Twin centre holidays are becoming increasingly popular as they allow you to enjoy two very different holiday experiences as part of one trip. We are therefore delighted to be able to offer a selection of South African Safaris as a combination with our fastest growing Indian Ocean destination - Mauritius. Enjoy four nights on safari at a luxurious lodge, before heading to the beach hotel of your choice in Mauritius!
You will be met at Johannesburg International Airport for the 3 hour transfer up to the malaria-free Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in the Waterberg region of South Africa. The Lapalala is 50,000 hectares of pristine wilderness which is protected for wildlife conservation. Upon arrival at South Gate of the reserve you will be met by your safari guide and transferred to a safari 4x4 land cruiser. As soon as you leave the gate you’re on safari and your guide will begin introducing you to the animals, plants and fascinating features of this beautiful landscape.
Check in to Noka Camp, a luxury not for profit lodge with all proceeds going to conservation. The camp is located on a cliff above the winding Palala River, providing stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. You will arrive in time for lunch, which is served a la carte with views over the river. After lunch you will be shown to your beautiful villa and have some time to freshen up before your afternoon safari. Game drives here last 3 hours or so depending on what you see and the weather. You will usually return as it gets dark and when dinner is ready for you.
Days on safari usually start early as this is the best time for wildlife viewing, so you wake with dawn for a hot drink and then head off with your guide. The Lapalala is a Big 5 reserve, meaning you can hope to see rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo and leopard (which are extremely elusive). After a few hours of game driving you’ll return to Noka Camp for a late breakfast. You then have some time to relax in your villa before your afternoon activity. All villas at Noka Camp have heated plunge pools, there is also a small gym and in-room massages can be booked.
In the afternoon you will enjoy a game drive and visit to the ancient rock art found on the reserve. Your guide will show you the centuries-old paintings and explain their cultural significance to local communities. One of the highlights of afternoon safari activities is the sundowner. Your guide will find a beautiful spot with a view and set up a bar for you to have a cold drink and enjoy the incredible sunset. You’ll return for dinner, served with a selection of South African wines.
This morning try something a little different by heading out on foot with your guide and a ranger. Walking safaris offer a different view of the wilderness, and your guide will bring the bush to life, highlighting animal footprints and plants used for medicinal purposes. On the Lapalala you also have the opportunity to track wild cheetah on foot, one of the only places in South Africa that this is possible. Being on foot with these wonderful big cats is a real privilege and an encounter that will be sure to stay with you forever.
In the afternoon enjoy a boat trip on the reserve. The small boat slowly meanders along the river while your guide looks after you with a platter of snacks and a cool box of cold drinks. As you cruise along, keep an eye out for kingfisher, fish eagle, hamerkop as well as crocodile and hippo. There are also some non-native bass in this section which you can fish for with rods on board the boat. The trips lasts a couple of hours and is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Noka Camp is part of Lepogo Lodges, and one of the recent projects they have funded is a pangolorium – a rehabilitation centre for pangolin. The pangolin is the most trafficked animal in the world and in desparate need of protection and support. This morning take some time to visit the sanctuary, meet the incredible team supporting these endangered species and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a pangolin – a very rare and memorable encounter.
This afternoon head out on your last game drive to try and track down any animals you have yet to spot, before returning to enjoy your final evening in the beautiful surroundings of Noka Camp.
This morning you’ll leave after an early breakfast, meet your transfer driver at the gate and then journey back to Johannesburg for your early afternoon flight to Mauritius.
On arrival in Mauritius, you will be welcomed by the team at the airport and then taken by private transfer to your resort of choice. We would highly recommend Constance Belle Mare Plage - a luxurious resort set on a mile of pristine white sand.
After a busy start to your holiday, take some time to simply relax and enjoy the facilities at Constance Belle Mare Plage. Indulge in a superb choice of dining options, from sushi served beside the beach to exclusive a la carte dinners in the Blue Penny Wine Cellar. For those keen to stay active, there is an extensive range of watersports on offer, and Constance also has two world-class golf courses, with guests enjoying complimentary green fees at both courses.
Soak up the last of the Mauritian sunshine before you heading home after this special holiday. A private transfer will be arranged to take you back to the airport for your flight.
Price is based on 2 adults sharing and includes 4 nights accommodation at Noka Lodge, 5 nights accommodation at Constance Belle Mare Plage, airport transfers in both destinations, flights with British Airways from and to London, Air Mauritius flight from Johannesburg to Mauritius