Luxury Safari and Beach Vacation: South Africa and Mozambique

This vacation has it all! Start in Hermanus at the beautiful Grootbos, then marvel at the stunning artwork at Ellerman House, see the best of the African wildlife in Sabi Sabi and then relax on a beach in Mozambique.

We crafted this Luxury Safari and Beach Vacation for a Phoenix couple celebrating their 50th birthdays together. They wanted a combination of different locations around Cape Town and a true luxury safari experience and then some relaxing time on a beach.

First, we had them at Grootbos. Milkwood trees are known to grow over 1000 years old and their gnarled branches and mossy beards create an enchanting atmosphere of deep soothing tranquility and rejuvenation. It is amongst these ancient forests that Grootbos has artfully laid out its exquisite 5-star accommodation offerings, with breathtaking views across the fynbos plains towards the sparkling whale sanctuary of Walker Bay in the distance. While at Grootbos, the couple enjoyed the beautiful landscape, did some hiking and biking and enjoyed the spa.

Next, they traveled to Cape Town where they stayed at Ellerman House. The hotel features a renowned contemporary art gallery and wine cellars, while the spa, gym, pool, and gardens. So the couple enjoyed the property for a few days before continuing on to their safari portion of the trip.

For the safari portion of their Luxury Safari and Beach Vacation, they spent 4 nights at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, a luxurious sanctuary that represents the safari of tomorrow. In addition to their game drives, they enjoyed their private plunge pool, the spa and delicious food offerings at the lodge. The location gave them access to the abundant wildlife sightings for which Kruger has become world-famous, while offering a more exclusive experience with only a few vehicles at each sighting. They ticked off all of the Big 5 in their first 2 days, and had plenty of time to discover the smaller, less famous creatures that make up this fascinating ecosystem.

They then ended their trip in Mozambique, traveling from the Kruger area to Vilanculous and onto their beach resort on Benguerra Island. As the first eco-friendly resort in Mozambique, it was hand-built by the local community and is operated in partnership with it. This retreat was a perfect last stop on their Luxury Safari and Beach Vacation. The couple celebrated their birthdays on the beach with their butler taking care of their every need.

At last, their magical Luxury Safari and Beach Vacation came to an end. They were transferred to the the airport, where they caught their flight to Johannesburg and onward back home.

Accommodation
  • 3 Nights Grootbos Forest Lodge
  • 3 Nights Ellerman House
  • 4 Nights Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
  • 4 Nights Azura Benguerra
Transportation
  • Private Airport Transfers
  • Shuttle Flight to Nelspruit
  • Helicopter Transfers in Mozambique
Touring
  • Private Art Tour in Cape Town
  • Wine Tour in Gansbaai

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board and assisted through immigration, baggage collection, and customs. Then you will be transferred to your first stop, Grootbos. Your home for the next 3 nights is a luxurious nature retreat featuring sweeping views of the mountains and coast. 
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Days 2-3
Enjoy these days at the lodge. Guided nature walks, horseback riding, and more are included in your stay, or you can choose to simply relax and soak up your beautiful surroundings. Looking for more adventure? A marine cruise to Dyer Island is a perfect day trip. One of the days you will enjoy a private wine tasting tour of the region.
Grootbos Forest Lodge

Day 4
Today you will be transferred to Cape Town and to your next stop. Dramatically poised on the slopes of Table Mountain, Ellerman House features breathtaking ocean views. Timeless elegance, exquisite taste, and artistic flair abound in this luxury 5-star hotel, an appealing getaway for discerning travelers. The hotel features a renowned contemporary art gallery and wine cellars, while the spa, gym, pool, and gardens allow guests to relax and be pampered in style.
Ellerman House

Day 5
On this day you will enjoy art in South Africa. Art comes in all forms, shapes and sizes and Cape Town is becoming one of the most immersive art cities in the world. We take you on a South African art discovery from historical awareness to the new and creative art studios. An ode to our local painters, creators, chefs and designers – Art is appreciated in its full capacity on this day tour, leaving your senses enlightened and your passion for beauty revived.
Ellerman House

Day 6
This day is yours at leisure. Enjoy the beautiful property at Ellerman House or venture into Cape Town to enjoy the Waterfront. You can visit the Kirstenbosch Gardens or even hike Table Mountain. And then take a moment to enjoy the gorgeous sunset.
Ellerman House

Day 7
After a transfer to the Cape Town airport, you will fly into the Skukuza airport. Earth Lodge represents the future of safari, in beautiful contrast to Selati Camp’s traditional style. Almost invisible in the landscape, Earth Lodge is a luxurious sanctuary sculpted into a slope of earth that opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. Central areas, including a wine cellar, spa, gym, gallery, and meditation garden, overlook an active waterhole, so you don’t even have to leave the lodge to see Kruger’s incredible wildlife! Take the afternoon to settle into your suite and perhaps indulge in a relaxing massage.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Days 8 – 10
Enjoy your next 3 days of safari adventure! Spot the Big 5 on morning and evening game drives, and spend the afternoons relaxing back at the lodge. The unique, luxurious designs built from natural materials will make you feel in harmony with your beautiful bush surroundings. Each of the suites features individually designed furniture, private plunge pool, en-suite glass fronted bathroom, and indoor and outdoor shower. For a change of pace, enjoy a walking safari with an expert naturalist guide who will share their knowledge of the land and help you appreciate the majesty of this pristine wilderness. In the evenings, enjoy sundowner cocktails and eat delicious meals in the outdoor boma, basking in the light of the campfire. During your stay, you will feel at one with nature, all while enjoying the utmost luxury.
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Day 11
You will take a short shuttle flight to Mpumalanga before boarding your onward flight to Vilanculous in Mozambique. Then take your helicopter flight to your next resort, Azura Benguerra. Imagine an unspoilt island within a Marine National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, sparkling turquoise seas criss-crossed by local dhows plying their trade, sunny days and star-studded nights. This is the enchanting island escape you always imagined. With cocktail in hand, enjoy the sunset and a wonderful meal before bedtime.
Azura Benguerra

Days 12- 14
These days are yours to indulge in the utmost luxury. Enjoy excellent meals, crisp ocean air, and rejuvenating spa treatments. You can snorkel in the colorful reef and get up close to sea turtles nesting on the beach.
Azura Benguerra

Day 8
Today, your magical Luxury Safari and Beach Vacation comes to an end. You will be transferred to Vilanculous airport, where you’ll catch a flight to Johannesburg and begin the journey home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Based on
15 day stay
2 travelers

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