Sand and Safari in South Africa & Mozambique

After clearing customs in Johannesburg early this morning you'll be met by a private transfer driver for the four-hour drive into the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in Limpopo Province, where your safari adventure begins. An ancient escarpment rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, the Waterberg Mountains region is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a stunning wilderness area, with the mountains and ravines adding an extra dimension to the beautiful bush scenery. Enjoy the views as you drive to your lodge and then settle in with an evening sundowner.

The next two days will be spent on safari from your lodge. You'll explore the beautiful Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains in search of animals aplenty, including the fabled 'Big Five' of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. Choose to go out on the daily morning and evening game drives (complete with morning tea or sundowners on the way back to camp), or bush walks, water safaris on the dam for sunrise or sunset, birding experiences and astronomy focused night sky safaris.

In between the active wildlife watching you'll also want to spend lazy afternoons by the pool or wandering through the lodge grounds to find the most stunning viewing spots. Whichever lodge you're based at, a special bush dinner or breakfast is also highly recommended as it gives you opportunity to really take in the remote and unspoilt landscapes.

After one last morning game drive - work with your guide to tick off any animals missing from your list - and a leisurely lunch, say goodbye to the team at your lodge and then make your way back to Johannesburg. As with on the way the drive is around four hours so you'll arrive just in time for dinner. For the sake of convenience tomorrow we suggest staying near to the airport, however we can book a more centrally located city hotel if you prefer.

You've had your fill of bush adventures, now it's time for some on the beach. Get up nice and early for your transfer to Johannesburg Airport, then check in and board the flight to Vilanculos Airport in Mozambique. Once you've landed a member of our team will be waiting to greet you and transfer you just 15 minutes to your beach base.

Spend the rest of today settling in and enjoying the views across the Bazaruto Archipelago from the beach. When the sun starts to set, sip on sundowners before indulging in a fresh seafood dinner.

Get your stay in Mozambique off with a bang today as you spend a full day out on a dhow (traditional wooden sailing boat) exploring the beautiful Bazaruto Archipelago. Head out from the mainland to spend the day enjoying views of the turquoise waters from on deck, stopping at various points to go snorkelling, and keeping a close eye out for dolphin or, if you are really lucky, a dugong. Your captain will steer you towards Magarugue Island, where you can moor up to enjoy a freshly cooked lunch on deck and then go exploring. The island is small enough to walk around in less than two hours and the shallow, crystal clear waters of its sheltered bays are ideal for snorkelling.

After a few hours exploring, head back to the mainland for dinner.

The next four days are yours to continue living a life of total barefoot luxury. Intersperse hours of lazy relaxation in the sun (either by the pool or on the beach) with a little activity. More sporty types can test their balance with a spot of paddle boarding or try kitesurfing with a lesson from one of the expert instructors. Alternatively, go riding along the sandy beach, or culture vultures might like to take a guided tour of the area, including visits to the market, church and orphanage.

Each night, as the light fades, sip cocktails on the central deck and indulge in hearty dinners inside the thatched restaurant, reminiscing over a day of sun and laughter.