Südafrika & Mosambik: Johannesburg mit Safari, Baden in Massinga + Maputo

About the destination: Johannesburg is the port of entry for the majority of tourists visiting South Africa and its largest city. First time visitors may also not be aware that Johannesburg and Pretoria are only 60km from each other, but the two cities are worlds apart, and the contrast is fascinating. South Africa's largest city is cosmopolitan, quirky and vibrant with glorious weather and friendly people. One of Johannesburg endearing characteristics is that it is a truly international and very cosmopolitan place. Johannesburg is unapologetically and unmistakably African with enough First World infrastructure to make for comfortable tourism. Newtown and the Market Theatre area are the city's cultural precinct. Braamfontein, the university area, has a great Saturday market, lively night life, is very artsy. Don’t miss the stunning Apartheid Museum. The most well-known and celebrated of South Africa's townships is Soweto, the sprawling mix of shanty town and formal housing estates that lies approximately 30km outside of Johannesburg in Gauteng. Johannesburg offers lots of interesting and often quirky things to do, be willing to scratch beneath the surface and you'll find enough to happily occupy a few days and provide excellent context to help you understand the turbulent history that has made South Africa what it is today.

About the destination: Massinga is a rural district in Inhambane Province, on Mozambique's southern coast. It is located 650 km north of the state capital, Maputo, and 130 from the provincial capital.

About the destination: Maputo is the capital city of Mozambique. It is the largest city in Mozambique and the country's most important harbor. It is situated at the mouth of the Santo River in the extreme south, 90 km from the border with South Africa. The city’s urban area feels small and concentrated, with wide avenues and old trees. Maputo’s vibe is healthy and active, with lots of street vendors and markets. Buildings throughout the city range from old colonial palaces to new high-rise constructions, but the dominant architecture consists of Stalinist-looking concrete-walled boxes, generally with badly eroded paint and rusty security bars. Fortunately, these tend to fade into the background, and there are enough buildings with old charm and lush enough gardens to give a pleasing if shabby feel. Especially outstanding buildings which shouldn't be missed are the Pancho Guedes creations: Guadiesque, surreal and difficult to find. Maputo is a big, modern city with a beautiful skyline and harbor, wonderful old buildings and tree-lined avenues full of life and culture.