Combine the best of bush and beach with this luxury wildlife island combo which includes snorkeling untouched island reefs & luxury big 5 game drives

Why make yourself choose between a bush and beach vacation? When you can ultimately combine and experience the best of both worlds in one adventure! And, if you are wondering how to choose the best bush and beach adventures out there, this one ranks right up there!

The fascinating bush to beach safari combination

• Ngala Private Game Reserve Experience
  • Possible wildlife encounters
  • Highlights
• Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago experience
  • Benguerra Experience 
  • Beach & sea-life experience

The fascinating bush to beach safari combination

A sea and safari journey from some of South Africa’s best known game reserves to the golden sands of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Track the Big Five in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve or &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, both of which share unfenced borders with the famous Kruger National Park, allowing them to benefit from the high wildlife numbers in this renowned park.

After your wildlife adventure, pamper yourself with some rest and relaxation in the tropical climate and sunshine of &Beyond Benguerra Island. 

Ngala Private Game Reserve Experience

Ngala Private Game Reserve is home to all of the ‘Big Five’, but is particularly known for its elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as its packs of African wild dog. Although leopard and cheetah are also often encountered.

To get a good feel of Ngala Private Reserve check out these virtual safaris

Day 1, 2 & 3 

Located on the boundary of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve was the first private game reserve to be incorporated into the Kruger National Park. Therefore it has exclusive traversing rights on almost 15 000 hectares (37 000 acres) of some of the richest wildlife land on the African continent. With more open bush than the nearby Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Ngala guarantees exclusive game viewing opportunities guided by expertly trained &Beyond rangers. 

Spend three nights at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp. Accommodation is in an air conditioned cottage with an ensuite bathroom (shower, twin hand basins, w.c. and a bath) and an intimate veranda. Your stay includes three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, emergency medical evacuation insurance, laundry and daily lodge activities.

Highlights:

• Situated beneath a tranquil umbrella of mopane and tamboti trees.
• Emitting a romantic atmosphere these classic ensuite cottages are enhanced with nostalgic safari memorabilia throughout
• The pool and sundeck overlook a natural riverine woodland
• An avid birdwatchers paradise
• Between your game drives relish your time at a soothing massage sala, and well-equipped fitness room. 
• Dinners are arranged in either a candlelit courtyard or expressed as an African feast in the open-air boma.
• Twice-daily game drives with intimate wildlife encounters, Interpretive bush walks, 
• A rhino notching conservation experience,
• Enchanting night in a dreamy sleep-out under the stars.

Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago experience – Benguerra Island

Explore the warm waters and marvel at the marine life of the island’s coral reefs on scuba diving expeditions, enjoy the thrill of deep sea fishing or simply explore the magical setting and soaring dunes of Benguerra.

With its balmy climate, vast miles of untouched beaches and colourful Portuguese and Arabic heritage, Mozambique is fast emerging as Africa’s hottest new holiday destination. Add to this the warm and friendly nature of the people, as well as the delectable cuisine, based heavily on abundant seafood and fiery spices, and you have a truly irresistible and authentic African beach experience.

Scattered off the sun-drenched coast, the country’s many secluded islands are famed for their pristine coral reefs, waters filled with marine life and luxury accommodation. From fishing and diving to simply enjoying an indulgent holiday in the sun, the wide range of activities available includes perennial favourites such as dhow cruises and castaway picnics.

Day 4, 5 & 6 

After a mouth-watering breakfast, you will be driven to Skukuza Airport or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where you will board a flight to Vilanculos International Airport. On arrival at Vilanculos International Airport, you will be assisted onto a helicopter flight to &Beyond Benguerra Island. 

The second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra offers exceptional marine life and an abundance of island adventures. Characterised by its towering sand dunes, inland lakes and idyllic beaches, Benguerra was declared a National Park in 1971. It is home to over 140 bird species and the pristine waters surrounding the island, as well as the entire archipelago, are home to the rare dugong and one of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Guests visiting the island can awaken to the sounds of fishermen trading their daily catch from their traditional sailing dhows and embark on a series of adventures, including dhow cruises, diving, snorkelling and exhilarating catch-and-release deep-sea fishing. Warm and intimate, with a distinct East African feel, &Beyond Benguerra Island is a tropical paradise tucked into a lush indigenous forest and looking out onto a picturesque crescent of sandy beach. Set among swaying palm trees, ten casitas and two cabanas peep out directly onto ocean vistas, while a spacious Family Suite ensures privacy and exclusivity. Whether staying in a cabana, a casita or the family suite, the lodge’s colourful beach bar, sheltered by swaying palm trees, is the perfect setting to admire the African sunset while sipping an exotic cocktail. Spend three nights in a casita at &Beyond Benguerra Island. Your stay includes the services of a Mozambican butler, a non-alcoholic welcome cocktail on arrival, all meals, all drinks (including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers and bottled water), snacks (including private beach dinners and private meals on decks), teas, coffees and standard included activities. Adventures include sea kayaking, sunset dhow cruise, scheduled snorkelling trip, castaway picnic, island expedition and local village tour.

Known for their responsible travel ethics, andBeyond also involves guests in the lives of the local villagers, whose development they support both through providing employment opportunities and via their social development partner, the Africa Foundation. Guests are invited to sample a taste of authentic local life on a two-hour journey that takes in the varying environments of the island, from lakes to dunes, before exploring the village. The tour spends some time at the village school and church, allowing plenty of opportunities to interact with the local people and find out more about the community projects that are run on the island. Guided by a member of the local community, the drive provides a real commentary on the lives of the island people.

The Southern African Wildlife College, based on a portion of the Ngala land, provides training in natural resource management and conservation practices to underprivileged youths from throughout Southern Africa.

The luxury wildlife island combo tour creates the ideal balance between a wildlife adventure in South Africa and the ultimate relaxation on the calm shores of Mozambique. To find out more contact andBeyond