9 days
Kruger, MachanguloTrip Itinerary
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Ever wanted to take little ones or teenagers on a Big 5 safari and finish with a pristine white sandy beach?
This South Africa and Mozambique itinerary is suitable for children of any age. This really is a great introduction for any family to Africa. If you wanted to explore more, it can easily be combined with some time in Cape Town or perhaps even another safari location.
You start with an epic safari in South Africa, from one of the best locations in Kruger, the famous Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. With lots of activities to involve the whole family, your little ones will leave with the passion to become the next generation of conservationists. You have four nights on safari at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge. Your stay makes the most of their exceptional Stay 4, Pay 3 nights offer, adding maximum value to your luxury safari.
The Sabi Sands in particular well known for their amazing leopard sightings. The most elusive animal of the 'Big 5' is frequently spotted when going on a game drive in the reserve. Other game species occur in great numbers, among which are more than 300 bird species. Sabi Sands is one of the best South African safari destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike.
After your wildlife safari, head across the border into Mozambique. Here the sun, sand and turquoise water await you. You'll enjoy four nights at Machangulo Beach Lodge in Santa Maria Bay on the southern Mozambique coastline boasts pristine beaches, lush dune forests, estuaries, secluded bays and wide-open oceans. Separating Santa Maria (Machangulo) Peninsula from Inhaca Island is the infamous deep channel known as "Hell's Gate", the location of a battle of tides between the open Indian Ocean and estuaries of Maputo Bay.
This brilliant family fun itinerary will offer the whole family new experiences, quality time together and a vacation you will never forget.
What's Included:
- Private airport transfers
- Accommodation as stated
- Full board at all accommodation, including drinks (except premium brands)
- Professional local staff with fair salaries
- Entry fees to national parks and reserves, conservation levies, plus game-viewing activities
- Local English speaking safari guide
- Domestic flight
Trip Itinerary
Days 1-4: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Day 1 - Arrival in Kruger
Your grand journey begins today! Arrive at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport today where you are met by your private transfer as you head to your first accommodation. Keep your eyes open as you may see wildlife on your way to the lodge! This is the gorgeous Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge where you begin this safari adventure.
Bush Lodge is located in a private concession within the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger. From its slightly elevated position, it commands uninterrupted views of pristine wilderness. Created using soft, earthy tones and hints of African ethnic décor, the 25 thatched suites (including the Mandleve Presidential Suite and 2 Villas) merge seamlessly with the natural environment, and provide spacious accommodation, luxurious comfort, and private patios.
The main lodge is the perfect place to relax and watch over the waterhole from the open-sided viewing decks. Children can make the most of the kid's center, or splash about in the pools, while parents perhaps visit the spa for some time-out. Meals are served in the dining room, or boma, accompanied by fine wines from the lodge cellar.
Days 2, 3 & 4 – On safari in Sabi Sands
You have three full days to explore Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve with your fantastic guides from your lodge.
The most famous private game reserve of all. Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to South Africa's flagship Kruger National Park, offers a safari experience found nowhere else in the world. Game viewing possibilities are simply unparalleled, including the much sought after African 'Big 5'. Add a fantastic range of luxury lodges suiting all tastes and an African dream safari is born. There are no fences between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, so wildlife roams freely in huge natural environment.
Being located in the famous Sabi Sand reserve you will head out on game drives and walking safaris to experience the Big 5! For those looking to relax try the Amani Spa to ease your muscles after an exciting safari. Kids have the EleFun center to enjoy specifically crafted activities to keep your little ones entertained and educate the next generation of conservationists!
Days 5-8: Machangulo Peninsula
Day 5 – Fly to Kruger, drive to Maputo and catch a boat to Machangulo
It is a busy travel day today – but not to worry by lunch you will be cruising through the turquoise waters to your final destination!
Catch an early flight back to Kruger Mpumalanga to give you enough time to drive across the border to Maputo. On arrival you can have some lunch at the Marina before catching the 13h30 scheduled boat transfer to Machangulo Lodge.
Machangulo Beach Lodge lies on the untamed Southern Mozambican coastline, nestled amongst the lush coastal vegetation of the dunes and boasting magnificent vistas of the sea and Inhaca Island. There are over 100 steps between the beach and the lounge bar and dining area.
The lodge has a total of 9 canvas under thatch ocean view chalets, spacious, attractively furnished and with a stunning outlook. Glass doors fold back to let the sea air flow through the property, and frame the stunning vistas. Traditional décor, natural woods and extensive decks create a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for family fun and island romance. A system of wooden walkways winds through indigenous bush, connecting to the main lodge.
Days 6 - 8 – Explore Machangulo and surrounds
You have three full days to enjoy your beach exploration.
With a wide variety of activities available, Santa Maria is suitable for those searching for a fun-filled, active destination, as well as guests requiring relaxation in an attractive setting. Days may be spent lazing on sun-baked sands, wandering through coastal forests and snorkeling. Nights are perfect for savoring delicious Mozambiquan meals with their unique blend of African and Portuguese flavors.
The region is renowned for its superb fishing's either from the shoreline or a boat. Enjoy guided visits to Inhaca and Portuguese Island, cultural tours to Santa Maria village, or a tour to the mainland capital of Maputo. Seasonal whale-watching (June-November), and turtle nesting excursions (late spring) are exciting optional tours. Santa Maria is a convenient add-on to an African safari.
As night falls, sip cocktails on the deck, or in the boma around a blazing campfire, reminiscing over a day of sun and laughter. This lodge provides child-friendly activities, snorkeling, romantic meals under starry skies and lazy hours on sandy beaches. Tour nearby local villages, Inhaca Island and the bay, canoe along quiet inlets and perhaps battle it out with some of the region’s monster fish.
Day 9 – Return to Maputo for flights home
It is time to say farewell this morning as you check out of Machangulo. You return to Maputo Marina and are then transferred to Maputo airport to catch your international flights home.
This amazing trip has given your family some quality time to experience some of Africa’s great wildernesses. You have seen the Big 5 whilst on safari, explored the amazing oceans and beaches of Mozambique and stayed in some luxury accommodations to enhance your whole experience.
After a week of exploration, we are sure you will be hooked on safari and the African continent! This little slice of heaven is just an introduction to so much more – where will you go next?
Interested in this trip?
Call us on +1 (312) 690 4489 to start planning your perfect vacations
Enquire OnlineWhy Wayfairer
Wayfairer Travel creates all our luxury tour itineraries with the aim of benefiting local communities and protecting the natural environment.
We pay local guides and suppliers a fair wage, working only with accommodation providers committed to responsible initiatives and our tour activities are always focused around authentic local experiences, so that you can learn about the local culture and benefit communities.
On our Family Fun itinerary, you’ll stay in sustainable, eco-friendly safari camps within national parks and reserves that are dedicated to environmental and social conservation. This vacation can feature trips to local villages to learn about their culture, and you’ll experience South Africa and Mozambique’s wildlife in a non-harmful environment whilst contributing to important conservation projects.
Read more about our values on responsible travel in our About section.
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