architecture. Points of interest include the vibrant local market, intriguing heritage museums, charming mosques and the nearly two-century old Cathedral of our Lady of Concepti. Located within close proximity are the popular beach destinations of Barra, Tofo and Guinjata Bay, which offer excellent snorkelling, diving, fishing and watersports; and the tiny, remote Ilha dos porcos which is home to traditional villages and a few of the remaining namesake wild pigs. Tofo is also an ideal destination for animal lovers, as it is home to manta rays and whale sharks, while Barra features an incredible bird estuary. It is possible to take traditional dhow boats across the bay, allowing visitors to experience it in the same way it was hundreds of years ago.

Day Itinerary

This morning take the shuttle to the airport and fly to Mozambique. Our representative will be expecting you for your transfer to your hotel. Settle in and take a stroll through the village.

Overnight: Hotel Tofo Mar           

Right on the beach with spectacular views the Hotel offers a Signature Restaurant, Bar, Massage terrace and Wi-Fi access.

The Hotel not only offers beach service, access to Surf, Windsurf and Kite surf practice, but also the services of one of the best and better equipped African diving centres, the Diversity Scuba.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 7:           Hotel Tofo Mar, Inhambane  

Day Itinerary

Dive with Padi 5* Diversity Scuba for the next 4 days (8 dives).  This area is known for  Sharks , Rays and Turtles, the iconic Manta Rays, Humpback Whales and much more, the best diving in Mozambique! October has the possibility of mola molas. Mantas can be seen year round but are best March to May.

Coral reefs are abundant with marine life. We have one of the highest Whale Shark populations in the world, with all-year-round sightings with the best chance of seeing these beautiful creatures through the summer months (November to April/May). During the Winter months (May to October), large numbers of Humpback Whales migrate along the coastline and come very close to shore in the Tofo area. The Humpback Whale population is growing every year and we are lucky enough to be seeing more and more of these incredible animals on scuba in season. 

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 8:           Hotel Tofo Mar, Inhambane  

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 9:           Hotel Tofo Mar, Inhambane  

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 10:        Hotel Tofo Mar, Inhambane  

Day Itinerary

Be sure you finish your diving very early afternoon today and explore the local market, village and beaches.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

Day 11:        End of Itinerary  

Day Itinerary

This morning you can choose from optional dhow sailing, biking, quad biking, estuary tours, horseback riding or just relaxing on the beach. Take a mid afternoon flight to Johannesburg for your connection back home.

Basis

Bed & Breakfast

End of Service.

Flight Information

Date Flight Airline Departure Airport Time Arrival Airport Time Class Ref
  Scheduled   OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]   Airport serving safari lodge      
  Scheduled   OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]   Inhambane Airport [INH]      
  Scheduled   Inhambane Airport [INH]   OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]