South African Safaris & The Beaches of Mozambique
Tour Introduction
A world-class combination of two top safari lodges and a wilderness coastal resort, this extra-special itinerary also keeps travel to a minimum allowing you more time to enjoy the experiences you came for. Beginning with the classic bushveld of Madikwe, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, you have an excellent chance to see the Big Five plus a plethora of other species including African wild dog on expertly guided game drives. A three-hour private road transfer conveys you to the completely different topography of the Waterberg mountain range and Marakele National Park. Staying at a lovely tented lodge in the only private concession within the park, go out on game drives and wildlife walks with experienced guides traversing a variety of trails in search of game. Having satiated your safari appetite, it’s time for some wild coastal relaxation. Fly to Maputo, Mozambique’s capital, then travel by boat to an isolated Indian Ocean peninsula and your beautifully sited beach resort. Visit local villages, train binoculars on multiple species of birds, snorkel on colourful coral reefs and dive into the depths: all these attractive activities await you. When it comes to your day of departure, you probably won’t want to leave. Once home, though, many marvellous memories will remain of an extraordinary southern African adventure.
Full Itinerary
Arrive into Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. Met on arrival. Take a private road transfer from the airport to Madikwe Safari Lodge (approx. 4hrs). If time allows, go out in the afternoon on your first game drive in the wonderful reserve of Madikwe. You will be accommodated in Lelapa Lodge, one of three individual lodges which make up the Madikwe Safari Lodge.
Staying at Madikwe Safari Lodge. Includes Dinner.
A day to enjoy two game drives. Madikwe Safari Lodge is nestled along the hillside, with views over the plains and Dwarsberg Mountains. Game drives head out early morning at sunrise, and late afternoon just before sunset in search of the many animal species which call this place home. No more than eight people at a time share in a private and intensely personal safari experience in the company of their experienced Madikwe guide. Alternatively, experience a walking safari and enjoy a totally different bush experience on foot, in the company of an armed field guide.
A typical day at the lodge would comprise a morning game drive (approx. 05h30-09h30 in Summer), followed by breakfast and the morning at leisure to relax or partake in other activities such as a bush walk, nature lecture, or village visit. Afternoon tea is served around 16h00, after which the evening drives begin, returning round 19h30 for the evening meal.
Staying at Madikwe Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
A further day for superb morning and afternoon game drives or perhaps a game walk. See plenty of game, including perhaps the rare African hunting dog.
Staying at Madikwe Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Venture out on your last game drive in Madikwe. Afterwards, shared transfer by road to Marataba Safari Lodge (approx. 2-3 hours). The lodge is situated on a private concession within the Marakele National Park, in South Africa’s Limpopo province. The park and concession fall within the UNESCO recognised Waterberg Biosphere – the only savanna biosphere in the world. Set on an ancient trade route at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains, the lodge is reached via a wooden bridge over a moat. 15 luxurious tented suites blend into the surrounding bush, providing a fully immersive experience of the wilderness whilst also offering modern-day luxury and comforts.
Staying at Marataba Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
A typical day at the lodge comprises a morning game drive (approx. 0530 to 0930 in summer), followed by breakfast and the morning at leisure to relax or partake in other activities such as a bush walk, nature lecture or village visit. Afternoon tea is served around 1600, after which the evening drives begin, returning round 19h30 for the evening meal. Guests can also partake in optional stargazing, walking sections of the Marataba Trail, the Miss Mara water safari experience and spa treatments.
Staying at Marataba Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Last day to drink in the stunning landscape of the Waterberg Mountains. Enjoy game drives and perhaps an optional bush walk.
Staying at Marataba Safari Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Private road transfer from Marataba Safari Lodge to Johannesburg O.R Tambo International Airport (approx. 3-4 hours). Take South African Airways Flight to Maputo, Mozambique (1 hour). Once arrived, take a shared road transfer to Maputo Marina to catch a shared boat transfer to Machangulo (approx. 90 mins). When disembarking at Machangulo Beach Lodge guests will have to wade through ankle-depth water.
Machangulo Beach Lodge is located at the tip of the Machangulo Peninsula, and is surrounded by three amazing Nature Reserves and two Marine Reserves. The lodge has an intimate and secluded feel to it, yet is only a one-hour boat ride from Maputo. Whilst the site of the lodge offers plenty of chances to relax and take in the surrounding beauty – including the beach, pool and spa – there are also plenty of activities on offer including birdwatching. Due to the location this lodge is perfect for water-based pursuits such as diving, snorkelling, kayaking and plenty more.
Staying at Machangulo Beach Lodge. Includes Dinner.
Day at leisure to enjoy the resort's facilities and activities. Beach based non-motorised activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling, and one guided dune walk are included. There is also an extensive spa menu and dive centre. NB: Your price includes a daily drinks supplement so that you have unlimited soft drinks and a selection of local and imported alcoholic drinks.
Staying at Machangulo Beach Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure. Perhaps go snorkelling, the lodge's most popular activity. The Inhaca Island Marine reserve has 2 km of pristine snorkelling and the optional Picnic Snorkel tour on the island is recommended. During neap tide days (please check tides at the activities centre) there is also snorkelling right in front of the lodge.
Staying at Machangulo Beach Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure. Perhaps spend time birdwatching. Rich bird life is present near the lodge throughout the year, Explore the bird life on foot, by boat, kayak or even whilst relaxing at the lodge.The surrounding habitat is classified as an important bird area by Bird Life International.
Staying at Machangulo Beach Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Day at leisure. Perhaps opt for a dive in the marine reserves surrounding the Machangulo Peninsula, which provide excellent diving with ample options for beginner and advanced divers. They offer a full selection of diving courses run by their full PADI centre equipped with compressor, cylinders and other equipment (no Nitrox). They offer year round diving in water temperatures from 20°C (lowest, but seldom) to 30°C (in summer) You can do shore dives, boat dives and visit reefs that no-one has ever dived before. .
Staying at Machangulo Beach Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a final breakfast at the lodge before a morning boat transfer back to Maputo Marina (guests will have to wade through ankle-depth water when embarking). Transfer by road to Maputo International Airport for flight to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. Connect with your international flight home.
Staying at In-flight. Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Madikwe Safari Lodge
Overview
Madikwe Safari Lodge is nestled along the hillside, with views over the plains to the Dwarsberg Mountains. Spacious and sophisticated, the suites are decorated in muted tones complimenting the surrounding landscape and each has a lounge and fireplace. Private decks and plunge pools ensure guests can soak up the ambiance of this reserve. Traditional main areas include viewing decks and warm spaces for relaxing between exciting game drives or savouring delicious meals.
There are three individually-operating lodges on the site: Lelapa (meaning ‘family’) Lodge welcomes guests of all ages, with specially-planned children’s activities and childminding. Its 12 Suites, respectful of the natural environment in their construction, epitomise contemporary African design. Each has indoor and outdoor showers, a fireplace and private plunge pool, with the four Family Suites also incorporating a second children’s bedroom.
Kopano (meaning ‘small gathering’) Lodge can be booked out on an exclusive basis and is well-suited to a get-together of friends or an older family (with children 16 years of age or more). The modern lodge, influenced by an African design aesthetic, comprises just four luxury Suites and reminds one of a traditional homestead. The Suites feature a fireplace, private plunge pool and viewing deck, while sharing a main lodge area.
Dithaba (meaning ‘mountain’) Lodge’s four Suites, on a hillside overlooking the expansive reserve, each provide a couple’s romantic retreat or, together, an exclusive home base for a friend group or family with children while on safari. (Children of all ages are welcome if a group is taking the entire lodge, otherwise it’s limited to 16 years and above.)The lodge’s design incorporating natural elements is uncomplicated, and each luxury Suite, with its own fireplace, plunge pool and deck, provides space to unwind.
Madikwe, one of the country’s top game viewing destinations and its largest private reserve, encompasses vast tracks of land, endless dirt roads and clear views over big game territory. Blazing sunsets close days coated in the greens and browns of Africa, and the sounds of the bush fall softly in your ears. Game drives head out early morning at sunrise, and late afternoon just before sunset in search of the many animal species which call this place home. No more than eight guests at a time share in a private and intensely personal safari experience in the company of their Madikwe guide. Alternatively, experience an optional walking safari and enjoy a totally different bush experience on foot, in the company of an armed field guide.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Rooms include private plunge pools, air conditioning, ceiling fans, fireplace, mosquito nets, outdoor and indoor showers, en-suite bathroom, free WiFi, TV, safe, minibar, hairdryer and toiletries. The hotel has an airstrip, helipad, spa, open top safari jeeps and highly trained field guides.
Local Wildlife
Madikwe is a family-friendly reserve in the north of the country, bordering Botswana. The terrain consists mainly of riverine woodland and low-lying plains, Tshwene-Tshwene hillock and rocky koppies, with the Groot Marico River in the east and views to the Dwarsberg Mountains in the west.
Over 8,000 animals of 27 species including the Big Five, cheetah, hyena and various antelope were introduced through the relocation scheme Operation Phoenix. The game is now well established and this reserve is probably the best for sightings of the highly endangered African wild dog. The reserve has the size required to allow the dogs their necessary roaming range. There are rewarding areas for birding, with around 350 species noted. By virtue of its proximity to the Kalahari, the reserve is endemic to animals absent in other parks: springbok, gemsbok and tsessebe populate Madikwe and the fearless Etosha lions take down super-size kills.
Optional Activities
A typical day at the lodge would comprise a morning game drive (approx. 0530-0930 in Summer), followed by breakfast and the morning at leisure to relax or partake in other activities such as a bush walk, nature lecture, or village visit. Afternoon tea is served around 1600, after which the evening drives begin, returning round 1930 for the dinner. Guests can also partake in optional stargazing, the local rhino conservation experience and spa treatments.
Marataba
Overview
Marataba lies within a 23,000-hectare private concession within the Marakele National Park, Limpopo province, just 3.5 hours’ drive from Johannesburg. Situated on the north-western edge of the Waterberg Massif, the area offers dramatic vistas of rugged cliffs standing watch over the winding Matlabas River, with vast plains stretching all the way to Botswana’s Kalahari system. The beautiful landscape is home to a wide array of wildlife, including the ever-popular Big Five and a globally significant population of black and white rhino.
Morning and evening safari drives operate each day, and private vehicles mean schedules can be tailored to suit guests’ preference. There are also guided bush walks on offer, and for the more seasoned hiker there are trails which pass through gorges and mountain pathways. Additionally, boat safaris are available for sunset and morning cruises along the Matlabas River. The morning boat safaris are focused on bird life, while in the evening guests tend to see more land animals which have ventured to the river to drink.
With a keen focus on conservation, Marataba also offers guests the chance to get involved in some of their vital activities. Led by veterinarian Dr Andre Uys, a dedicated team of groundskeepers and conservationists protect the Park’s inhabitants from poaching and other risks. Throughout the year, rhino registration and identification procedures take place, whereby guests can help immobilise and notch a rhino, insert DNA microchips and submit tissue samples to the RHoDIS database. Such processes are integral to successful anti-poaching efforts, and offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience with such a majestic animal.
The six tented suites at Explorers camp have canvas walls and roofs, offering the feel of a camping experience without compromising on luxury. From the private decks outside each tent there is plenty of opportunity to relax and take in the stunning natural surroundings. The reception area offers a decking area with stunning views of the Waterberg mountains, and meals are eaten in front of a watering hole which attracts many thirsty animals. Founders camp is the more exclusive option, with four suites positioned on the bank of the Matlabas river providing excellent birding opportunities and perfect tranquility.
For those looking for a true escape from the modern world, wild walking and sleep-out experiences are also offered. Guests walk to a remote area of the park, whereby four spacious tents, a camp area and fire pit await. No electricity or phone signal is available here, to minimise the camp’s environmental footprint and allow guests to soak in the natural magic of their surroundings.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
10 suites (six tented, four not), swimming pool, open plan lounge and dining area with fireplace. Each of the suites is equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, vanity area, safety deposit box, minibar, hairdryer and toiletries.
Local Wildlife
The Marakele National Park holds an impressive variety of mammals, all readily seen. The mountains are a haven for many interesting and unique plant, mammal and bird species. Notable mammalian species include aardwolf; bat-eared fox; leopard; ground pangolin and brown hyena. There is also prolific bird life, with over 400 species sighted including the Cape vulture, Gurneys sugarbird, half-collared kingfisher; white-backed night heron; Verraux’s eagle owl; mountain wagtail and ant-eating chat. The Miss Mara water safaris also reveal species such as hippo, elephant, white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck, kudu, impala, warthog, baboon, jackal, zebra and bush pig. Bird life viewed from the river includes pied, malachite, pigmy and giant kingfishers, greenback heron, African fish eagles, masked weavers, Egyptian goose and African jacana.
Optional Activities
A typical day at the lodge would comprise a morning game drive (approx. 0530-0930 in summer), followed by breakfast and the morning at leisure to relax or partake in other activities such as a bush walk, nature lecture or village visit. Afternoon tea is served around 1600, after which the evening drives begin, returning round 1930 for the evening meal. Guests can also partake in stargazing, walking sections of the Marataba Trail, the Miss Mara water safari experience and spa treatments.
Machangulo Beach Lodge
Overview
Machangulo Beach Lodge, situated at the tip of the Machangulo Peninsula, is surrounded by three nature reserves and two marine reserves. The lodge has an intimate and secluded feel to it, yet is only a one-hour boat ride from Maputo, Mozambique’s capital. While the lodge itself offers plenty of chances to relax and soak in the luxury and beautiful surroundings – including the beach, pool and spa – there are also plenty of activities to enjoy, especially water-based pursuits such as diving, snorkelling and kayaking.
There are three rooming options available at Machangulo: the eight Beach Forest Rooms offer partial ocean views and are close to the beach; the seven Premium Ocean View Rooms are perched upon a ridge, offering splendid vistas over the ocean from private decks; and the two Villas are a great option for families and groups, accommodating up to four adults and two children with dining and kitchen spaces. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Delagoa Lounge restaurant, while lunches can be enjoyed at the more relaxed Baixas Bar. Packed lunches are also available, allowing guests to enjoy full day excursions.
Close to the lodge, guests can enjoy birdwatching, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, beach picnics or excursions to Santa Maria village and Inhaca sland. The Picnic Snorkel trip to the Inhaca Marine Reserve is one of the most popular with guests.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Rooms have king or single beds, and are equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, mini bar, ceiling fan, hairdryer, safety deposit box and toiletries. The two villas also provide kitchenettes, lounge, bar and dining areas as well as a private pool. There is a swimming pool, PADI dive centre, restaurant, bar, and a spa with an extensive treatment menu.
Local Wildlife
An incredibly rich bird life surrounds Machangulo Beach Lodge all year round. From the great white pelicans to the majestic African fish eagle, the area provides ample opportunity for excellent birding. You can explore the bird life on foot, by boat, kayak or even whilst lounging at the lodge. The area is classified as an important bird area by Bird Life International. A full bird list is available at the lodge.
Optional Activities
In close proximity to the lodge, guests can enjoy fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, birding, kayaking, photography, beach picnics or excursions to Santa Maria village and Inhaca Island.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
March to November
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
This tour works well for those wishing to minimise travel time whilst maximising game, coral and fish viewing.
For those who wish to avoid young children, opt for one of the other two lodges at Madikwe which only allow over-16s.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated beach option for Mozambique, perhaps consider Santorini near Vilanculos.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Leopard View was fantastic. The guide did his upmost for us and the rest of the game viewing was great. We saw everything that we wanted to see.
