Archipelago Islands Tours

Archipelago Islands Mozambique

South Africa-Northern Coast, Eswatini- Swaziland, & Mozambique- 15 Nights/16 Days.

Overland Excursion!

Day 1: Durban - St Lucia ( 3 hours’ drive time ) - Breakfast Only!

Depending on the arrival flight, otherwise overnight at Riverside Hotel and proceed the next day!

After breakfast, depart -heading North and running parallel with glances of the Indian Ocean, along the way! Heading to Saint Lucia, which is surrounded by an estuary at the southernmost entrance to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Elephant Coast region of KwaZulu-Natal.

St Lucia is home to various ecosystems, which include swamps, lake systems, coral reefs, beaches, wetlands, woodlands, and coastal forests. The town lies in the heart of unspoilt beauty with plenty of wildlife. A boat cruise in St Lucia estuary viewing hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. This is a 2-hour boat cruise. Part of this area has been a game reserve since as early as 1895.

Overnight: Villa- 5 STAR!

Day 2: ST Lucia Estuary - Breakfast Only!

After breakfast, from 10 am -1,2 boat ride on ST Lucia estuary, viewing of Crocodiles and Hippos, with various birdlife! St Lucia estuary was the 1st World Heritage site recognized in South Africa in 2000, UNESCO!

Lunch in St Lucia and afternoon at leisure, as I will be doing night shift, along the beach viewing Turtles!

Turtles are Nocturnal and can only be seen at night, and it’s a full 6-8 hour tour!

South Africa's primary turtle season runs from November to April, when loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, particularly in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The nesting process usually takes place at night, with tours operating from November to March/April. Following the nesting, thousands of newly hatched turtles venture into the ocean and can later become "stranded" in colder waters from February to July.

Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are named after their exceptionally large heads. They normally carry many encrusting organisms (epibionts), such as barnacles, on their head and carapace. Adult loggerhead turtles measure between 65 and 115 cm in curved carapace length and typically weigh between 40 and 180 kg. The largest recorded loggerhead weighed 545 kg and measured 213 cm in presumed total body length. Their heart-shaped carapace is orange to reddish-brown with a yellowish-brown plastron.

They typically have five vertebral scutes down the carapace’s midline and five pairs of coastal scutes along the borders. Sea turtles are some of the most ancient reptiles still alive today and have been around for over 200 million years.

They are adapted to living in the sea with flipper-shaped limbs and streamlined bodies, but must rise to the surface to breathe air.

Five species of turtles are found in South African waters. The leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles nest on the beaches of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a non-breeding resident, while the hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtles occur as strays in our waters.

Unfortunately for turtles, the characteristics that helped them to survive for millions of years have made them vulnerable to the impact of humans.

Turtles wander the oceans, on routes determined by evolution, returning to their natal areas (where they were born) to mate and lay their eggs. This has made them vulnerable throughout their life history. Pressures on turtles include entanglement with fishing gear or accidental capture, plastic pollution, and, historically, population declines due to the harvesting of eggs and adults for meat.

Nesting beaches along the northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline are protected by MPAs. Ongoing monitoring since 1963 has revealed remarkable results demonstrating the importance of beach protection for nesting female turtles. In 1966, fewer than 10 leatherback turtles nested on the Zululand coast. The average number of nesting leatherback females has now risen to more than 70 nests per year.

The number of loggerhead turtles has risen even more spectacularly from less than 250 in the early 1960s to 1,700 nesting annually within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The Agulhas Front MPA and iSimangaliso MPA protect important feeding grounds for these ancient reptiles, especially the leatherback turtle, which is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Leatherback turtles feed at the Agulhas Front

Overnight: Villa- 5 STAR!

Day 3: Umfolozi/Hluhluwe National Park - Breakfast -Only! (Drive Time -45 minutes)

Depart after breakfast, book into a hotel, have lunch, and do an afternoon game drive in the Umfolozi/Hluhluwe National Park!

Umfolozi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, is adjacent to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, and together they form one of South Africa's oldest and largest Big Five reserves.

Umfolozi Game Reserve is situated north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is home to Africa's Big Five and also other game, including the elusive Cheetah, Wild Dog, and Nyala. Prime game viewing takes place at hides overlooking pans and waterholes, which enable visitors to see animals at close range.

Accommodation at the Umfolozi Game Reserve, northern KwaZulu-Natal, consists of various activities, including game drives, self-guided walking trails, day walks, boat tours on the Hluhluwe Dam, and exciting all-inclusive wilderness trails.

Umfolozi Game Reserve is situated in the southern section of the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park. This KwaZulu-Natal Park is the oldest game reserve in South Africa.

It was established in 1895. Today, the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park is world-renowned for its White Rhino conservation, and its Centenary Capture Centre is setting exceptional standards for animal capture and sustainable utilization in Africa.

Overnight at Hotel* Hluhluwe town, outside in town.

Option-Day 4 -Breakfast -Only! You’ve also got BIG 5 -Game Parks in Swaziland!

Do early morning game viewing and stay an additional night in Hluhluwe, or enter Swaziland?

Overnight at Hotel* Hluhluwe town, outside in town.

ENTER SWAZILAND/ESWATINI

Swaziland’s history is surprisingly long and fascinating for such a small nation. Artifacts up to 200,000 years old, including rock paintings from approximately 25,000 BC, have been found in the country.

Swaziland’s first documented inhabitants, Khoisan hunter-gatherers, were eventually displaced by Bantu tribes who migrated from eastern Africa’s Great Lakes area during the 15th and 16th Centuries.

In more contemporary times, when the then-ruling monarch, King Mswati 11, died in 1982, the Great Council of State selected a young 14-year-old prince to be the next king.

He continued his education in England, attending Sherbourne School before he was called back to the throne and crowned on 25 April 1986, aged 18 and 6 days! The king and his mother, whose title is Ndlovukati (“Great She-Elephant”), rule jointly.

This could be day 4- if not spending 2x days in Umfolozi/Hluhluwe National Park!

Day 5: Breakfast - Lobamba, Swaziland.

After breakfast. Depart for Swaziland at +-1 pm, arrival at Mlilwane Wild Life Sanctuary, and do a Game and Birding Walk, after lunch!

We then drive north and enter Swaziland - a tiny, independent kingdom inhabited by the Swazi tribe who revere their king and take great pride in retaining their culture and traditions.

Our journey takes us through some spectacular scenery in the Ezulwini Valley and past numerous traditional homesteads and curio stalls. In the late afternoon, we enter one of Swaziland's best wildlife reserves, Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. This secluded and beautiful sanctuary is a haven of tranquillity, located as it is in a natural bowl beneath the Nyonyane Mountains.

Afternoon Game walk and Birding- 3 hours.

Day 6: Breakfast.

Optional Activities, not included: WWR = White Water Rafting- 6 hours. lunch and 3 hours walking to view SHEBAS Rock-walk 3 hours!

For the even more adventurous, Malolotja Nature Reserve is home to a thrilling tree-top canopy tour of zip-wires, bridges, and platforms, and various mountains and gorges also provide opportunities for climbing and abseiling. Moving underground, adventure caving in southern Africa’s only major granite cave system.

Overnight: House Boutique

Enter Mozambique-Malaria Tablets Essential!

There's a choice of Forest HUTS/ Rondavels, which the wild animals walk through, or the Beach HUTS, 2 minutes’ walk from the beach!

Day 7: Maputo Nature Reserve

On arrival, you can go directly to: Ponta Membene Lodge, based in Maputo Nature Reserve, and spend 2 nights relaxing before heading for Vilanculos, for the 4 Nights/5 Days -Island stays?

In a 4x4 vehicle. +- 4 hours journey in a 4x4 vehicle to reach Membene Resort.

Overnight: Ponta Membene Lodge, based in Maputo Nature Reserve, on the beach!

Day 8: Machavene - Maputo National Park

Located in Machavene, 24 miles from the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, Ponta Membene has accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a Private beach area.

There's a choice-I’d suggest DUNE CHALETS-ROOMS, AS OVERLOOKING BEACH!

Experience Maputo National Park Like Never Before

Explore one of Mozambique’s most treasured conservation areas. Ponta Membene gives you front-row access to:

Big game sightings: Elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and more

Over 400 species of exquisite birdlife

Unspoiled wetlands, coastal forests, and grasslands

Kilometres of pristine beach and protected marine ecosystems

Marine Adventures Await

Activities: Dune forest trails-visit local communities, Bike Rides on Beach=ask reception for added extras!

Relax or dive into Mozambique’s vibrant marine world, where unforgettable encounters await just offshore from Ponta Membene:

Swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat

Snorkel colourful coral reefs teeming with life

Encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and humpback whales during their seasonal migrations

Stroll along endless beaches, or simply soak up the sun in secluded coastal bliss

A Conservation Story Worth Sharing.

Ponta Membene is the result of years of collaboration, sustainable planning, and dedication to conservation. Our goal is to protect this breathtaking ecosystem while welcoming responsible travellers to experience its magic.

Overnight: Ponta Lodge.

Day 9: Breakfast - Depart in a 4x4 Vehicle

Depart at 8 am via boat, to Maputo- Mafalala Cultural Tour & Traditional Dance

Step into the heart of local life with guided storytelling, rich history, and an energetic live dance performance.

OR

Maputo City Tour-discover the vibrant architecture, bustling markets, and fascinating history of Mozambique’s capital with a stop at a local restaurant. Lunch and depart for the airport.

Transfer to Maputo airport for departure at 2:45.

Day 10: Breakfast - Maputo

Depart after breakfast and enter Mozambique,10 am, and it’s 2 2-hour drive through rural landscape to Maputo-arrival 1 pm!

Catch the LAM flight from Maputo to Vilanculos, if not, then overnight at Afrin Boutique Hotel, Maputo, and depart early next morning!

Day 11: Magaruque Island - LD-Included!

Meet at the offices for the trip briefing, fit snorkelling equipment, etc. Board the dhow for Magaruque Island. Here we can take a stroll around the island before lunch, and there will be the opportunity to snorkel on the house reef and swim before heading to “the Cove” around 4.15 pm.

Overnight at Magaruque Island.

Day 12: Bazaruto Island - BLD- Included!

After breakfast, we board the Dhow and head out to Bazaruto Island. Hiking up the dunes on the south point is recommended, and thereafter, 2 Mile Reef for snorkelling. The order of activities is tide-dependent. After lunch, we sail north to Zenguelemo Lodge on Bazaruto Island -overnight.

Day 13: Relaxing Day - BLD- Included!

A good day to relax, explore the beaches, snorkel, chill by the pool, or hire a local guide for a walking tour. The 30-metre house reef has an abundance of fish and turtles. Lunch is served by the pool.

Overnight Zenguelemo Lodge, Bazaruto Island

Day 14: Santa Carolina - BLD- Included!

After breakfast, we board the dhow for Santa Carolina [Paradise Island], where we can explore the old hotel and snorkel the various spots around the island. A packed lunch is served on the Island, and we return to the Cove late afternoon.

Overnight at Santa Carolina -Paradise Island.

Day 15: Benguerra Island - BLD- Included!

After breakfast, we will board the dhow for the north point of Benguerra Island, where we will take a 3-hour stroll through the bush and up to the top of the red dune for amazing views over the archipelago and the nearby lakes. After a light lunch, there will be the opportunity to snorkel and swim before heading back to the mainland.

Please Note:

1. Cost is fully inclusive of accommodation and 3 x meals a day, with a DHOW CRUISE FOR 5 DAYS!

2. Park's entry fees are paid in 1150 meticais per person. Per day.

Overnight at Hotel Vilanculos.

Day 16: Departure -Breakfast Included!

Depart after breakfast for Vilanculos airport and fly Johannesburg -direct!

END OF TOUR!

If the number of clients increases or decreases, the costing will be adjusted accordingly!

Included:

Accommodation B/B basis

Driver. Guide

Mineral Water- 2x 500ml per day

Transport in 4x4 vehicles

2x Airport Transfers

4 Nights/5 Days -Dhow -fully Inclusive

Excluded:

All drinks (soft Alcoholic)

Personal expenses- Insurances

All activities & All Entry Fees

Lunches & Dinners

All flights

General Information:

Every guest on tour is entering a rural and unspoiled African terrain.

Therefore, it is necessary to travel with a tolerant and flexible mind.

Accommodations, bathroom facilities, and meals are at most places very basic, simple, and rustic.

Most lunch stops are based on packed lunches or picnic meals in Lesotho

There are no or very few toilet facilities en route.

We reserve the right to alter any routes or itineraries should circumstances, like weather, road conditions, unforeseen obstacles, etc., demand.

Some accommodations use generators for the supply of electricity, which switch off at 22:00, and gas geysers for hot water supply.

This is True, unspoilt Africa –at its Best!