7 Night Safari & Mozambique 3 Star Tour

Day 01

Today you board your flight in Johannesburg for the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Bongani Mountain Lodge for (3) nights on a full board basis. Included in your stay is one guided game drive per day.

There is a place in Africa where lion, elephant and rhinoceros walk ancient paths once trodden by the First People of our continent, the San (Bushman). Their gallery of more than 200 rock frescoes is a priceless legacy. When you walk through the narrow rock passage leading here, legend has it that you may become more fertile. This place is Bongani Mountain Lodge, a piece of Africa perched atop a granite mountain with views that will open your mind and heart. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick roamed these giant rock walls with his dog, Jock of the Bushveld. He wrote: "a place to rest and dream, where there is neither stir nor sound". But there are sounds: the roaring of a lion, the shussh shussh as a herd of elephant moves through the valleys below, the cough of a leopard and the grunts of buffalo as they move through the 8 000 hectare Thethomusha Game Reserve, an exclusive extension of the Kruger National Park.

If you would like to merge a safari experience with a gathering, Bongani Mountain Lodge offers conference facilities for up to 60 guests. Bongani has also joined forces with the local communities to establish one of Africa's pioneering conservation initiatives. The project develops the vision of sustainable, community-based ecotourism. This initiative inspired one of Africa's most beloved heroes, Nelson Mandela, to become one of Bongani’s cherished guests.

Bongani Mountain Lodge has 20 chalets, nine suites and one Presidential suite. The rooms are spread out across the mountain ridge and surrounded by impressive outcrops of granite. All the chalets and suites have a verandah and en suite bathroom with air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Suites are ideal for families with small children as there are sleeper couches in the lounge area. The Presidential Suite, also known as the Madiba Suite, is exceptional, with a large private lounge, a sweeping view of the valley below and a kitchen for private dining (not self-catering). The name is inspired by Nelson Mandela who favours the lodge as a holiday retreat. Madiba is Mr Mandela's clan name, and the name by which he is affectionately known throughout South Africa. Bongani Mountain Lodge is a subtle balance between timber, thatch and striking coloured fabrics. The design emphasis is on modern elements interspersed with decorative African motifs. The furniture is a funky, eclectic mixture of traditional ethnic design and Afro-chic. Arriving at Bongani, the first thing you see is a bank of mammoth granite rocks. Like a gateway to another world, this narrow natural rock passage is the only access to the lodge reception. Local legend holds that walking through this rock crevice will enhance your fertility. Central guest areas overlook a timber game viewing deck and have breathtaking views of the imposing Lebombo and Malalane Mountain ranges. The lodge has a lounge, bar, well stocked curio shop and inviting swimming pool. Pan-African dinners are generously distributed in the traditional fire-lit Swazi boma (reeded enclosure) or offered in the dining room. Community theatre, good food and good company are enjoyed on fire-lit evenings in the boma. Bush breakfasts and sundowners on the mountain, and candlelit dinners in the bush are offered. Bush banqueting at Bongani offers Pan-African cuisine at its best. Africa's most impressive wildlife can be enjoyed during morning and evening game drives in open Land Rovers with expert rangers, at your own cost. The evening drives are spotlit and offer insights into the activities of nocturnal animals including leopard, civet and genet. Guided bush walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best and is an optional extra. The scenery surrounding the lodge is breathtaking.

Activities include nature walks exploring the wealth of San (Bushman) rock art sites for which the area is famous. Bongani also has a strong cultural tourism program. The Matsulu theatre group perform plays with powerful environmental and social messages for CC Africa guests as an optional extra. One of their soul-stirring performances depicts the history, aspirations and indigenous problem-solving skills of the local community, who have inhabited the mountains for hundreds of years ("Brothers"). They also perform a play ("Horn of Sorrow") enacting a story of the plight of the black rhino. A community visit is also available. For cosy winter nights beside the fireplace or quiet moments during the day, take a journey of the imagination through the collection of wildlife books, magazines and videos.

Day 02 - 03

Days spent on safari at Bongani. Additional activities such as game drives and game walks can be booked at the lodge.

Day 04

Today you will be transferred back to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, to meet your flight to Vilancolus. Here you clear customs and will be transferred by road to the Vilanculos Beach Lodge for (4) nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Vilanculos Beach Lodge is a small, exclusive and private lodge situated on mainland Mozambique, 5km from Vilanculos Village. It lies ±780 km north of Maputo, directly opposite the islands of the Bazaruto Archipelago in the tropical Inhambane province. The chalets are luxury en-suite with either one or two bedrooms. There are 10 chalets in total, 5 for 2 persons with bedroom, en-suite bathroom and veranda and 5 family chalets with 2 bedrooms, bathroom and veranda (capacity 5 persons). The maximum capacity of the lodge is 35 persons. Each chalet is built on ironwood stilts with raised mahogany decks and a tasteful combination of mahogany and reed walls. The chalets have total privacy and a magnificent sea view. The beautifully constructed restaurant and bar offer traditional Mozambican and standard western cuisine. From the comfort of the lodge you will be able to explore the exotic surroundings as well as have a perfect base to explore any of the archipelago island.

The Bazaruto Archipelago area has some of the best game fishing in the world. Hire one of our boats (see tariffs) or bring your own. Safe parking for cars and trailers is available as well as launching facilities for boats (Boat launching is done in the village to avoid spoiling the beautiful beaches.

Day 05 - 07

Days at leisure at Vilancolus Beach Lodge.

Day 08

Today you will be transferred by road back to Vilanculos to meet your flight back to Johannesburg.

* Please note prices quoted are an indication only. For a firm quote please send an enquiry, and we will revert with an accurate quote based on your dates.

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