BEST 6 DAY MOZAMBIQUE SWAZILAND LESOTHO TOUR

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 - Johannesburg/Mpumalanga Province/Mozambique

6 Day - Mozambique Swaziland Lesotho Trip.

Departure early from Johannesburg/Pretoria. As we travel towards Mpumalanga Province in the eastern side of the country and visit scenic attractions along our way, we descend in the afternoon the eastern escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains and travel via the Low veld before entering the world famous Kruger National Park.

Inside the Park, the excitement will mount as we start seeing some of the numerous animals that inhabits this magnificent wildlife sanctuary. We leave the Kruger Park at 18h00 and cross the border with Mozambique at the Lebombo border post close to the Kruger Park.

After crossing the border, we continue to Maputo, capital of Mozambique, where we overnight at a comfortable guesthouse in the center of Maputo .

Accommodation in Maputo Stay Easy Hotel Maputo

Bed &Breakfast.

Distance traveled: 600 km

Day 2 - Maputo - Mozambique

After breakfast in Maputo, there are several interesting activities you can consider for a day tour. Here's a suggested itinerary for your day:

Visit the Maputo Central Market: Start your day by exploring the bustling Maputo Central Market. It's a vibrant place filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional food. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, interact with the friendly vendors, and perhaps purchase some unique souvenirs. Explore the Maputo Fortress: Head to the Maputo Fortress, also known as Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição. This historical landmark offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past. Take a guided tour to learn about its architecture, history, and significance in the region. Relax at Jardim Tunduru: Take a leisurely stroll through Jardim Tunduru, a beautiful garden located in the heart of Maputo.

Enjoy the serene surroundings, lush greenery, and peaceful atmosphere. You can find benches to sit and relax, or simply wander along the paths and admire the various plants and flowers. Visit the Museum of Natural History: If you're interested in natural history and the unique biodiversity of Mozambique, make a stop at the Museum of Natural History. This museum houses an extensive collection of exhibits related to the country's flora, fauna, geology, and anthropology. Explore the displays and gain a deeper understanding of Mozambique's natural heritage. Have lunch at a local restaurant: By this time, you might have worked up an appetite.

Head to one of the local restaurants in Maputo to enjoy a delicious lunch. Mozambican cuisine is known for its fresh seafood, flavorful spices, and Portuguese influences. Don't miss the opportunity to try traditional dishes like peri-peri prawns, matapa (a local dish made with cassava leaves), or piri-piri chicken. Visit the Maputo Railway Station: Next, visit the Maputo Railway Station, an architectural gem that showcases the city's past and present.

Admire the beautiful ironwork, stained glass windows, and intricate details of this historic building. It's a great spot for photography and a chance to learn about the important role railways played in Mozambique's history. Enjoy a sunset walk along the Marginal: As the day nears its end, take a leisurely stroll along the Marginal, Maputo's waterfront promenade.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. There are numerous cafes and bars along the way where you can grab a refreshing drink or a snack while watching the sunset. Dinner and nightlife: Wrap up your day tour by experiencing Maputo's vibrant nightlife. The city offers a range of dining options, from local street food vendors to international cuisine in upscale restaurants. After dinner, you can explore the city's lively bars and clubs, where you can enjoy live music, dance, and mingle with the locals.

We leave the hotel later the evening to explore the nightlife in Maputo where you can have dinner at one of the restaurants on the beachfront.

Accommodation in Maputo Stay Easy Hotel Maputo

Bed &Breakfast basis

Distance travelled 150 km

Day 3 - Maputo - Eswatini - Ezelweni

Start your day early from Maputo and make your way to the Namaacha border post. Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, and any required permits. Cross the border into Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) and continue driving towards the Ezulwini Valley. The journey from the border post to Ezulwini Valley takes around 1-2 hours, depending on traffic and border formalities. Along the way, you can stop at the candle factory, known as Swazi Candles. This popular attraction offers a wide variety of beautifully handcrafted candles in different shapes, colors, and sizes. Take some time to explore the factory, watch the artisans at work, and perhaps purchase some unique candles as souvenirs. After visiting the candle factory, continue your journey to Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini. Spend some time exploring the city's attractions, such as the King Sobhuza II Memorial Park or the Swazi Market, where you can find a range of local crafts, artwork, and traditional items. From Mbabane, drive through Manzini, another major town in Eswatini. You can make a brief stop here to stretch your legs or grab a quick snack.

Afterward, we will head towards Mantenga Cultural Village, located in the Ezulwini Valley. Arrive in time for the 15:00 cultural show, where you can witness traditional Swazi dances, music, and rituals. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural experience and learn about Swazi traditions and customs. After enjoying the cultural show, check-in at Mantenga Lodge, located nearby. Take some time to relax and enjoy the lodge's amenities, which may include swimming pools, scenic views, and nature walks. In the evening, have dinner at the lodge's restaurant, where you can savor delicious local cuisine or international dishes. Spend the night at Mantenga Lodge and enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay in the Ezulwini Valley.

Accommodation in Eswatini: Mlilwane Game Reserve

Bed & Breakfast basis

Distance traveled 250 km

Day 4 - Eswatini - Underberg- Sani Pass - Lesotho

We check-out of the hotel after breakfast and start our journey to Cedar garden guesthouse  in Kwazulu Natal via the Swaziland border Post, in the southern side of Swaziland. After crossing the border with South Africa, we drive through Zululand and if time permitted, we can visit the site of Battle of Blood River, a battle between the Dutch (Afrkaners/Pioneers) and the Zulus, 16 December, 1886. We will arrive in the evening at Underberg, where we will stay for 2 nights.

Accommodation in Underberg Cedar Garden Guesthouse

Bed & Breakfast basis

Distance traveled 600 km

Day 5 - Underberg - Sani Pass - Lesotho.

After breakfast, you start your trip to Lesotho with a 4x4 Vehicle  (ensuring you have all necessary travel documents, including passports, as you will be crossing a border)

You will Join a guided day tour with a knowledgeable driver/guide to accompany you on the journey. Scenic Drive to Sani Pass:

Enjoy a scenic drive from Underberg to the Sani Pass, which is approximately 2-3 hours depending on road conditions. The Sani Pass is a mountain pass renowned for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views. Ascend Sani Pass:

Begin your ascent up the Sani Pass, a challenging and steep road that requires a 4x4 vehicle due to its rugged conditions. Take in the stunning landscapes and enjoy the thrill of driving along this adventurous route.

Reach the Highest Point in Africa inside Lesotho:

Once you reach the summit of the Sani Pass, you will enter Lesotho, the "Kingdom in the Sky."

At an elevation of approximately 3,240 meters (10,630 feet), you will have reached the highest point in Africa that is accessible by vehicle. Take some time to appreciate the panoramic views and the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Visit the Highest Pub in Africa:

After reaching the summit, visit the Sani Top Chalet, which is home to the Highest Pub in Africa. Enjoy a refreshing beverage or a meal while taking in the unique atmosphere and stunning views. Explore Lesotho and Local Culture:

If time permits, explore the nearby area and immerse yourself in the local Lesotho culture. Interact with the Basotho people, visit their traditional villages, or learn about their customs and way of life. Descend Sani Pass and Return to Howick:

Begin your descent down the Sani Pass, savoring the scenic views on your way back to South Africa. Once you reach the base of the pass, make your way back to Howick, where your Sani Pass tours end. The drive from Sani Pass to Underberg takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on road conditions. Afternoon Arrival in Underberg

Enjoy a well-deserved rest after a day of adventure and exploration.

Please note that road conditions on Sani Pass can be challenging, and we use a suitable 4x4 vehicle and be accompanied by an experienced driver or guide.

Accommodation in Underberg Cedar Garden Guesthouse

Bed Breakfast basis

Distance travelled 150 km

Day 6 - Howick - Durban

We leave our hotel at 08h00 and go to Howick where we will visit the Howick falls as well as Nelson Mandela capture site, outside Howick, where Nelson Mandela was captured in 1963. We arrive in Durban where we will do a short city tour and then drop off at your hotel

OVERVIEW OF MOZAMBIQUE

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique and one of the neighboring countries of South Africa.

The Official language is Portuguese!. Though many people in the Capital can speak English to a certain extend.

Mozambique is located in Southern Africa, and has borders with six other countries and more than 2,500 km of Indian Ocean coastline. Mozambique is a country of great potential and many contrasts. The population is strikingly young, with 10 million children accounting for half of the total population of 10 million.

Since the end of a 16 year civil war in 1992, Mozambique's economy has grown at a strong pace.