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White pearl resorts deck overlooking the sea 2400

Self Drive South Africa and Mozambique Safari and Beach Holiday

Inspirational self drive holiday to Mozambique and South Africa

For the more independent and adventurous traveler, with no compromise on luxury accommodation, this self-drive vacation is an exploration of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province, including a Big 5 safari, combined with an Indian Ocean beach stay on the coast of Mozambique.

You'll arrive in Durban where you will collect your hire car and drive to the Oyster Box Hotel, one of South Africa's most cherished and iconic hotels. With remarkable coastal views, understated luxury and gracious hospitality you may not wish to leave this seaside haven but if you do, the city of Durban will not disappoint. From here you will get on the road and journey north to the Big 5 private Phinda Reserve for your stay at the eco-designed luxury safari lodge, Phinda Forest Lodge. Sleep in unique glass-encased suites in the heart of a shaded sand forest and, during the day, enjoy game drives, walking and tracking safaris and participative conservation experiences such rhino notching or pangolin tagging.

More adventure beckons as you head even further north to White Pearl Resort on a pristine private beach in Mozambique. Expect sublime ocean frontage, unforgettable service and cuisine and some of the finest diving in Mozambique.

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Day by Day summary

  • Starts - Catch your overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Durban King Shaka
  • 3 nights - The Oyster Box Hotel, Durban, South Africa
  • 4 nights - Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
  • 7 nights - White Pearl Resorts, Maputo & Surrounds, Mozambique
  • Ends - Transfer to Maputo for your international flight home

At a glance

  • Country Icon Mozambique, South Africa
  • Nights Icon 14 Nights
  • Beach Icon Beach
  • Safari Icon Safari

Tailormade itineraries

Every Mahlatini trip is custom created to your exact travel wishes – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch with our experts to start creating your bespoke itinerary.

Guide Price

Low Season from {: 9300|toCurrency :} per person
High Season from {: 10300|toCurrency :} per person

Includes flights from Chicago O'Hare International
Phinda forest lodge boma 1280
White pearl resorts swimming pool 1280
The oyster box hotel the lobby 1280

Highlights

  • At-your-own pace self-drive adventure
  • Fine dining, luxury rooms and personalized service
  • Big 5 game viewing in the Phinda Reserve
  • Migrating humpback whales and whale sharks in Mozambique (in season)
  • Cocktails and coastal sunsets at the Oyster Box Lighthouse Bar
Itinerary Details

Day-by-day

Catch your overnight flight from Chicago O'Hare International to Durban King Shaka

The oyster box hotel presidential suite bathroom 1280
The oyster box hotel cinema room 1280
The oyster box hotel clock library 1280
The oyster box hotel presidential suite bathroom 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 1 - 4

Your self drive luxury vacation begins in Durban's King Shaka Airport where your hire vehicle will be ready and waiting for you at the car hire desk. From here it's a 15 minute drive to your beachfront hotel in Umhlanga Rocks.

  • 3 nights
  • Star Created with Sketch. Iconic

The Oyster Box Hotel
Bed & Breakfast | Classic Seafacing Room
South Africa

The oyster box hotel penthouse main bedroom 1280
Phinda forest lodge boma 1280
Phinda forest lodge indoor lounge area 1280
Phinda forest lodge exterior of guest suite 1280
Phinda forest lodge boma 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 4 - 8

Journey north today. The tail end of the 3.5 hour drive will be through the private Phinda Reserve where you will get your first glimpse of the wildlife. You will be warmly welcomed at Forest Lodge as you arrive.

  • 4 nights

Phinda Forest Lodge
All Inclusive | Suite
South Africa

Phinda forest lodge guest suite 1280
White pearl resorts swimming pool 1280
White pearl resorts indoor lounge and dining area 1280
White pearl resorts outdoor dining deck 1280
White pearl resorts swimming pool 1280 Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Day 8 - 15

The adventurous journey in your 4x4 continues as you travel further north today crossing the border into Mozambique. From here it's 25km to White Pear Resorts.

  • 7 nights

White Pearl Resorts
All Inclusive | Pool Suite
Mozambique

White pearl resorts guest bedroom 1280

Day 15

Bid farewell to paradise and drive through striking panoramas and remote villages to Maputo Airport. Drop off your hire car and connect with your international flight home.

Make it yours

Tailormake this itinerary to your exact wishes

We've got you covered

Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including international flights and all transfers.

Included icon

Includes

  • Accommodation as specified
  • Meals as specified
  • Car hire, group B car (Toyota Yaris Xi or similar) including full cover, unlimited km, taxes and GPS
  • All scheduled safari activities offered by the camps or lodges
  • Road transfers as detailed in the itinerary
  • National Parks and conservation entry fees
  • Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
  • Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
  • Community projects contribution with Uthando
Not included icon

Excludes

  • Gratuities
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Any additional activities not offered as scheduled by the camps or lodges
  • Visas and visa fees where relevant
  • Petrol
  • Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels
Indulge your passions

ACTIVITIES

This sample trip offers countless adventures and activities to ensure lifetime memories are made. From unforgettable thrills to indulgent relaxation, choose those that appeal most and we will curate your perfect itinerary.

  • Big 5 Safari Icon Big 5 Safari
  • 4 WD Safari Icon 4WD Safari
  • Birdwatching Icon Birdwatching
  • Boat Trip Icon Boat Trip
  • Guided Walking Safari Icon Guided Walking Safari
  • Ocean Safari Icon Ocean Safari
  • Helicopter Flights Icon Helicopter Flights
  • Scenic Flights Icon Scenic Flights
  • Conservation Experience Icon Conservation Experience
  • Cultural Experience Icon Cultural Experience
  • Canoeing Kayaking Icon Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Fishing Icon Fishing
  • Golf Icon Golf
  • Hiking Icon Hiking
  • Horseriding Icon Horse Riding
  • Snorkelling Scuba Diving Icon Snorkelling/Scuba Diving
  • Watersports Icon Water Sports
  • Kids Club Icon Kids Club
  • Kids Bushcraft Icon Kids Bushcraft
  • Fly Camping Icon Fly Camping
  • Photographic Safari Icon Photographic Safari
  • City Sights Icon City Sights
  • Star Gazing Star Beds Icon Star Gazing/Star Bed
  • Natural Wonders Icon Natural Wonders
  • Wellness Spa Icon Wellness/Spa
Enriching encounters

ICONIC WILDLIFE

Whether you want to tick off the Big Five or encounter specific safari species and sea creatures on your safari and coastal stay, our expert guides reveal the typical wildlife sightings to expect on this sample trip.

  • Zebra
    Zebra
  • Wildebeest
    Wildebeest
  • White Rhino
    White Rhino
  • Spotted Hyena
    Spotted Hyena
  • Lion
    Lion
  • Leopard
    Leopard
  • Leatherback Turtle
    Leatherback Turtle
  • Kudu
    Kudu
  • Hippo
    Hippo
  • Hawksbill turtle
    Hawksbill Turtle
  • Elephant
    Elephant
  • Crocodile
    Crocodile
  • Cheetah
    Cheetah
  • Buffalo
    Buffalo
  • Bottlenose Dolphin
    Bottlenose Dolphin
  • Black Rhino
    Black Rhino
  • African Fish Eagle
    African Fish Eagle
  • Southern Giraffe
    Giraffe
Sample Itineraries

TRIPS TO INSPIRE

From majestic wildlife to out of this world natural wonders, cultural melting pots and enchanting beaches, every bespoke Mahlatini journey is thrilling. Unsure where to visit? Whether it’s a bucket-list adventure, a milestone celebration or simply a much-needed escape, experience the joy with this inspiring selection of favorites.

  • Bespoke itineraries
  • Flights and transfers included
  • Best rates guaranteed

Ready to
explore more?

Our travel experts are ready to start creating your tailormade trip.