Inspirations Travel & Tours & Tours
Tel: +27(0)31 2678400
Fax: +27(0)31 2660205
9 Kensington Drive, 3629 Westville, Durban, South Africa
Email: info@inspirations-travel.co.za
Web: www.inspirations-travel.co.za www.africaninspirations.co.za
EAST3ROUTE
(3 country discovery – South Africa, Mozambique & Swaziland)
An easy self-drive extension – a fly in island style beach destination – a layman manageable 4x4 adventure route!
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The area adjoining the Southern Kruger
National Park, the Kingdom of
Swaziland,
Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Elephant
Coast,
and
Southern
Mozambique, above and below Maputo.
Bush, Beach, Mountains, and endless
natural diversity.
An easy 3 to 5 day add on to the
traditional Johannesburg to Durban
route, entirely accessible by self-drive,
avoiding expensive flights, yet also easily
accessible by way of plentiful scheduled
flights to Nelspruit, Mbabane or Maputo.
An area featuring outstanding Big 5
Game Reserves, the Marine Reserve with
endless, pristine Sub-tropical Beaches,
scenic Mountain Ranges, amazing coastal
Dune Forests, Multicultural Cities and
experiences, World Heritage Wetlands,
and much undiscovered, untouched
nature and wildlife!
A multitude of unique and diverse Eco
Zones characterise the bio-diversity of its
Nature Reserves and scenic highlights,
including the African Bush, the Coastal
Palm Forests, the Marine Reserve, the
forested Mountains, Riverine Valleys,
and Okavango like Wetlands, a nature
lovers dream!
Contrasting multi-cultural diversity!
Highlights
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Affordable travel logistics in that one can avoid
expensive flights – all reachable by easy self-drive,
where largely a 4x4 vehicle is not necessary, though
also this offers unique additional adventure
opportunities!
Modular flexibility in that route planning can flexibly
include 2 or 3 adjoining countries, also by way of
optional easy self-drive, fly-in, or adventure 4x4 route.
And more costly 4x4’s can be limited to pickup and
drop off between Nelspruit and Durban, or vice versa.
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Both affordable and top end hotels and lodges are available,
easy transfers, unique and untouched wilderness locations,
and superb combos such as Bush and Beach to a true island
style beach location.
3 in one – not just because of 3 countries, or 3 modes of
travel, mainly because this region combines 3 major eco
zones in close proximity:
The African Bush: Besides the multitude of Kruger options,
Tembe Elephant Park is one of only two remaining game
Reserves in Africa that feature the biggest Tuskers (by
definition minimum of 100 lbs tusks). Phinda, Thanda,
Swazilands Big 5 reserves, Hluhluwe, Mkuze, Amakhozi and
many more well reputed game reserves need no introduction,
but also there is the unique Kruger to Mozambique
Transfrontier Park, the Maputo Elephant reserve, the Jozini
Biosphere, the Kosi Lakes system, and more. Superb game
viewing at great Lodges, often for far less than traditional
venues.
The Marine Reserve: Featuring Southern Africa’s best diving
and snorkling sites, miles and miles of glorious untouched
beaches, this region also offers unique deep sea fishing (also
inland tiger fishing), whale watching in season (July to
December), as well as the annual leatherback turtle breeding
season on the beach. Whether active or just relaxed, for
nature lovers, divers, families or just the normal client – only
the EAST3ROUTE offers Southern Africa’s best and most
versatile coastal experience opportunity – with sub-tropical
climate, warm water, glistening white sand and .
And in-between these two:
The Coastal Reserve: Featuring forested dunes, world heritage
wetlands like St Lucia, Sibaya lake, the Bilene lagoon, the Kosi
lake system, the mightly Limpopo river mouth, subtropical
palm forests and endless beaches. Exquisite bird life, and
diverse estuary species of wildlife can be explored by canoe,
safari drive, or on foot, with an absolutely unique palm forests
and close by adjoining Big 5 game experiences. Furthermore,
for 4x4 lovers, some diverse and scenic routes to enjoy, far
from the maddening crowd, yet not difficult, meaning also a
novice can choose to go 4x4!
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Exotic Maputo, a melting pot of African and Portuguese
cultures. On the one hand very third world with its colourful
markets and street traders, on the other first world with world
class hotels, a large diplomatic and UN community, excellent
restaurants, and interesting history and architecture. Maputo
station was allegedly based on a design by Gustav Eiffel it is
said – same architect that designed the Eiffel Tower!
Maputo also offers a selection of good Guesthouses.
EAST3ROUTE – full of contrasts and diversity – largely undiscovered, yet packed with highlights. A nature
lovers dream, a beach & ocean lovers heaven, a safari expert’s new discovery. Accessible, affordable, and
packed with new & exiting adventure options!
FLY-IN ROUTES
Easy and more affordable fly in to Maputo for access to top class resorts such as White Pearl and Machangulu
Beach Lodge. Air transfer to White Pearl further south, but easy boat transfer across Maputo bay to the tip of
the Elephant Reserve, facing Inhaca island, for a true island style Machangulu Beach Lodge experience! Also
possible by road transfer from Kruger area to Maputo. The perfect bush and beach experience!
SELF DRIVE – ROAD CONDITIONS
Gravel Roads - Paved Roads - 4x4 Tracks
The region is primarly bestowed with good to
reasonable paved roads so that for most options
a 4x4 is not necessary. And in addition, Europcar
allow their vehicles into Mozambique on the
same terms and conditions as South Africa, only
a R 15,000 additional excess applies to insurance
cover. The cross border fee is R 2200. This means
affordable rentals, and easy driving convenience
where most garages in Mozambique accept
credit or debit cards for payment, cell phone
signals exist on all major routes, and ATM’s
easily allow cash withdrawals in local currency.
In addition, there are some unpaved roads, such
as through Kruger and the Transfrontier Park, as
well as the route from Maputo south. If
continuing to the Kosi bay border to KwazuluNatal, however the last stretch is a 4x4 track.
Most of these unpaved roads are adequate for
use with a normal car, in some areas a higher
ground clearance and larger tyres may be
preferable, and the route between the
Transfrontier Park and the Mozambique coast is
potholed in some stretches – still driveable
though.
The southern Mozambique coastline, and also
the Kwazulu-Natal coastline further offer the
adventure lover some fascinating 4x4 routes
traversing coastal dune forests, lake systems,
beach locations, open grasslands etc. Here a full
4x4 is essential, and satellite GPS navigation with
Tracks4Africa digital maps is recommended.
These can be easily rented – or one can bring
one’s own, download the map.
SELF-DRIVE ROUTES – normal vehicles
Northern Loop:
Kruger – Transfrontier Park – Mozambique Beach – Maputo – Swaziland
An easy 3-5 day add on (remember one saves 1 or 2 days
from the normal Kruger south route) that can include an
island style beach experience.
Day 1: Transfrontier Park
From the central Kruger area proceed to Giriyondo
border gate in the Kruger Park (closes at 15:00!). From
Phalaborwa allow 3 hours drive. Complete formalities,
cross over to Mozambique, and then proceed for 45
mins to Machampane Camp in the Transfrontier Park.
Full board bush camp with activities.
Extra Day: Optional
Enjoy bush walks and safari in the Transfrontier Park
Day 2: Mozambique Beach
Half a day’s drive to either the Xai Xai area, or Bilene
lagoon for overnight close to the beach.
Day 3: Maputo
Proceed to exotic Maputo and enjoy the atmosphere of
this cultural melting pot of African and Portuguese
cultures. Excellent hotels and Guesthouses, good
restaurants and sightseeing opportunities.
Extra 2 Days: Optional
Min 2 nights Island Style Beach stay at Machangulu Lodge –
secure vehicle parking in the Marina, pickup point for the
boat transfer.
Day 4: Swaziland
Depart Maputo and proceed to the Swaziland border only
100km’s away. Add on rest of tour, Big 5 Game Parks,
Mbabane, or continue to KwaZulu-Natal.
NET COST “add on” GUIDELINE for 2014
Based on 3 night’s accommodation (Transfrontier x1 DBB, Xai Xai or Bilene x 1 BB, & Maputo Guesthouse
x 1 BB) – and 3 days Group C Toyota Corolla rental add on: ZAR 1234 for 2 persons sharing.
Southern Loop:
Southern Kruger – Maputo – Island Stay – Swaziland
An easy 1-3 day add on (remember one saves a day from
the normal Kruger south route) that can include an island
style beach experience.
Day 1: Maputo
Proceed from southern Kruger to exotic Maputo via
Komatipoort border near Nelspruit. 1 ½ hours later enjoy
the atmosphere of this cultural melting pot of African and
Portuguese cultures. Excellent hotels, Guesthouses, good
restaurants and sightseeing opportunities.
Days 2 and 3: Machangulu Beach Lodge
2 nights Island Style Beach stay at Machangulu Lodge –
secure vehicle parking in the Marina, pickup point for the
scenic 1 ½ hour boat transfer to Inhaca Island.
Day 4: Swaziland
Return transfer from Machangulu, and then depart
Maputo and proceed to the Swaziland border only
100km’s away. Add on rest of tour, Big 5 Game Parks,
Mbabane, or continue to KwaZulu-Natal.
NET COST “add on” GUIDELINE for 2014
Based on 3 night’s accommodation (Maputo Guesthouse x 1 BB & Machangulu Lodge x 2 FB) – and 3 days
Group C Toyota Corolla rental add on: ZAR 1234 for 2 persons sharing.
SELF-DRIVE ROUTES – 4x4 Vehicles
Two main routes are of 4x4 adventure significance, and renting a 4x4 double cab is adequate to cope
with these routes, besides navigational aids.
Between Maputo and the KZN border at Kosi Bay
This is an easy days run of under 200kms,
mostly on poor gravel road. It’s the last 1520 kms to the border post, and also all the
routes along the coast which are strictly 4x4
routes made up of mostly sandy terrain
between the coastal villages of Ponta Do
Oura, Ponta Mologane etc, where one can
also overnight. Diving centres are available.
There is also a 6 hour 4x4 track off the main
road traversing the Maputo Elephant
Reserve, all the way to Santa Maria, at the
tip of the peninsula facing Inhaca Island.
From here Machangulo Lodge is accessible.
This latter route should ideally only be
tackled with 2 vehicles, and extra fuel needs
to be carried for the return trip. In the rainy
season it can get quite difficult.
Gravel Roads - Paved Roads - 4x4 Tracks
Between Kosi Bay and Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu-Natal
Gravel Roads - Paved Roads - 4x4 Tracks
Whilst good paved roads exist inland, there
is a very scenic coastal 4x4 route, which
includes the palm forests, lake systems, as
well as open grass plains. Much traverses
the coastal forest reserve, with villages inbetween, but also providing access to good
lodges such as Thonga beach and the
Wilderness camp at Mabibi.
The route is mostly sandy, in places fairly
“tight” through the coastal forest, and
provides great picnic stops at for example
Lake Sibaya, or a scenic view site
overlooking the coast. Navigation can be
difficult given the number of tracks in all
directions, however a GPS loaded with
Tracks4Africa maps will address that.
The entire distance is an easy days run, if
also it can be interrupted if staying at some
of the lodges en route. Driving along the
beach is forbidden.
Accredited and approved as travel provider by:
Directors: HO Achtzehn (German) : R Button (Norwegian) : D Webber (South African)