Explore two incredible safari destinations on one trip: Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and the Greater Kruger region of South Africa. Gorongosa, a conservation success story, is now one of the world's most biodiverse places. With few visitors compared to other parks, the vast wilderness of Gorongosa offers an intimate and authentic safari experience far from the crowds. Then, experience two ecosystems in Greater Kruger: Makuleke Contractual Park in the north and Mala Mala Game Reserve between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Each area boasts unique, picturesque habitats teeming with diverse African wildlife. Join expert naturalists for morning and afternoon safaris to witness these wonders up close.
Three moments you’ll never forget
At Gorongosa National Park, every moment is a thrilling encounter with wildlife. Beyond the iconic elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles, you'll also have the chance to spot the elusive African wild dogs and a rich array of antelope species, such as waterbuck, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, impala, oribi, and sable antelope.
Embark on a thrilling Mala Mala adventure by Land Rover, capturing the essence of this legendary landscape. With an abundance of wildlife, including the iconic Big Five—elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino, and the proximity to the Sand and Sabie Rivers, prepare for unrivaled wildlife moments around every corner.
End your exhilarating day in the bush by returning to camp, where we gather around the crackling campfire to share our adventures, creating unforgettable memories beneath the starry night sky.
Go With
DAY 1
Johannesburg, South Africa
Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the InterContinental O.R. Tambo Airport Hotel. After a chance to freshen up, join your expeditions leaders and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
DAY 2
Johannesburg / Beira / Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
After breakfast, board our flight to Mozambique. Upon arrival, depart overland to Gorongosa National Park, located at the southern end of the Great Rift Valley. With an eye toward sustainable tourism and minimal environmental impact, camps here are small, many with just a handful of tents. Our group will be split between Muzimu Tented Camp and Wild Camp, both of which provide airy tents set in the heart of the wilderness.
DAY 3–5
Gorongosa National Park
Enjoy daily safaris to spot abundant wildlife in the park. Beyond iconic species like elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles, you'll also find African wild dogs and various antelope species like waterbuck, nyala, kudu, bushbuck, impala, oribi, and sable antelope. With over 300 recorded bird species, you might spot African fish eagles, green-headed orioles, gray-crowned cranes, Goliath herons, red-necked spurfowl, and vibrant lilac-breasted rollers. After thrilling bush adventures, return to camp for campfire tales and dinner beneath the stars.
DAY 6
Gorongosa National Park / Beira / Kruger National Park (Pafuri), South Africa
Time permitting, embark on a morning safari before returning to Beira to catch our flight to South Africa. Transfer to Pafuri Tented Camp, set in Makuleke Contractual Park in the northernmost section of Kruger between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers. Check in to your luxurious tent, set on a raised wooden platform, and perhaps take a rest on your own private veranda.
DAY 7–8
Kruger National Park (Pafuri)
This area of the park is geologically unique, offering diverse habitats and extraordinary scenic beauty, making it one of Kruger's most biodiverse regions. It's home to nearly three-quarters of the park's bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile, and tree species. Makuleke boasts over 350 bird species, attracting birdwatchers from across southern Africa. Embark on daily game drives to explore various habitats, searching for species like hippos, crocodiles, eland, grysbok, and elephants. In the evening, join a spotlighting drive to see nocturnal creatures such as bush babies, genets, and civets. You'll also have the chance for a guided bush walk to get close to the region's smaller inhabitants.
DAY 9
Kruger National Park / Mala Mala
After morning activities and breakfast, take a charter flight to Mala Mala, a premier Big Five reserve between Kruger and Sabi Sand. Check in at Mala Mala Camp, offering luxurious bushveld views. Enjoy the infinity pool, Buffalo Bar, or the air-conditioned library before your first game drive. Dine by the fire in a traditional reed "boma," then relax in your spacious thatched hut with stargazing from your veranda.
DAY 10–12
Mala Mala
Experience daily game drives in open Land Rovers, providing unrivaled views of the wildlife-rich landscape. This reserve is famous for its Big Five, including elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino, and its proximity to the Sand and Sabie Rivers ensures abundant water-based wildlife, enriching the variety of sightings.
DAY 13
Mala Mala / Johannesburg / Depart
Time permitting, enjoy one last game drive, then transfer to the air strip for our flight to Johannesburg and connect with your independent homeward flight. Or, continue your explorations on an optional post-extension to view annual Wild Flower Bloom and go whale watching in De Hoop Reserve.
Optional Post Extension
The Nature of the Cape Province
7 Nights | August 27 – September 3, 2025
This post-trip extension lets you experience the spring fynbos bloom in Namaqua National Park and southern right whale migration at De Hoop Nature Reserve. Enjoy coastal walks amid unique wildflowers and visit food and wine hub Franschhoek with a stay at the Babylonstoren Wine Estate. Continue to De Hoop, a sanctuary for breeding southern right whales, Bryde’s and humpback whales, dolphins, and diverse birdlife, including the endangered Cape vulture.
DAY 1
Mala Mala / Cape Town
Today, transfer to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport and board our flight to Cape Town. Check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
Cape Town / Namaqua National Park
After breakfast, depart overland for Namaqua National Park, with a stop for lunch en route. Check in to Namaqua Nature Camp. Located right on the beach, all tents have a captivating sea view and plenty of comfy spots for sundowners.
DAY 3
Namaqua National Park
In August and September, Namaqualand's dusty valleys burst into a colorful wildflower wonderland. Experience a biodiversity hotspot with over 3,500 plant species, including 1,000 endemics and the world's largest concentration of succulent plants. Explore viewpoints and hike through vast fields to see the blooms up close. If fortunate, you might spot the endemic Namaqua speckled padloper, the world's smallest tortoise.
DAY 4
Namaqua National Park / Wine Region
This morning, leave for South Africa's renowned Wine Region with a lunch stop along the way. Arrive at Babylonstoren Wine Estate, a historic Cape Dutch farm nestled at the base of Simonsberg Peak in the Franschhoek wine valley. Dinner features freshly baked bread, garden-fresh produce, local proteins, and hand-selected wines from the estate.
DAY 5
Wine Region / De Hoop Nature Reserve
After breakfast, join a guided garden tour. Have a farm-fresh lunch, then head to De Hoop National Park, an 84,000-acre Western Cape gem. Check in at Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, perched on a sand dune overlooking the sea. Cabins are airy with floor-to-ceiling windows and private decks showcasing ocean views.
DAY 6–7
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Spend two days exploring this remarkable coastal reserve, renowned for world-class land-based whale watching. From July to November, southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to calve and breed here. Since 1985, these waters have been a Marine Protected Area, thriving with sea life. In addition to whales, anticipate sightings of dolphins, seals, and 260 bird species, including the Cape vulture. Take a cruise through De Vlei Wetlands, where eland, bontebok, Cape Mountain zebra, and more may be spotted. Explore tide pools at low tide, discovering varieties of coastal fynbos.
DAY 8
De Hoop Nature Reserve / Cape Town / Depart
Return to Cape Town for your independent homeward flight.
Trip details
August 15 – 27, 2025
Optional Post extension
August 27 – September 3, 2025
Departure
The trip starts and ends in Johannesburg, South Africa
“There is nothing quite like an early morning game drive; the sky slowly turning orange, casting magnificent tree silhouettes. Being out with like-minded souls, open to whatever the wilderness reveals. Each outing is truly special and the more time we spend observing, the more we’ll discover. You'll find yourself endlessly fascinated by the natural changing of the guard, as daytime species wind down and nocturnal creatures come alive with the setting sun. Daytime and nighttime drives provide unique perspectives on the extraordinary bush of southern Africa. We eagerly anticipate exploring these diverse habitats and encountering some of Africa's most remarkable wildlife with you on this unique Mozambique and South Africa adventure.”
— Rich & Chris
Pafuri Tented Camp
Nineteen tented suites line the Luvuvhu River, connected by raised walkways. Each suite features a private deck, en-suite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and comfy beds with crisp linens. Enjoy the bush bar and a spacious swimming pool. Relax under the Jackalberry canopy.
MalaMala Camp
MalaMala, the original camp in MalaMala Game Reserve, has been beautifully revitalized, preserving its African charm with a modern twist. This luxurious haven offers top-notch comfort, impeccable service, and stunning views of Sand River and the bushveld. Nestled in the wild, it's an unfenced oasis, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Muzimu Lodge Gorongosa
This exclusive canvas lodge sits by the Mussicadzi River in Gorongosa National Park, at Africa's Great Rift Valley's southernmost tip. With six stylish canvas chalets, each with a private deck and en-suite bathroom, it offers a top-notch safari experience amid diverse ecosystems and landscapes.
Wild Camp Gorongosa
Experience an authentic bush adventure at Wild Camp Gorongosa in Gorongosa National Park. These camps, located in pristine wilderness areas, offer a unique connection to nature. Nestled in the park's heart, Gorongosa's Wild Camp combines resort-style comfort with eco-consciousness. Well-appointed tents provide a comfortable, memorable stay.
More Detail
PRICING
With Wild Camp Gorongosa
Per Person: $17,490
Single Supplement: $4,790
With Muzimu Lodge Gorongosa
Per Person: $20,480
No single tents available
Deposit
Per Person: $2,000
Group Size
20 travelers
What’s Included
12 nights accommodations
Laundry services
All meals including non alcoholic drinks, and sundowners while on safari
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Taxes and permits
Gratuities
Arrival and departure transfers
Internal airfare: Johannesburg/Beira/Pafuri/Mala Mala/Johannesburg
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
August 15 – 27, 2025
