TRIP SUMMARY
Getting married is a big deal and we can think of no better way to celebrate than this terrifically comfortable African adventure! South Africa is home to some of the most incredibly beautiful locations we have experienced. Mozambique is exotic and the gorgeous island beaches are perfect for romantic walks and much more! From penguins in Cape Town to a private island, from a night spent in an incredible safari treehouse, to days spent spying Africa’s Big 5 species – this trip is a showstopper.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred by road to the terrifically romantic Twelve Apostles Hotel for 3 nights. On day 2 enjoy a personalized private full day Cape Peninsula tour including the Company Gardens, Desmond Tutu’s Church, the colorful BoKaap neighborhood, Long Street, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Point Nature Reserve and lighthouse, Chapman’s Peak Drive, and the penguins at Boulder’s Beach with a lavish picnic lunch. On day 3 take the cable car up Table Mountain before sipping your way through the winelands with your private guide. If you have the time to add 1 or 2 days to your trip there is plenty more to see and do in Cape Town. Walk the historic city, explore the castle, or take the boat to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent You will be met on arrival at the airport and transferred by road to the terrifically romantic Twelve Apostles Hotel for 3 nights. Read more…
+On day 2 enjoy a personalized private full day Cape Peninsula tour including the Company Gardens, Desmond Tutu’s Church, the colorful BoKaap neighborhood, Long Street, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Point Nature Reserve and lighthouse, Chapman’s Peak Drive, and the penguins at Boulder’s Beach with a lavish picnic lunch. On day 3 take the cable car up Table Mountain before sipping your way through the winelands with your private guide. If you have the time to add 1 or 2 days to your trip there is plenty more to see and do in Cape Town. Walk the historic city, explore the castle, or take the boat to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison. Feeling adventurous? Go dive with great white sharks! Prefer something a little slower paced? The afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel is a Cape tradition.
Accommodations: Twelve Apostles, 3 nights, superior sea facing room, bed and breakfast with a picnic lunch on the Peninsula tour and lunch at Le Petite Ferme on the Table Mountain / Winelands tour
This is where we stay. Cape Dutch in style this boutique hotel is the essence of Cape Town… gorgeous and fashionable while at the same time warm and accommodating. Located 7 minutes from downtown Cape Town the ocean is at your doorstep with the Twelve Apostles Mountains behind. Voted #1 hotel in Cape Town and #4 in Africa by Conde Naste in 2013.
What we do: After your long international flights you may wake early. If so go for a walk on the trails above the hotel. The fresh air and private ocean views are the perfect jetlag tonic. If you would be more comfortable with someone from the hotel joining you simply ask.
Ultimate Africa Exclusive: Add a 4th night at no extra cost, free upgrade to a 1 bedroom suite at time of confirmation, complimentary spa treatment, and sunset canapés and bubbly one evening.
SABI SANDS / KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA
Continue by scheduled flight to Mpumalanga and then by light air (included in land cost) to the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve adjoining Kruger National Park.
+If offers South Africa’s best wildlife viewing – bar none. The big 5 species: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo are ever present in addition to wild dog, cheetah, giraffe and much more. You will spend 3 nights at world’s #1 Lion Sands Ivory Lodge including a night in one of their super amazing and romantic treehouses! Wildlife may be viewed on day and night wildlife viewing drives in open safari vehicles and on professionally guided walks. Importantly – of the 36 lodges and camps in Sabi Sands most have access to very small game viewing areas forcing guests to drive the same roads over and over. Lion Sands Ivory has its own a 7,000 hectare private reserve – more than 10% of the Sabi Sands reserve!
Accommodations: Lion Sands Ivory, 3 nights, all inclusive
Lion Sands Ivory, Sabi Sands / Kruger, South Africa: We have visited hundreds of high end safari lodges and camps – many of which look the same. Not so at Lion Sands Ivory. We LOVE the 6 super spacious private villas. Your tiered bedroom looks out over wildest Africa with a gorgeous bathroom area behind. Across a walkway you have your lounge with fireplace. They have included a dumbwaiter so that tea and coffee can be delivered to your room without anyone having to enter – very clever! Between the bedroom and lounge you find your heated rim flow plunge pool overlooking the Sabie River and Kruger National Park.
Ultimate Africa Exclusive: Spend a super romantic night in either the Chalkey or Kingston Treehouse (we recommend Kingston). It will be the highlight of this magical trip!
BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE
Every honeymoon should include some beach time! Only an hour by air (included in land cost) from Sabi Sands you will find yourself in Mozambique boarding a helicopter for your short scenic flight (included in land cost) to Benguerra Island Lodge!
+Days can be spent picnicking on remote islands, snorkeling / diving in the bath like waters, or simply sipping cool drinks as you lounge at the side of your private plunge pool! Wonderfully at Benguerra Island Lodge ocean swimming is not affected by tides. In addition to whales, dolphins and turtles the area is home to Africa’s only population of the rare dugong. Scuba dives are included along with a daily dhow cruise, a snorkel trip, and sea kayaking. A castaway island picnic and island expedition / community tour are included once during your stay. Horseback rides along the beach, deep sea fishing, and catamaran cruises are at extra cost.
Accommodations: AndBeyond Benguerra Island Lodge, 4 nights, all inclusive
AndBeyond Benguerra Island Lodge, Benguerra Island, Mozambique: We are so happy AndBeyond took over this property! The setting is perfect with ocean swimming regardless of the tides (unlike many Mozambiquan beach properties). The 12 air conditioned rooms and family villa have huge 4 poster beds and the bathrooms have tubs big enough for two. Outside you have a second shower, a private plunge pool, and a shaded gazebo.
What we do: Some mornings we just like to relax – not have to get prettied up and make our way to the main area for breakfast. When we want a “slow” morning we request breakfast to be served in our gazebo.
Ultimate Africa Exclusive: As an Ultimate Africa guest 1 spouse will enjoy 50% off the nightly rate. Your stay will also include a private candlelit beach dinner one evening.
EN ROUTE
Helicopter transfer to the Vilanculos Airport connecting to your scheduled flight to Johannesburg.
Cost
From $12,000 bride / $15,000 groom
Prices are per person and do not include international flights and some regional inter-Africa flights.
Specials and exclusive offers
Depending upon the time of year you intend to travel we may be able to secure free nights or discounted rates at certain properties on this trip. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
Save 2.5%
Clients paying by check can save 2.5% off their land costs
What you get
– Cape Town, Sabi Sands / Kruger, and Mozambique beach escape
-6 wildlife viewing / safari activities
-Africa’s Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) – really close
-Day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4×4 vehicles (no minibuses) with unlimited mileage and guaranteed window seat
-Walking safaris with professional guides at Lion Sands Ivory
-Scuba diving at Benguerra Island Lodge
-Daily dhow cruise, snorkel trip and sea kayaking at Benguerra Island Lodge
-Castaway island picnic and island expedition / community tour included once during your stay at Benguerra Island Lodge
– Optional horseback rides along the beach, deep sea fishing, and catamaran cruises at Benguerra Island Lodge (at extra cost)
-Bird watching
-All park and entrance fees
-Expert English speaking guides
-3 nights Twelve Apostles Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis in a Superior Sea Facing room with a 4th night at no extra cost, free upgrade to a 1 bedroom suite at time of confirmation, complimentary spa treatment, and sunset canapés and bubbly one evening
-3 nights Lion Sands Ivory Lodge with 1 night spent in a treehouse on an all inclusive basis
-4 nights Benguerra Island Lodge on an all inclusive basis
-VIP airport meet and assist in Cape Town, Mpumalanga and Vilanculos
-Private airport transfers in Cape Town
-4 light air transfers (Mpumalanga to Lion Sands Ivory, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge to Mpumalanga, Mpumalanga to Vilanculos, and Vilanculos to Johannesburg)
-Helicopter transfers Vilanculos to Benguerra Island Lodge and back to Vilanculos
-10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners
-Private candlelit beach dinner at Benguerra Island Lodge
-All drinks at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and at Benguerra Island Lodge (waters, teas / coffees, sodas, beers, wines, spirits)
-Laundry at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and at Benguerra Island Lodge
-No tsetse flies
-Confirmation package with a wealth of predeparture information
-Major bragging rights at the office (and pretty much everywhere else)
What isn’t included?
International flights from your home city to Cape Town and from Johannesburg home and 1 scheduled commercial flight within Africa (Cape Town to Mpumalanga)
Trip insurance
Tips / gratuities
Some meals and drinks (i.e. when staying bed and breakfast lunch and dinner and most drinks are not included and when on safari premium spirits / champagne are not included)
Spa treatments (unless stated)
Telephone calls
When to travel
Year round
More information
Other options to consider
Instead of Benguerra Island Lodge spend 3 to 5 nights of beach time in Mozambique at Villa Santorini. Owned by the previous owners of North Island they know a thing or two about creating magical experiences. Enjoy horseback riding along the beach by day and the nightlife of nearby Vilanculos after dark.
Other options to consider
Instead of Benguerra Island Lodge visit North Island in the Seychelles. 4 to 7 nights here is an unbelievably private experience. Past honeymoon guests include Brad and Angelina, Will and Kate, George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin, and the Beckhams.
Why not Royal Malewane?
Many honeymooners consider Royal Malewane in the Thornybush Reserve for the safari portion of their trip. We are happy to book it in addition to, or in place of Singita Boulders, however wildlife viewing is not as good.
Getting to Africa From North America there are direct flights to Africa from Washington DC, New York and Atlanta. Alternatively you may fly via Europe or even Dubai to Africa. If you let us know the name of your preferred departure city we can provide you with airfare options. Air tickets may only be booked 330 days in advance. Please note air fares are subject to change over time. Most light aircraft transfers between lodges and camps are included in the land cost and are noted on the itinerary.
Is this a group trip?
This is not a group trip. This trip can depart on any dates for 2 or more people.
How much luggage can I bring?
As small aircraft are often used to transfer travelers between lodges and camps body weight and luggage weight are important safety considerations. Baggage is strictly limited to 20 kilograms (44 pounds) packed in one or two soft sided bags plus a small backpack per person. This includes camera equipment. Suitcases will not be permitted. If you wish to exceed the luggage limit please inquire about the extra cost of doing so.
Your guides
In Cape Town you will have your own private safari vehicle and private professional, local English speaking, guide. At Lion Sands Ivory Lodge activities, such as wildlife viewing drives, are shared with other guests (no more than 6 guests per vehicle) and led by professionally licensed, local English speaking guides who are based at the lodge. They know their area intimately. Your safety and comfort are their highest concerns. They are also trained and prepared to respond to medical emergencies. If you prefer to have a private guide and vehicle at any location this can be arranged at extra cost. At Benguerra Island Lodge they have a team of guides who can take you island hopping, snorkeling, or sailing.
Do I need shots?
Yes – a yellow fever inoculation certificate is required. You will need to provide a doctor’s letter if you do not receive a yellow fever inoculation. In addition most travelers take anti-malaria tablets for the safari portion of their trip and get a Hepatitis A shot. We recommend that you visit with a local travel health specialist in your hometown to discuss any special concerns you might have.
Do I need an entry visa?
American passport holders visiting South Africa do not need entry visas. However an entry visa is required for Mozambique and must be obtained before travel.
How far in advance to book
Most of the properties we recommend are small and dearly sought after. To ensure availability of accommodations we suggest planning and booking your travel arrangements at least 9-12 months in advance. If planning closer to your travel dates we may need to look at alternate properties to make things work.
How to make it happen
At Ultimate Africa Safaris we do it all – from hotel and lodge bookings, to air tickets and travel insurance. We handle dinner reservations and celebrations as well – we love celebrations! The first step is to check availability at the various properties. We will then prepare a personal proposal for you. To learn more call our Seattle office toll free 1 800 461 0682. From outside the USA / Canada call on 425 222 4060. We are in between 9AM and 5PM weekdays. Alternatively email us at info@ultimateafrica.com
No money, no funny
To confirm an itinerary we require a 30% of land cost non-refundable deposit per person. Your land payments may be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express) or by debit card (MasterCard or Visa). Alternatively payments may be made by bank transfer or by personal, business or certified check made out to Ultimate Africa and posted to our office. Clients paying by bank transfer / check can save 2.5% off their land payments which will be credited to your invoice upon receipt of the check payment (please do not deduct this from your deposit amount). Future discounts will be applied to land payments made by check. Deposits must be accompanied by completed reservation forms. Upon receipt of your deposit full trip details will be posted to your address. This includes a confirmation letter, invoice, country specific information, travel checklist (what you need to bring), and final air / land itinerary. Your final trip payment will be due 90 days prior to your departure.
Make sure you are covered
All clients are required to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan before trip departure. This should cover you for events such as tour operator bankruptcy / financial default, trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, sickness and evacuation, 24 hour medical assistance, traveler’s assistance, and emergency cash transfer. For coverage we suggest Travel Guard insurance. The total premium will be based on your total land / air cost and your ages. If you provide our office with your credit card details we will purchase / complete the insurance formalities on your behalf.
Inquire About This Safari
| 1 800 461 0682 | USA/Canada |
| 425 222 4060 | International |
| 425 222 4062 | Fax |
| info@ultimateafrica.com |
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Sammamish, WA 98029 USA
