Beach and Bush : Gold Class

Destinations: Johannesburg, Balule Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique)

From R 28 550 per person sharing

Day 1

Arrive Johannesburg International Airport under your own arrangements. You will be met by an Island-Safari.com representative and transferred by private vehicle to The Metcourt Laurel Hotel at Emperor’s Palace.

Spend one night at the The Metcourt Laurel Hotel in a Standard Room, with breakfast included.

Day 2

Shuttle service to Johannesburg International Airport. Check in for your flight to Hoedspruit Airport. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport you will be met by another Island-Safari.com representative who will transfer you via road to the Balule Game Reserve.  

Set on the cool riverine banks of the Olifants River in the 400 square kilometres exclusive Balule Private Game Reserve, Pondoro offers its visitors comfort, sophistication, elegance and a canvas on which to create a truly unforgettable African safari.

In this small, very exclusive 12-bed lodge you will discover the only way to experience the African bush. Accommodation is in 3 chalets, and 3 luxury air-conditioned suites. The suites are designed in such a way as to offer modern comforts in an ancient setting. The suites also boast a private patio, lounge area and an outside shower for the more adventurous at heart.

As the first rays of the sun melts the African night away, you will find yourself on an open-topped Land Rover tracking down, amongst others, the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). Experienced guides will not only use all their vast knowledge and bush craft to try and show you plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, but they will do their best to paint memories of an Africa that will never fade away. Activities also include nature walks, and hide for game and bird watching. Guests can also enjoy night drives, to learn about the fascinating night life of the bush.

Spend two nights at Pondoro Game Lodge in a Luxury Room, on a fully inclusive basis

Day 4

Today you will be collected from Pondoro Game Lodge and transferred via road to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Elephant Plains Game Lodge offers comfort, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Accommodating only 22 guests, this lodge offers a personalised service, and an excellent wildlife experience. It is situated on the banks of the Manyeleti River, allowing for magnificent sunrises and sunsets. The pool deck overlooks a water hole, and the main Lodge is home to reception, dining room, lounge/ bar, wine cellar, and library.

There are two types of accommodation – the original five “rondavels” (chalets), tastefully decorated, and set in a landscaped garden. They all have en-suite facilities, and air conditioning. There are also six glass-fronted open plan suites, with private decks. There is a lounge area, bedroom, and en-suite facilities which include inside and outside showers. The suites are air conditioned, have overhead fans, a fire place, and mosquito nets.

Mealtimes are mouth-watering events complemented by carefully selected wines from the Lodge's well-stocked cellar. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style in the dining room and evening meals are served around a fire in the Boma. Each meal is prepared with exquisite care and this, in combination with the open-air setting, promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Adjacent to the swimming pool, the wooden deck offers spectacular views overlooking the waterhole and scenic plain.

Your personal guides - an experienced game ranger and local Shangaan tracker - are keen to share their knowledge and love of the African bush with you. You will spend your days at the Lodge on extensive game drives, learning more about this beautiful and diverse area.

Spend three nights at Elephant Plains Game Lodge in a Luxury room on a fully inclusive basis.

Day 7

Today you will be collected from Elephant Plains Game Lodge and transferred by light charter aircraft to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Check in for your scheduled flight to Vilanculos. From Vilanculos you will be transferred by light charter aircraft to Benguerra Lodge.

* Please note that the flight from Nelspruit to Mozambique only operates on a Tuesdays & Fridays.  If the day you fly to Mozambique is not a Tuesday or Friday you will require an overnight in Johannesburg.

Benguerra Lodge exudes an East-African-cum- Arabic decor in line with the ancient tradition of the Archipelago, once the playground of the Queen of Sheba and the trading route of old Arabia.

While it is an island lodge, care has been taken to maintain the feeling that one is nevertheless embarking upon an African marine safari.

At night one may experience the wonderful whisper of a gentle sea breeze brushing the cheek or the squeak of clean sand as one walks along the half-moon beach of Benguerra Bay on a full-moon night.

The exclusive, luxury thatched Benguerra Lodge, set in the tranquil natural milkwood forest bordering Benguerra Bay and encircled by silver beaches, coral reefs and turquoise seas offers visitors a wide range of activities, or just the opportunity to 'chill out'

The main lodge building comprising of Reception Area & Gift Shop, Lounge & Bar, Dining Room, Library and large deck area. On the large deck area, guests can enjoy a cocktail and sit back after the day's events. 

Casitas:
Completely new at Benguerra are ten Casitas - spacious luxurious and very private, with beautiful sea views. (80m² under thatch)

Fan and mosquito net; en-suite bathroom with a copper bath & shower (toilet separate); outdoor shower with beautiful mosaic art work; mini bar and Tea & Coffee facilities;
Direct beach access from the deck.

Spacious, and of course... YOUR OWN PRIVATE BUTLER:
At Benguerra Lodge we constantly strive to improve our guests’ overall experience. With this in mind we have, since the end of January, slowly introduced an informal Moçambique style butler service. The butlers were sourced from existing staff who volunteered for the intensive Butler training program. The butlers have really embraced the program with great enthusiasm and take pride in caring for their assigned guests.

Guests staying in the Casitas are assigned a personal butler on check-in to look after them for the duration of their stay. In keeping with our style of “bare foot luxury” our butlers are informal and friendly, adding a very special, personal touch to every guest’s visit.

Spend four nights at Benguerra Lodge in a Casita, on a fully inclusive basis

Day 11

Today you will be collected from Benguerra Lodge and transferred by light charter aircraft to Vilanculos. Check in for your scheduled charter flight to Johannesburg International Airport. From this point you will depart under your own arrangements.

END SERVICES

Priced from:  ZAR 11 280 + US$ 2 550 per person sharing

Rate Includes
Accommodation as specified, Meals as specified, Ground transportation and excursions as noted, Park and entrance fees for lodges/camps inside national parks.

METCOURT LAUREL HOTEL
Accommodation
Breakfast
Airport Shuttle service

PONDORO GAME LODGE
14% VAT, accommodation, three meals a day, morning and evening game drives, a bushwalk, tea and coffee.

ELEPHANT PLAINS GAME LODGE
14% VAT, accommodation, three meals a day, morning and evening game drives, a bushwalk, tea and coffee.

BENGUERRA LODGE
All Meals & Drinks (excl. selected spirits & wines) - in the Villa prepared by private chef

Private Butler service in the Casita
Casitas
Snorkelling, sea kayaking, Landrover picnics, dhow cruises, Landrover island
Tours & Village visits
Laundry service, daily
Medical Rescue Insurance
Local taxes
Charter flight to/from Vilanculos

Not included:

Domestic flights (quoted separately) All flights as specified in the above itinerary: PLEASE NOTE: Fares are subject to class/seat availability at the time a reservation is made.
Lunches & dinners (unless specified)
Drinks & refreshments
Tips for porters and restaurants
Telephone calls, laundry & other incidental personal expenditure
Visa fees, in countries where these apply
Airport departure taxes, in countries where these apply
Medical, cancellation and baggage insurance
Rental vehicle

Notes:

• All activities are subject to prevailing weather conditions
• ** PLEASE NOTE: These rates are given as guidelines, and will differ depending on factors such as the time of the year that guests travel, the number of guests travelling, and the class of airline seats available. All rates are subject to change at the discretion of the properties/operators, and due to currency fluctuations, unforeseen increases in fuel prices, increased airline prices, or any future government imposed taxes