Johannesburg to Durban Bush-to-Beach Safari — explore diverse cultures, Big 5 wildlife, and golden Indian Ocean beaches across South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique.
This 8-day Johannesburg to Durban Bush-to-Beach Safari is the ultimate way to experience the contrasting highlights of Southern Africa in a single seamless journey. Start with open-vehicle Big 5 game viewing in Kruger National Park, cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini for a sunset safari in Hlane Royal National Park, unwind on the white beaches of Ponta do Ouro in southern Mozambique, and cruise the crystal-clear UNESCO World Heritage lake system of Kosi Bay before concluding at Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.
You will be collected by your driver/guide at OR Tambo International Airport and travel along the N4 past Mbombela to Marloth Park, checking into our boutique safari lodge just 1 km from the Crocodile River bordering Kruger National Park. Fall asleep to the distant calls of lions and hippos.
Depart at 05h00 and enter Kruger National Park via Crocodile Bridge Gate, continuing towards Lower Sabie with breakfast and a picnic lunch inside the park. Our elevated Open Safari Vehicle (OSV) provides 360-degree wildlife viewing for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and plains game.
Depart after breakfast for Hlane Royal National Park in neighbouring Eswatini (Swaziland), proclaimed under King Sobhuza II. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by a 2.5-hour Sunset Game Drive in an open safari vehicle with sundowner drinks and dinner overlooking the waterhole.
Depart early with a packed breakfast, crossing the Goba border post into Mozambique and travelling past Bela Vista to the vibrant coastal town of Ponta do Ouro—famous for its white sandy beaches, dolphins, and coral reefs. Tonight’s dinner is a Mozambican seafood feast!
After breakfast at Gala Gala, enjoy a full day soaking up the sun, beach walks, optional dolphin encounters or diving, and exploring the charming beachside cafes of Ponta do Ouro.
Travel 10 km to the Kosi Bay border post back into South Africa and check into the relaxed Robinson Crusoe-style Amangwane Camp. After a light lunch, visit the Kosi Bay Mouth—part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site—famous for its crystal-clear reef water and 700-year-old traditional Tsonga fish traps.
Spend a magical day cruising across Kosi Bay’s interconnected lakes and reed channels from fresh Lake 3 to Lake 2 and Lake 1, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds, with a stop at a secluded lake beach for snorkelling and a packed lunch.
Depart after breakfast for a comfortable 5–6 hour drive down the N2 coast road to Durban with lunch en route. Estimated arrival at King Shaka International Airport is 15h00.