We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to South Africa and Mozambique is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Luxury Madikwe and Mozambique Escape
Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa and Mozambique for 10 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Arrive into at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Once you have cleared Customs and collected your luggage, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by a representative from FedAir, who will transfer you to the private FedAir departure lounge, where you can relax before boarding your flight across to the Madikwe Game Reserve.
FedAir Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) departing at 11:00 to Madikwe Airstrip, arriving at 12:00
You will be met at the airstrip and transferred to Madikwe Hills. Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is situated on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. Madikwe is home not only to the Big Five of Africa (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard), but also to a wealth of over 66 mammal species, including the rare African wild dog, as well as cheetah, eland, kudu, giraffe and a range of more than 300 resident and migratory species of birds.
Madikwe Game Reserve
After you return from your morning game drive, you will have time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you need to check out of your room. You can then relax around the main lodge guest areas before it is time to depart for the trip back to the airstrip, where you will board the plane back to Johannesburg.
FedAir 104 (Light Aircraft): Fly from Madikwe Airstrip departing at 12:15 to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB), arriving at 13:15
Exit the terminal, and cross the road to the InterContinental Airport Hotel, where you can relax for the rest of the day.
Make your way back to the airport terminal and check in for your flight to Mozambique. Passengers are advised to check in 2.5-3 hours prior to the flight departure time.
Airlink 4Z260 (Economy Class): Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 11:35 to Vilanculos Airport (VNX), arriving at 13:05
On arrival at Vilanculos Airport, after clearing Immigration and Customs you will you will be met by an Azura Benguerra airport representative, and escorted to the helipad, where you will board the helicopter and be whisked away to the island in style. Please note that there is a 20 kg luggage restriction, and your luggage must be in a soft bag. The flight takes about 15 minutes.
Imagine an unspoilt island within a Marine National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand that extend for miles, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, sunny days and star studded nights - and you have Azura Benguerra Island.
Bazaruto Archipelago
You will be transferred back to Vilanculos by helicopter, where you will check in for your flight back to Johannesburg.
Airlink 4Z263 (Economy Class): Fly from Vilanculos Airport (VNX) departing at 14:25 to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), arriving at 16:10
Madikwe Hills is set on a hill amongst huge boulders and age old tamboti trees, overlooking the endless bushveld of the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, where the plains team with game and the acacia savanna symbolizes a paragon of beauty.
Black rhino roam freely amongst the Big 5, giraffe gallop across the plains at sunset and zebra call out to one another in the early hours of the morning. Madikwe Hills offers a world of intrigue and majestic beauty, just waiting to enchant you. Open Land Rovers stand ready to take you on safari. Your knowledgeable ranger with his friendly disposition will ensure that your safari experience is unforgettable.
The main guests areas of the lodge are an important part of everyday life at Madikwe Hills. From the threshold of majestic, age-old East African doors, you immediately feel the cool breeze emanating throughout this central area. The bar entices guests to enjoy a pre-dinner drink and fireside chat with your friendly game rangers and managers, while the main deck overlooking the waterhole is the perfect place to while away the day under a cool umbrella. The main swimming pool offers cool respite from the harsh African sun, and is a great way to relax with a cocktail in the afternoon. Dinners in the dining room are a silver-service experience.
The subtle decor of the lodge integrates natural elements with colours highlighting Africa's ambiance.You will be accommodated in ultra-luxurious glass fronted suites designed for complete relaxation and comfort boasting soft sofas, voluptuous mosquito netting and cotton picot linen. Overhead fans and air-conditioning are a welcome respite from the harshness of the African heat.
Salute the timelessness of Africa with a gin and tonic from your fully stocked mini bar before enjoying a dip in your own private plunge pool on your veranda.
Along with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Madikwe Hills offers the highest standard of service, ensuring that each guests' needs are satisfied during their luxury South African safari stay here.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Suite | ||
Includes: | All meals; beverages (excluding premium wines); the Madikwe Conservation Levy; the FedAir landing/departure fee; 2 shared game drives per day; optional walking safaris; transfers from the Madikwe Airstrip to the lodge; and a laundry service are included. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks in the reserve. Guests over 60 years old wishing to join a guided walk are required to have a letter or certificate from their doctor confirming they are in good health and are physically fit to do the walk. More details available on request. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Welcome to South Africa's only luxury airport hotel. The InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport hotel is a safe and easy walk from the International Arrivals Hall at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.
The hotel has drawn its inspiration from the African continent, capturing the culture and spirit of Africa through the use of simple shapes and symbolic artefacts throughout the main guest areas to create a peaceful environment in a contemporary setting.
The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, quiet soundproofed rooms, quick check-in and a host of other services designed to meet the needs of the leisure traveller requiring the ultimate comfort and hassle-free service - including a modern Techno-Gym, the Camelot Health Spa which offers guests relaxing treatments overlooking the city skyline, and an indoor heated swimming pool.
Open 24 hours a day, the Quills Restaurant serves breakfasts, lunch and dinner. It specialises in local foods such as springbok, warthog, kudu and crocodile paired with outstanding South African wines. The Quills Bar serves a variety of South African wines and beers as well as an all-day snack menu.
The spacious, well-appointed Deluxe and Executive Rooms and the two Presidential Suites are all tastefully decorated with subtle influences of Africa.
For families, interleading rooms can be booked, with the parents either in a Presidential Suite or an Executive Room which can interlead into a twin bedded Deluxe Room next door.
In-room flight information allows you to time your travel plans in the comfort of your room.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Imagine an unspoilt island within a National Park, deserted beaches of pure white sand, sparkling turquoise seas crisscrossed by local dhows plying their trade, swaying palms, sunny days and star studded nights...and you have Azura.
Azura Benguerra Island is Mozambique's first luxury 'eco' boutique retreat. Built entirely by hand by the local community and operated in partnership with them, it has just 14 villas, each with their own infinity pool and designed for both pampering and barefoot escapism. There is also a spa, with 2 double treatment rooms located right on the beach and open to the breezes.
A kaleidoscope of colour greets you above and below the ocean. There are magnificent reefs for diving and snorkelling, which are also home to the turtles that nest on the island's outer shores. Migrating whales, dolphins, and the elusive and protected dugong ply these waters, along with marlin, sailfish and tuna to tempt the sportsfishermen. On land, towering sand dunes give way to indigenous bush abundant with local flora and fauna, an interesting variety of birdlife, as well as the odd crocodile or two at the lakes. The island's local people make for fascinating cultural encounters, and the starry night sky is quite magnificent to behold.
The villas blend modern chic with all that is traditional in Mozambique. Each is just footsteps from the beach, yet designed with seclusion in mind. Nestled amidst indigenous gardens, the villas are a haven of rest and relaxation.
Wander down to the pristine white beach and welcoming azure sea beyond. Lounge around on plump cushions on your daybed, or tan in private and cool off in your sparkling plunge pool. Dine on your deck, or sip champagne in your beachside Sala as the sun goes down. Lie in your bath and gaze at the view, or shower beneath the stars.
Nights: | 6 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Infinity Beach Villa (Stay 6/Pay 5 offer applied - selected periods only | ||
Includes: | All activities; applicable Airport Taxes; all meals; tea/coffee; local brand beverages and sunset cocktail of the day (excludes premium brands; personal butler service; and helicopter transfer to and from Vilanculos Airport are included. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa
Normally, holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter South Africa when travelling as a tourist for stays up to 90 days: United Kingdom; United States of America; Canada; Australia; Ireland; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain, Switzerland.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local South Africa High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as citizens of certain countries (including New Zealand) are required to obtain visas before travelling. Please note that if you are applying to the Embassy for your visa, some visas can take a long time to be processed so please do take this into consideration, as it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa in place before you travel.
Children under 18 years of age who require a visa to enter South Africa may be required to provide additional information when applying for the visa including an unabridged birth certificate and affidavit if travelling with only one parent. There are also additional rules for unaccompanied minors and/or South African children - details available on request or via the SA Department of Home Affairs at http://www.dha.gov.za.
Please note that anyone travelling to South Africa should have a valid return ticket and a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa. However, some immigration officials still request that a passport should have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry to South Africa so to avoid problems on arrival, we advise that your passport meets this requirement instead. The passport must also have sufficient pages for entry/exit stamps - AT LEAST 2 BLANK PAGES.
South Africa has implemented biometric capturing at all ports of entry. This may result in some delays at land borders so you should allow additional time for border crossings.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to South Africa.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water is purified and safe to drink in major cities and towns, however, we do advise that you do not drink the water in more remote places such as the camps in the National Parks - the water may be safe to drink, but it simply is not worth the risk, as bottled water is widely available.
Whatever you do, do not drink water from any river lake without firstly purifying the water. Always take water with you when you go on a hike, and have a bottle in the car on a long journey to avoid dehydration.
There is a risk of malaria in and around the Kruger National Park/Mpumalanga Province, the Limpopo (Northern) Province, and the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is South Africa. However, in accordance with International Health Reguations, South Africa requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having transited through a yellow fever risk country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 10177 and ask for an ambulance.
The 11 official languages are Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda and Ndebele. Whilst many visitors will hear at least a couple of the tribal languages during the course of their stay, it is possible to travel extensively and comfortably with just English as a language.
The South African society is quite liberal, as gay marriage was legalised in 2006 nationwide and everyone’s rights are protected under the constitution. In some more rural areas, however, the local people may not be quite as liberal thinking, so whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship if travelling to a rural/remote area.
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mozambique
Holders of the following passports do not require a visa to enter Mozambique when travelling as a tourist:
UK, Canada, UAE, USA, Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Israel, Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Ivory Coast, Finland, Indonesia, Singapore, Ghana, Senegal, China and Ukraine.
You will need to pay an admin fee of 650 MZN per person when entering the country.
Citizens of countries neighbouring Mozambique do not need a visa nor pay any fees.
All other nationalities require a visa to enter Mozambique. You can now apply for a visa through the new e-visa portal online (https://evisa.gov.mz/) by selecting the most appropriate visa for your travel. Payment can be made by credit card. Alternatively, single entry tourist visa can also be obtained on arrival at Vilanculos for USD 50 per person (subject to change) payable in cash only.
ALL VISITORS need to present the following documents to enter Mozambique:
a) Passport or equivalent document valid for no less than 6 months.
b) Round-trip flight ticket, for those travelling by air.
c) Proof of accommodation.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Mozambique.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Mozambique - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Mozambique, so a Yellow Fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Mozambique. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Mozambique requires all travellers over one year of age arriving from a yellow fever risk country, or having been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of such a country, to have a yellow fever certificate. These countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list here https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
The official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, but English is also widely spoken in the main tourist areas. Approximately 60 other languages and dialects are spoken in Mozambique, which are all of Bantu origin.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Taking photographs of military and government buildings, airports or the police is illegal. If in doubt, put your camera away!
Homosexuality is not prohibited by law, but local attitudes can be less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention. Whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients of the LGBT+ community to refrain from public displays of affection (including kissing and holding hands) and to be as discrete as possible about their relationship.
You must by law carry original identity documents at all times and present them on request to the authorities. Police patrols and checkpoints are common. Don’t hand over your passport to anyone other than an official - ask to see their ID if in doubt.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.