Zulu Trail - Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrive Maseru (Lesotho)
Arrive in Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, and transfer to our hotel to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead.

Day 2. Maseru - Boqate - Maseru
After breakfast, we visit the remarkable La Kome Caves, where cave dwellings have been carved out under towering rocks. The families still living there today are descendents of the original people who “built” the caves in the 19th century and the site is now a National Heritage Site. We continue to Thaba Bosiu, an open-air museum where a local guide shares the story of Chief Moshoeshoe I and his legendary resistance against King Shaka’s warriors. Overnight at Botleng Lodge. B/-/-

Day 3. Boqate - Malealea
Our journey continues via Moitsupeli to Koro-Koro. A scenic drive through bushy landscape, small forests and farmland dotted with picturesque villages. We pass through a very rural part of Lesotho, exploring some of the villages on our way. Optional tour on horseback from Malealea Lodge where we will spend the night. B/-/-

Day 4. Malealea - Semonkong
We head to Semonkong, the road ascending to Blue Mountain Pass, 2.620m, named after the 2.900m high Thaba Putswa (Blue Mountain), which dominates the range in the North. We drive past mountains of white sandstone to Roma. The city is the principal center of the Roman Catholic Church in Lesotho and since 1964 the site of the National University. After lunch break another scenic drive through Thaba Putswa Range via Makheka’s Pass before we reach Semonkong Lodge. Later,after check in, we visit Maletsunyana Fall (Place of Smoke). The mighty Maletsunyane Falls is one of the highest single drop waterfalls in Africa! Creating a haze of smoke as the water plummets with savage splendour 204 meters down into a spectacular gorge. This is how Semonkong,The Place of Smoke, got its name. B/-/-

Day 5. Semonkong - Underberg (South Africa)
We depart Semonkong lodge after breakfast and climb back up into the mid highlands of Lesotho,birthplace of the Senqu - Orange river, one of Africas longest rivers. We make stop at “Christ the King” view point at 2.080m with a beautiful view into the valley below and mountains around. We leave Lesotho crossing the border with S. Africa at Quachas Nek. Our journey continues through picturesque farmlands of East Griqualand with traditional decorated huts. Hotel overnight. B/-/-

Day 6. Underberg - Durban -St Lucia
We leave Underberg heading to Durban, South Africa's third-most populous city. Here we make a lunch stop on one of Durban's beautiful beaches before continuing to St Lucia where we stay overnight. B/-/-

Day 7. St Lucia - Lobamba (Eswatini)
St Lucia is surrounded by an estuary at the southernmost entrance to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Elephant Coast region of KwaZulu Natal. It is home to various ecosystems which includes swamps, lake systems, coral reefs, beaches, wetlands, woodlands and coastal forests. The town lies in the heart of unspoilt beauty with plenty of wild life. We take a boat trip after breakfast in St Lucia estuary viewing hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. Part of this area has been a game reserve since as early as 1895. Drive to Eswatini in the afternoon, 3 hours drive Eswatini or former Swaziland is 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. Overnight at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. B/-/-

Day 8. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary - Manzini
After breakfast, we visit Mantenga Cultural Village - this is the local chief’s village where we explore authentic Swazi Culture with great photo opportunities.
Overnight: hotel in Manzini. B/-/-

Day 9. Manzini- - Maputo (Mozambique)
We drive from Manzini to Mozambiqe border, where we switch vehicles and guides and contunue to Maputo. Approx. 3-4 hours of driving. Hotel in Maputo. B/-/-

Day 10. Maputo - Chidenguele or Bilene
After meeting the group and your guide in Maputo, we head northeast into the Xai Xai District travelling through the coconut and sugar plantations of rural Mozambique. Along the way, we will see cashew nut sellers, locals going about their lives in small villages, open land and roaming livestock. Following the East Coast of Africa, we reach after three hours drive our first stop at Chidenguele. Overnight at Paraiso De Chidenguele Resort or similar.
Depending on the time of arrival we may have to overnight in Bilene, which is closer to Maputo at Shongili Lodge or similar -/-/-

Day 11. Chidenguele - Praia da Barra (Inhambane)
Today we continue north along the coast til we reach our resort at Barra beach (Praia da Barra), near the historic town of Inhambane. Settle in with a walk on the palm-fringed beach or enjoy your first swim in the warm Indian Ocean. This evening we can experience a traditional Mozambiquan dinner to sample the famous local flavours and fresh seafood at one of Mozambique’s best restaurants – The Green Turtle.
We spend the next two nights staying at Bayview Lodge hotel or equal. B/-/-

Day 12. Praia da Barra
A free day to enjoy laid-back hours on the picturesque beaches, swimming and exploring or doing some optional activities including watersports and land-based adventure activities - from scuba diving and snorkelling to horse riding and quad biking. B/-/-

Day 13. Praia da Barra - Vilanculos

On the way to Vilanculos today we stop off in the charming town of Inhambane, with its tree-lined avenues and old colonial Portuguese buildings. One of the oldest settlements on the east coast, here Arabic, Indian, African and European influences blend together in a vibrant mix. We continue to Vilanculos, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beachfront—a perfect base for marine exploration. It is stocked with all the amenities needed for a fantastic seaside holiday. For the next 2 nights we will stay at Casa Cabana Beach hotel or similar. B/-/-

Days 14. Vilanculos - Bazaruto  - Vilanculos
The lively seaside town of Vilanculos is ideally located for exploring the three main islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque), lying just off the mainland of Mozambique. The Bazaruto Archipelago is Mozambique’s premier travel destination - a tropical beach paradise with clear turquoise waters and palm fringed islands. As a protected area, the reefs are pristine and the sea life here is spectacular. This cluster of five unspoiled tropical islands is considered one of the most beautiful places in Africa. Mozambique’s only marine reserve, Bazaruto is world-renowned for its superb diving and snorkelling given the abundant sea creatures inhabiting its intact reefs. Marine life includes an impressive variety of tropical fish, whales and dolphins, as well as the rare Dugong (sea cow) and Nile crocodiles. Some of the aquatic creatures sighted on dives include whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, lobsters, barracuda, clown fish, Moorish idols and mackerel. Antelopes, Samango monkeys and around 180 bird species also inhabit the Bazaruto islands.Enjoy a full-day speedboat trip with snorkeling and lunch included. B/L/-

Day 15. Vilanculos - Chizavane
Today we head back to the South and after four hours driving we reach the resort Nascer Do Sol, close to Chizavane, nestled in a cove with chalets overlooking the ocean. B/-/-

Day 16. Chizavane - Maputo. City tour.
Today we return to the capital Maputo after another 3-4 hours drive. A guided half-day tour, including stops at the Fortress, the Central Market, and the railway station. We will also pass by the Maputo City Hall, the Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens and the Iron House before checking in at our hotel for overnight. B/-/-

Day 17. Departure
Departure after breakfast. Farewell to Mozambique and to the unforgettable landscapes and cultures of Southern Africa. -/-/-