Immerse yourself in the spectacular South African and Mauritian wilderness on this unforgettable 15-day tour, with opportunities to connect with nature, discover local cultures, and learn about these two countries' histories.
Prep your khaki gear for the first leg of your African adventure at the five-star, all-inclusive Rhino East Lodge at Sebatana Private Reserve, where open-air vehicles will take you into the bush daily with expert guides, giving you many opportunities to spot the 'Big Five'; lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and African buffalos.
You'll have time to relax at your resort too, where you can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sundeck looking out over the bush, or simply spend time in your luxury bungalow, with a private balcony facing the reserve.
You'll then venture to Mauritius, a mountainous island nation that bursts dramatically from the Indian Ocean just off the east coast of Africa, offering stunning white-powder beaches, a diverse culture and delicious food.
You'll check in at the all-inclusive Tamassa Bel Ombre and swap your safari gear for your swimsuit. An optional excursion to some of the prettiest neighbouring islands followed by a BBQ lunch and a sunset cruise, with a glass of local rum in hand, help you to make the most of your seaside setting.
As well as relaxing on the island's pristine white-sand beaches, you'll spend time exploring inland with activities like wine and rum tastings and visits to a crater lake, Black River Gorges National Park, and the remarkable Terres de Seven Couleurs.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 16 November 2024 departure date and LGW flight. Various departure dates available please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Children's pricing on request. Single supplement on request. Deposit £300pp. Supplements apply for optional excursions. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays.
Following an overnight flight from the UK, you'll arrive today in Johannesburg, South Africa, where you'll be met by your local tour manager and take a scenic transfer to the Sebatana Rhino Lodge. Once you've checked in, unpacked and settled in, you'll enjoy a refreshing lunch.
After lunch, there's free time to relax at the resort, perhaps with a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool. Later this evening, enjoy welcome drinks with the group, followed by dinner and a briefing about the adventures that await during your days at the lodge.
After breakfast, you'll venture into the reserve in an open-air vehicle for your first game drive. On this journey, your expert guide will give an insightful wildlife talk about the animals, birds and plants that live here, as well as shedding some light on the region's history.
After the game drive, you'll enjoy lunch and some free time back at the lodge before setting off again this afternoon with a local tracker, who'll help you to seek out wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled and have your camera to hand - you might be lucky enough to spot zebras, meerkats, giraffes, wildebeest, and impalas on this drive.
Today you'll join a 'Big Five' game drive and visit one of the best private reserves in South Africa, Welgevonden Game Reserve.
This reserve is set on the UNESCO-protected Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, and is home to more than 50 mammals, including rhinos, lions, buffalo, leopards and elephants. Access to the reserve is strictly limited, so it'll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
After sunset, you can choose to join an optional tribal dinner, with the opportunity to learn more about South African culture and lifestyle. During the dinner you'll get a taste of local dishes and drinks, learn about traditions and customs, and watch a dance and music performance in a replica of a cultural village.
This morning, you'll join an experienced guide for a gentle bush walk into the Sebatana Private Reserve, who'll point out local plant life, animal breeding areas and the towering Waterberg Mountains. After the walk, you'll return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch.
After lunch, you'll be picked up in an open-air vehicle for a game drive to Christina's Wallow, a hide with direct views of a waterhole, often full of wildebeest, giraffes, and impalas.
At dusk, you'll be able to join an optional night game drive, giving you the unique chance to witness how the bush changes as the sun goes down, and a different animal kingdom emerges. You'll use powerful spotlights to hopefully spot some fascinating nocturnal creatures like porcupines, caracals, bush babies, and ant bears.
You'll also make a stop at 'Flintstone Cave', where the chef will prepare a tasty three-course dinner spread across beautifully set tables and lit by a roaring fire.
There'll be an early start this morning for a game drive and the chance to spot herds of antelopes, who tend to move around in the morning to find the best protection from predators.
Around mid-morning, you'll make a stop at Kudu Rock for a delicious Champagne brunch, enhanced by the backdrop of the African bush. Tuck into your meal while soaking up the spectacular surrounding views - you might even spot an animal or two.
After brunch, you'll return to the lodge to unwind with some spare time. Later in the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to go on an optional tour to a school or local community to gain a better understanding of the people who live in the area.
Enjoy a free day to spend at the lodge, perhaps taking advantage of its amenities like the outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and the sundeck looking out over the bush
There's also the chance to join an optional excursion to Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest of its kind in South Africa. This sprawling park is located in a volcanic crater and will give you more opportunities to spot the 'Big Five' as well as hippopotami, cheetahs, over 300 bird species and the endangered white rhino.
You'll board an open-air car and traverse the park with an expert guide who'll teach you more about the park and the animals that reside here as you drive.
You have the chance to spend another day at the lodge today, lounging by the pool or joining a game drive into Welgevonden Game Reserve, supplements apply. If you still want to tick some of the 'Big Five' off your list, this is the perfect opportunity.
In the afternoon, there'll be a game drive to Sunset Rock, a fantastic finale to your South African adventure. Sunset Rock is a magnificent vantage point where you'll enjoy a chilled glass of Champagne as you look out over the Waterberg Mountains as the sky turns a cascade of red and orange.
You'll then return to the lodge for a final dinner with your group as you prepare to leave South Africa.
Following your final breakfast at Rhino East Lodge you'll say goodbye to your hosts and depart for the airport for your flight to Mauritius.
On arrival in Mauritius, you'll be transferred to the southwest of the island, where you'll check into your ocean-facing resort, Tamassa Bel Ombre, in the village of Bel Ombre.
Today you'll have a day free to spend as you wish, either enjoying Tamassa Bel Ombre's extensive facilities, or taking an optional excursion to see the highlights of northern Mauritius, supplements apply.
The tour begins with a visit to Royal Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Dating back to 1786, these beautiful gardens are home to a pond of giant water lilies and colony of giant tortoises along with 85 different varieties of palm trees.
Next stop is the Sugar Adventure Museum, which is set in an old sugar mill, where you'll get to taste sugar and rum, both made on the property. The tour will continue to the seaside village of Grand-Baie, with its pristine beach and protected cove, Cap Malheureux, the northernmost point of Mauritius, and Domaine Labourdonnais, a working sugar estate.
Today you'll venture out on a full-day discovery of the natural splendours of southern Mauritius.
The Takamaka Winery is the first stop, the only winery in the world dedicated exclusively to lychee wine. Ganga Talao, a crater lake, also known as 'Sacred Lake' is another must-see location, ringed by a temple with small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.
There'll be a photo stop at the Black River Gorges National Park, where you might spot monkeys, deer and mongooses.
Lunch will be traditional fare at a local family home in the small village of Chamarel, surrounded by tropical rainforests. Chamarel is also home to the famous Terres de Seven Couleurs, 'Seven Coloured Earth', an expanse of multi-coloured sand dunes as a result of uneven cooling of molten rock.
You can spend another day at leisure today, enjoying the hotel facilities. Alternatively, you can opt for a speedboat cruise around some of Mauritius' most beautiful, uninhabited islands, supplements apply.
The cruise heads out over a lagoon to a wild nature reserve on the tiny island of Ile aux Mariannes, where your guide will teach you all about the endemic flora and fauna to be found here.
You'll then travel to Ile aux Phares, a former military base for the French during the colonisation of Mauritius. The island's unique location near colourful reefs ensures a brilliant photograph opportunity.
You'll then pass by the rocky islet of Ile de la Passe, a former base for English and French troupes. There'll be some time to snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters before calling at the paradise Ile aux Cerfs for a BBQ lunch and refreshments, including local rum.
Today's your final day on this beautiful island, and you can make the most of it by embracing the resort's many available water activities. It's a great chance to try some of the water-based activities available at the resort, like sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkelling, or maybe book a treatment at the spa.
Later in the afternoon, why not join an optional sunset cruise? You'll board a boat, glide across a nearby lagoon and marvel as the sun transforms the sky into a patchwork of rich shades, with drinks and snacks available on board, supplements apply.
Following one last breakfast in paradise, you'll transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 16 November 2024 departure date and LGW flight. Various departure dates available please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Children's pricing on request. Single supplement on request. Deposit £300pp. Supplements apply for optional excursions. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays.