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South Africa · Mozambique · Eswatini
The Bush & Beach Explorer
Safari to beach: Kruger, Mozambique, Eswatini, and the Drakensberg in one 16-day route.
Sixteen days across South Africa, Mozambique, and Eswatini: bush and beach in one continuous route. Johannesburg to Kruger for the safari, then east into Mozambique for the Indian Ocean at Inhambane, south to Maputo, across into the Kingdom of Eswatini, down to Hluhluwe's rhino country, through the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, and up into the Drakensberg before the final drive back to Johannesburg. Africa in all its forms.
Why Bush & Beach
Safari in the morning. Indian Ocean in the afternoon. Something completely different the day after.
Most tours choose a theme and stay in it. The Bush & Beach Explorer is built around the idea that the best African journeys don't have to. You spend time in Kruger (genuinely, with full days in the park), then cross into Mozambique and swap the bush for Inhambane's turquoise water and white sand beaches. The pace changes completely, and that contrast is the point. But this route also goes deeper than the headline destinations. The Panorama Route (Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, the Three Rondavels) is one of South Africa's great scenic drives and often skipped on bush-focused itineraries. Eswatini gives you a full cultural immersion: Swazi crafts, Ngwenya Glass, Manzini, and a traditional cultural show. The Isandlwana and Talana battlefields reframe the history of the region in a way that stays with you. The Drakensberg closes the loop with mountains, waterfalls, and clean highland air. POA Safaris designed this route for travellers who want Africa in full: not just the animals, not just the beach, but the history, the culture, and the landscapes that connect them.
Highlights
Kruger National Park
Inhambane Beaches, Mozambique
Eswatini: Culture & Wildlife
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Park
Isandlwana & the Battlefields
Drakensberg Mountains
Panorama Route
Johannesburg City Tour
Your Bush & Beach safari, at a glance
Kruger. Mozambique. Eswatini. Battlefields. Drakensberg.
A 16-day loop from Johannesburg through South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini: wildlife, beach, culture, history, and mountain scenery in one guided route.
Trip at a glance
The practical details before you start planning.
Dates
Contact for dates
Duration
16 Days
Route
Johannesburg → Johannesburg
Group size
4–12 travellers · Ages 18+
Style
Fully Accommodated
Best for
Culture & history seekers · Beach lovers · Wildlife lovers · First-time Africa travellers
Price
$3,250per person
Inclusions
- All overland transport and accommodation, including pre- and post-tour nights
- All national park and conservation fees, safari drives and guided walks
- Meals as marked in the day-by-day itinerary
- Three-country border logistics handled
Not included
- International flights
- Visas, insurance and personal expenses
- Optional adrenaline activities (bungee, rafting, scenic flights)
Day by day
16 days: bush, beach, and mountains.
Scroll from Johannesburg through Kruger into Mozambique, across to Eswatini, down to Hluhluwe, through the battlefields, and up into the Drakensberg.
Johannesburg — Arrival & Briefing
An evening to meet your fellow travelers, walk through the tour ahead in detail, and share your first dinner together as a group.
Overnight · Sunrock Guesthouse or similar
Meals · No meals
Full Day — Johannesburg
Explore the City of Gold's landmark history, from key museums to the Nelson Mandela House and Museum, a powerful introduction to South Africa's recent past.
Overnight · Sunrock Guesthouse or similar
Meals · B
Johannesburg → Mpumalanga
Tackle the tour's first long drive, heading into Mpumalanga, the Province of the Sunrise, with a few scenic stops along the way. After checking in by mid-afternoon, board a sunset boat cruise on the Blyde Dam.
Overnight · Forever Resorts Blyde Dam or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Panorama Route → Kruger National Park
Spend the morning on the legendary Panorama Route, taking in the Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and Graskop, before descending into the Sabi Valley to enter Kruger National Park with a game drive en route to your rest camp.
Overnight · Skukuza Rest Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Kruger National Park
A full day of open-vehicle game drives through South Africa's flagship park, with the option of an evening night drive after checking into your next camp.
Overnight · Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Kruger National Park → Xai-Xai
Leave Kruger behind for the Mozambique border, continuing on past the capital, Maputo, to your overnight stop in Xai-Xai, your first taste of the Indian Ocean.
Overnight · Sunset Lodge Xai-Xai or similar
Meals · B
Xai-Xai → Inhambane
A relaxed drive north to Maxixe before branching onto the Inhambane Peninsula, with time to book water activities and soak up the afternoon sun on Inhambane's magnificent beaches.
Overnight · Barra Beach Resort or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Inhambane
A full day to relax and take part in the activities on offer, from diving and snorkeling to simply unwinding on the sand.
Overnight · Barra Beach Resort or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Inhambane
A second full day to enjoy Inhambane at your own pace.
Overnight · Barra Beach Resort or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Inhambane → Maputo
Leave the beach behind for a day's drive south to Maputo, with time to explore a little of the capital before checking in for the night.
Overnight · StayEasy Maputo or similar
Meals · B
Maputo → Mlilwane, Eswatini
A short morning drive through Maputo, before heading south-central toward Eswatini. Cross the border in the afternoon, arriving at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for a two-night stay.
Overnight · Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Eswatini
A full day exploring the sites that best showcase Eswatini's craft and culture, before returning to Mlilwane for a traditional cultural show paired with a taste of local cuisine.
Overnight · Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary
Meals · B · L · D
Eswatini → Hluhluwe National Park
Cross back into South Africa and head to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserves, for an afternoon safari drive as the sun sets over the bush.
Overnight · Hilltop Camp or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Hluhluwe National Park → Battlefields
An early departure for the Battlefields region of KwaZulu-Natal, site of pivotal 19th-century conflicts. Visit Isandlwana, one of the area's two battlefield museums, then a short drive to your overnight stop.
Overnight · Battlefields Hotel, Dundee or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Battlefields → Drakensberg Mountains
After breakfast, visit the Talana Museum, the region's main Anglo-Zulu War memorial, before driving on to the Drakensberg Mountains for a two-night stay.
Overnight · Alpine Heath Resort or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Full Day — Drakensberg Mountains
A day for hiking through the Drakensberg's dramatic peaks and waterfalls, with the afternoon free to relax back at the lodge.
Overnight · Alpine Heath Resort or similar
Meals · B · L · D
Johannesburg — Tour Ends
The final day of the tour, descending from the mountains to join the main route back from Durban to Johannesburg. Tour ends on arrival in Johannesburg.
Meals · B
B BREAKFAST · L LUNCH · D DINNER
Entry requirementseVisa may be needed before travelShow
Passport recommendation
For all POA Safaris trips we recommend travelling with a passport valid for at least 6 months after your trip and containing at least 4 blank pages. Longer multi-country itineraries may need more.
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on every POA Safaris tour, in every country we travel through. See our cancellation policy for what your cover needs to include.
South Africa
Visa-free for many nationalities- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Many can enter visa-free for tourism; others need a visa in advance.EU, UK and US passports: Usually visa-free.
- Typical fee
- Free for many nationalities.
- Passport validity
- Valid for your intended stay. Airlines may ask for longer validity.
- Blank pages
- At least 2 blank pages.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from or travelling through a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Good to know
- You may be asked for your accommodation or residential address on arrival.
Mozambique
eTA, visa exemption or eVisa depending on nationality- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Some qualify for visa-exempt or eTA entry; others need an eVisa.EU, UK and US passports: Usually an eTA.
- Typical fee
- Varies by nationality.
- Passport validity
- At least 6 months from entry.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Good to know
- The eVisa or eTA application may ask for accommodation confirmation, a return ticket and proof of funds.
Eswatini
Visa-free for many nationalities- Visa
- Depends on nationality. Many can enter visa-free for short tourist visits; others need a visa.EU, UK and US passports: Usually visa-free.
- Typical fee
- Free for many nationalities.
- Passport validity
- At least 30 days beyond your intended return date. We recommend 6 months for safari travel.
- Blank pages
- At least 2 blank pages, plus extra pages if you travel through South Africa.
- Yellow fever
- Required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country.
Other vaccinations and malaria
Yellow fever is the only vaccination that can affect entry. Anything else is a health question, and what you need depends on your own vaccination history and where you grew up. See your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before you leave, as some courses need more than one dose.
Most of these routes pass through malaria areas. Antimalarial tablets usually have to be started before you arrive, so arrange them at home. Pharmacies in the region do sell them over the counter if you lose yours. Repellent, covered arms after dark and the bed net matter as much as the tablets.
Take your route with you to the appointment, as malaria advice varies by area within a country and not only by country. The CDC publishes yellow fever and malaria guidance country by country. See the CDC guidance.
Entry requirements for every country we travel through
Visa fees are indicative, vary by nationality and are subject to change. Visa, vaccination and entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel history and itinerary, and may change without notice. This is a general guide only. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant immigration authority or embassy before you travel. Last updated: September 2026.
Free download
The full itinerary, as a PDF
- Day-by-day route and accommodation
- Map, dates and pricing
- What's included and what isn't
Yours to keep and to forward to whoever you are travelling with.
The Bush & Beach Explorer
Ask about the Bush & Beach departure
Send your group size and questions. Doctor will confirm available dates and spaces.
Check availability on WhatsApp16 days · South Africa · Mozambique · Eswatini · Johannesburg loop
40% deposit secures your place · 40% 30 days before departure · 20% USD cash at the Welcome Meeting · Runs with 4+ travellers, or full refund · Travel insurance compulsory
Full cancellation policy →