Southern Africa: Wild Bush to Island Heaven
Seasonal Information
Welcome to a romantic escape in three of the most beautiful natural environments Southern Africa has to offer. Adventure through the andBeyond Phinda and Sabi Sands game reserves on the trail of the Big Five, before touching down in paradise: golden sand beaches lapped by the balmy waves of the Indian Ocean and pristine coral reefs. All while staying in some of the most luxurious and intimate accommodation that showcases the local cultures. Offering incredible chances for cheetah and leopard encounters as well as truly unspoilt proximity to nature, this is the getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
- Fantastic opportunities for Big Five viewing, including cheetahs and leopards
- Bespoke, luxury lodges amongst some of the most breath-taking natural beauty on earth
- Diving in pristine oceans teeming with wildlife and unspoiled coral reefs
- Experience local expertise and culture every step of the way
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
This is where the adventure begins. Spend your mornings and afternoons on game drives in one of the best reserves for meeting cheetahs. Explore the unique local ecosystems on specialist walking safaris or set off to track black rhinos. This exclusive reserve is home to seven distinct habitats with their own flora and fauna to encounter.
You’ll stay either at the Phinda Rock Lodge or the Phinda Vlei Lodge, experiencing en suite luxury with pan-African meals and a private pool. The emphasis is on intimacy and life-changing experiences: a night under the stars, watching the sunrise and a beach adventure to Maputaland are just some of the possibilities. Or simply step out onto the viewing deck and drink in the natural beauty of South Africa.
Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Prepare for your next three nights at this incredible reserve renowned for its concentration of wildlife. The elusive leopard is the star of the show, but is only one member of the kingdom of animals that thrives here on the Sabi and Sands rivers. Rangers here and at Phinda have more freedom than in other non-private reserves to guide you closer to animals in the bush. When not on safari, your base will be the andBeyond Tengile River Lodge. Your suite feels as though it’s floating above the Sabi and has been built with sustainability at its core. Resplendent in its natural serenity, the lodge nonetheless offers the height of comfort, with a massage and gym area for downtime. Here it’s all about the wildlife. Interpretive nature walks and incredible bird-spotting are on offer when not on safari.
andBeyond Benguerra Island
Prepare for a change of scene as you alight on this gorgeous island off the coast of Mozambique. This idyllic location lies within the protected marine reserve of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park. Scuba diving among coral reefs, snorkelling alongside the rainbow of sea life and looking out for the mysterious Dugong are just some of the highlights of your stay. Explore the landscape and freshwater lagoons inland on a horse safari. Take in an exquisite castaway picnic and cap a romantic day off with a sunset dhow cruise. Your luxury casinha, nestled beneath the shade of the indigenous forest, offers outdoor showers, a view of the tropical garden and all manner of ways to relax on the sand – including a beach bar.
Arrive at O.R. Tambo international airport to a warm welcome from a member of the andBeyond team. From there, you will fly to the Phinda airstrip to begin your safari adventure, getting straight into game drives and nature walks. Your accommodation for the following three nights will be either Phinda Rock Lodge or Phinda Vlei Lodge.
Continue your immersion in the stunning surroundings on game drives with excellent chances to get close to cheetahs. Explorers can take off on a bushwalking adventure with seasoned guides and get to know the local flora and fauna. Or relax in accommodation suspended over a deep valley and leopard rock, taking in breath-taking sunsets and bathing al fresco. Your three days in Phinda will only leave you wanting more.
Additional Recommended Activities (at extra cost):
- Maputaland beach adventure
- Indian Ocean scuba safari
- Black rhino tracking on foot
- Zulu village tour
- A night under the stars
- Bespoke massages
Fly from Phinda airstrip to Skukuza airport where you will be transferred to andBeyond Tengile River Lodge to begin the next segment of your experience. Step into one of the best safari locations in the world where you will spend the next three days. Keep your eyes open for leopards! This is the home of nature sightings and offers fantastic photography opportunities.
Soak in the 26,000 acres of Sabi Sands over your three days here. Due to the reserve’s abundant watering holes, large herds of animals (and their predators) populate the landscape. Besides land animals, there are countless varieties of birds on show. Morning and afternoon game drives are complemented by interpretive nature walks and the expansive, modern Tengile River Lodge promises a luxuriant setting for relaxation.
Additional Recommended Activities (at extra cost):
- Private vehicle safari
- Bespoke massages
Following a mouth-watering breakfast, you will be taken to Skukuza airport to fly on to Kruger Mpumalanga international airport. From here you will fly to Vilanculos international airport where an andBeyond team member will direct you onto your helicopter flight to Benguerra Island. Marvel at the beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago from above.
Step off the helicopter and into island heaven. Golden sands and shimmering seas invite you to the water’s edge, and your only worry will be deciding whether to get your diving kit on or lie back and soak in the tranquillity. Four nights here will give you time for both and much more.
Waking up to a view of the ocean each morning, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding how to spend your days on Benguerra island. Vibrant coral reefs wait beneath the tides for scuba exploration. A moment of peace nestles among the sand dunes over a sumptuous picnic. Saddle up and go on a horse safari of the island, slip into the sea for a snorkelling adventure or ask your hosts about the local Dugong herd. A sunset dhow cruise is the ideal ending to a day in paradise.
The romantic, lush island setting is completed by the delightful casinha that you’ll call home. This luxurious abode lies in the shade, with a view of the tropical garden and a rim flow swimming pool set with comfortable loungers.
Additional Recommended Activities (at extra cost):
- Swimming with horses
- Island drives
- Bespoke massages
Full PADI certification is required for scuba diving.
Following a delicious breakfast, the andBeyond team will bid you a fond farewell as you board your helicopter to Vilanculos International Airport. From here you will fly to O.R Tambo International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Accommodation in spacious suites with three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers, teas and coffees
- Scheduled safari activities
- Welcome and assistance at O.R. Tambo International Airport
- All road transfers:
– Phinda Airstrip to lodge
– Lodge to Phinda Airstrip
– Skukuza Airport to lodge
– Lodge to Skukuza Airport - Laundry
- Conservation fees:
– Munyawana conservation fee
– Sabi Sands conservation fee
– Sabi Sands conservation contribution fee
– Benguerra Island conservation fees - Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
- All Flights
- Visa costs
- Vaccinations
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Additional travel requirements outside of included transfers
- Gratuities
Particularly suited to:
- Wildlife and ocean enthusiasts
- Romance seekers
- Those in search of luxury relaxation
- Beach lovers
Suitable for ages 18 to 80