South Africa & Mozambique Family Adventure
Emily C, Eleanor and Jacqui are here to help give you the inside track.
Spend two weeks ticking off the bucket list on this African adventure. Begin in South Africa, spotting the Big Five in Madikwe Game Reserve and helping on the conservation rhinos before jetting to paradise off Mozambique, exploring the deserted beaches of Benguerra and diving the surrounding marine park.
Itinerary at a glance:
- Spot the Big Five on sunrise and sunset game drives in Madikwe Game Reserve. The kids (and adults alike) can then learn all about the animals and conservation practices back at the resort.
- Spend a special day contributing to and experiencing the conservation of rhinos in the area.
- Revel in doing very little at all on the private island paradise of Benguerra, spending days diving the two mile reef, horse riding along the beach and island hopping aboard a catamaran.
Why Book with Original Diving?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: International Flight
Your direct overnight flight from London to Johannesburg leaves in the evening and takes 11 hours so make sure the children's iPads are fully charged.
Day 2: Arrive in South Africa
The flight lands in Johannesburg in the early morning. Enjoy a VIP arrival as you are met at the aircraft by our representative and assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs. You will then be driven privately to Madikwe. The scenic journey should take around four hours. Alternatively, you can take a one-hour flight.
Once you have checked into Madikwe Safari Lodge, tuck into a delicious fresh lunch on the deck whilst looking out on the savannah. In the afternoon you can opt to go out on a local bush walk with a field guide, or simply relax back at camp. Kids will love the Eco House, which hosts fun activities to teach the young'uns on the surrounding wildlife.
Day 3: Madikwe Game Reserve
This morning set out on an early game drive. Located along the Botswana border, the Madikwe Game Reserve is one of the largest and malaria-free sanctuaries in South Africa. There are over 8,000 animals to spot in the reserve, including the Big 5. Enjoy a memorable lunch in the bush, spotting animals as you eat before returning to camp to relax.
The children can learn about the animals they have seen at the Eco House or work up an appetite with a fun cooking class while the adults can unwind with an al fresco spa treatment. In the afternoon, you can set out on another game drive before watching the sunset from your lodge.
Enjoy dinner before stargazing under the canopy with the resident astronomer.
Day 4: Madikwe Game Reserve
This morning you can either head back out to the bush for a game drive or embark on the Rhino Conservation Experience. After an early breakfast, you will be taken to Madikwe's airstrip for an introduction into rhino conservation before heading out into the bush to see a sedated rhino. Watch as the expert team gathering DNA samples and notch the animal's ear to identify the rhino, a vital step against poachers.
After a hearty lunch, you can set out on a bush walk with a guide (the children will love the bush orientation), or sunbathe by the pool - it's not unusual to see a herd of elephants saunter past. In the evening, enjoy a family pizza making night before playing games by the campfire.
Day 5: Johannesburg
After an early morning game drive, it's time to depart for the next destination in your adventure. You will be transferred to the airstrip in plenty of time for your flight to Johannesburg.
Once you have cleared customs, head to the Intercontinental Johannesburg, located a short walk from the airport and your hotel for the night. Once you have checked in, either set out to explore the city or relax by the pool of your hotel.
Day 6: Benguerra
This morning you will catch a morning flight to Vilanculos. The flight should take approximately one and a half hours. You will be met in arrivals by our representative and transported to Azura Benguerra by helicopter - look out of the window for spectacular views over the turquoise archipelago before touching down on this private island.
Benguerra Island is the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. Set within a marine national park, this is a real diver's paradise. Spend the rest of the day exploring the island. There are only 20 villas hidden in the vegetation lining the beach, so it will feel like you have the island all to yourselves at times. Find an isolated spot to catch the sun, set out snorkelling from the shores or try your hand at kitesurfing. In the afternoon you can head out on a sunset dhow cruise or sip sundowners (mocktails for the children, naturally) by the pool.
Day 7: Benguerra
Start your morning underwater. A two-mile reef located off the island attracts an abundance of marine life, including turtles, dolphins, sharks, eagle rays and vibrant reef fish. The island houses its own fully equipped dive centre so the children (and adults) can become PADI qualified - the PADI Bubblemaker course means that children as young as eight can try diving.
Back on the island, refuel with a delicious fresh lunch (the chefs can create dishes tailored to a younger palate) before taking an unforgettable swimming and horse riding adventure around the island.
In the evening you can choose a secluded spot around the island in which to enjoy a private meal, either with the children or a deux after leaving them with a babysitter.
Days 8 – 12: Benguerra
Spend the next few days making the most of island life. Dive the sites surrounding the island, spot dolphins feeding in the shallows and kayak around the island.
Out of the water, the children will love dune boarding while a local village visit offers a fascinating insight into local life. There is plenty to keep the most active family busy, but the pristine island shores are also the ideal setting to do very little.
Day 13: Hometime
Today it is sadly time to leave paradise for home. You will be transferred from Azura back to Vilanculos by helicopter in plenty of time for your one-hour-and-forty-minute flight to Johannesburg. Transfer across to the 11-hour overnight flight to London.
Day 14: Land Home
The flight arrives into London in the early morning.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£8,750pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£7,435pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£10,500pp
Emily C, Eleanor and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.