7 Day Family Safari & Beach Holiday

Day 01

Johannesburg to Sabi Sand Game Reserve (Jacis Sabi House)

On arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you and your family will be assisted with your onward charter flight to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, part of the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem and one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations. The flight takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and offers scenic views as you travel across the South African landscape toward the wildlife-rich Lowveld. On landing at the reserve’s airstrip, you will be met by a lodge representative and transferred a short distance to Jaci’s Sabi House, where you will enjoy exclusive use of the house for the next three nights on a fully inclusive basis.

Jaci’s Sabi House has been thoughtfully designed for families and small groups seeking a private safari experience. The house accommodates up to six guests in beautifully decorated rooms that reflect the colours and textures of the surrounding bush. A fenced garden area provides a safe space for children to play while parents relax, all while overlooking the nearby river where animals are often seen passing by. Your stay includes a dedicated private guide and safari vehicle, allowing your family the flexibility to tailor game drives and bush activities to your own pace and interests. Meals are prepared by your personal in-house chef, and between safari activities you can enjoy time together around the house, by the pool, or simply watching wildlife from the viewing areas, creating a comfortable and memorable start to your family safari adventure.

Day 02 & 03

On safari in Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Your days in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve revolve around flexible safari activities led by your private guide and tracker. Early morning game drives usually begin at sunrise, when wildlife is most active and the bush is at its most peaceful. These drives offer excellent opportunities to encounter a wide variety of animals, from large herds of elephants and buffalo to predators such as lions and the reserve’s famous leopards. After the morning activity, return to Jaci’s Sabi House for a relaxed breakfast and some downtime before the next adventure. You may also choose to take a guided bush walk, where your guide will share insights into animal tracks, plants, birds and the smaller details of the bush that are often missed from a vehicle.
Sabi Sand is one of South Africa’s most renowned private game reserves and shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely across this vast ecosystem. The reserve is particularly famous for its close-up sightings of the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo—as well as its healthy populations of antelope, giraffe, zebra and an incredible variety of birdlife. The area’s experienced guides and trackers work together to follow wildlife movements, providing some of the best safari viewing opportunities in Africa.

Afternoons are perfect for relaxing at Jaci’s Sabi House, whether enjoying time by the pool, watching animals along the nearby river or spending time together in the garden. Later in the day, you will head out again on a late afternoon game drive that continues into the evening. As the sun sets over the bushveld, night drives reveal a different side of the wilderness, with the chance to spot nocturnal animals such as hyena, civet, genet and possibly even a leopard on the hunt. Returning to the lodge after dark, the sounds of the African night create a memorable atmosphere to end each exciting safari day.

Day 04

Sabi Sand Game Reserve to Mozambique (Machangulo Beach Lodge)

After your final morning in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, you will be transferred to the airstrip for your charter flight back to Johannesburg, a journey of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. From Johannesburg you will connect with your flight to Maputo, Mozambique, which takes about 1 hour. On arrival at Maputo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the Maputo Marina before boarding your boat transfer across Maputo Bay to Machangulo Beach Lodge on the secluded Machangulo Peninsula. The boat transfer takes around 45 minutes and offers beautiful views across the bay. You will spend the next three nights here on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Surrounded by pristine beaches, coastal forests and protected marine reserves, Machangulo Beach Lodge offers a relaxed and welcoming setting for families looking to unwind after their safari. The lodge features spacious ocean-facing rooms with private decks, air-conditioning and comfortable interiors designed to make the most of the coastal surroundings. A swimming pool overlooking the ocean, wide sandy beaches and open spaces provide plenty of room for children to explore and play safely. The main lodge area includes a restaurant and bar with sweeping sea views, where guests can enjoy fresh seafood and relaxed meals while watching the tides change. With its calm waters, family-friendly atmosphere Machangulo Beach Lodge provides the perfect coastal complement to your safari experience.

Day 05 & 06

Machangulo Beach Lodge, Mozambique

Your next few days at Machangulo Beach Lodge are free for you and your family to enjoy at a relaxed pace while taking in the beauty of the Indian Ocean coastline. The calm waters of Maputo Bay are perfect for a variety of family-friendly activities. Guests can enjoy snorkelling over shallow reefs, guided beach walks along the wide sandy shoreline, kayaking through the protected waters, or traditional dhow sailing trips across the bay. Children often enjoy exploring tidal pools, spotting small marine creatures and building sandcastles along the beach, while parents may choose to relax by the pool, try stand-up paddleboarding or join a fishing excursion in the surrounding waters.
For those looking for a little more adventure, the lodge can arrange marine safaris where you may encounter dolphins swimming in the bay or visit nearby islands and secluded beaches. Seasonal whale watching is also sometimes possible offshore. The surrounding area is part of a protected marine ecosystem, making it an excellent destination for birdlife and coastal nature exploration. Of course, there is always time to slow down and simply enjoy the setting—whether relaxing on the beach, reading on your private deck, enjoying fresh seafood at the lodge restaurant or watching the sunset over the ocean. With its safe swimming areas, open beach space and range of activities for all ages, Machangulo Beach Lodge offers a wonderful and easy-going beach escape for families.

Day 07

Mozambique to Johannesburg

After breakfast, you will begin your return journey with a scenic boat transfer across Maputo Bay to the marina, which takes approximately 45 minutes. From there, a short road transfer of around 20 to 30 minutes will take you to Maputo International Airport. Here you will check in for your flight back to Johannesburg, a journey of about 1 hour.
On arrival at O. R. Tambo International Airport, you will connect with your onward travel arrangements. This brings your memorable bush and beach family adventure to a close, leaving you with wonderful memories of incredible wildlife encounters in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and relaxing days spent together on the beautiful beaches of Mozambique.