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 Seychelles 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: Sabi Sands Safari and Seychelles
Holiday Destination: Holiday to South Africa and Seychelles for 9 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 Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Clear Customs & Immigration and collect your luggage, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met by a representative from FedAir. You will then be transferred to the private FedAir departure lounge, where you can relax before boarding your flight across to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Please note that there is a baggage restriction of 20 kg per person, and you have to have a 'soft' bag (for easy storage in the plane). As you are returning by FedAir, you can leave any excess baggage safely with FedAir, which you can then pick up when you return.
FedAir (Light Aircraft): Fly from Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) departing at 10:30 to Arathusa Airstrip, arriving at 12:00
Chitwa Chitwa is highly acclaimed for its excellent game viewing, and during your stay here, morning and afternoon game drives with your highly qualified guide and Shangaan tracker will ensure an unforgettable African safari by enriching the safari experience with their profound knowledge regarding this animal kingdom and its complex habitat. Guests are treated to spell-binding sightings of the abundant wildlife and leave with affectionate memories of the very best of the African bush.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
After you return from your morning game drive, you will have time to enjoy breakfast at the lodge before you are transferred back to the airstrip.
FedAir Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Arathusa Airstrip departing at 12:30 to Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB), arriving at 15:00
You will be transferred to the InterContinental where you can relax for the rest of the day.
Cross the road to the International Departure Terminal and check in for your flight to Seychelles. Passengers are advised to check in at least 2.5 hours prior to the flight departure.
Air Seychelles HM60 (Economy Class): Fly from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) departing at 13:50 to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ), arriving at 20:45
Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall to the Welcome Kiosk of our representative in Seychelles. Here, you will be welcomed to the island and then transferred to your hotel.
The Kempinski Seychelles Resort is perfectly situated just 30 minutes from the international airport on Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles. The white sandy beach is enticing and the crystal clear water, vivid species of fish and multi-coloured corals makes this the perfect diving location. The Olympic-length swimming pool offers the chance to relax on a sun lounger and enjoy light refreshments as you unwind and simply let the island's slow pace soothe your soul.
You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Chitwa Chitwa Game Lodge basks in the sun on the banks of one of the largest dams in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park.
The most thrilling and eagerly-anticipated part of any stay at Chitwa is undoubtedly the safari experience. Guests are treated to spell-binding sightings of the abundant wildlife on game drives and bush walks and leave with affectionate memories of the very best of the African bush. A safari here offers some of the best opportunities to meet Africa’s Big Five - buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard and lion. The highly qualified guides ensure an unforgettable safari by enriching the experience with their knowledge.
Guests can also enjoy superb game viewing from the main lounge and dining areas as the wildlife congregates at the water’s edge to drink. The large wooden lounging deck is strewn with comfy armchairs and a rim-flow swimming pool is the perfect place to relax, unwind and absorb the sights, sounds and scents of Africa.
Chitwa Chitwa’s library offers a large selection of books for your reference reading and it is also equipped with an internet access point. With all the great food you’ll be enjoying at Chitwa Chitwa, fitness enthusiasts might want to spend time training in the gym which comes fully equipped with treadmill, spinning bike, pilates ball, dumbbells, aerobic mats and the all-in-one weight gym.
Six individual and artistically styled suites open onto a private lake-view deck with its own plunge pool and exude an air of bygone romance combined with unfaltering luxury. The Charlsy Suite offers 2 beautifully appointed interleading en-suite rooms joined by a cosy living area.
The Chitwa House is an exclusive retreat consisting of 2 beautifully appointed en-suite rooms with private decks and out-door showers. The House comes with its own safari vehicle, guide and tracker. All meals are prepared and enjoyed in the privacy of your own dining area. Outside on the spacious deck is a swimming pool, making this truly the epitome of luxury in the African bush.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Suite | ||
Includes: | All Inclusive Package: 3 meals per day; 2 shared game drives per day; walking safaris; laundry service; all soft drinks, bottled water, selected wines and local beers; the Guest Conservation Contribution; and all tea/coffee are included. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted on game walks. 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. |
Kempinski Seychelles Resort is an indulgent retreat that captures the spirit of the Seychelles. Located on the exclusive south end of Mahé directly on the famous Baie Lazare, the resort is a mere 30 minutes from the international airport and only 40 minutes from the capital Victoria. Discover a world of exceptional experiences, from tranquil beachside luxury to soothing nature-based leisure activities and enjoy a holiday that complements your every desire.
The resort is located on an 800m stretch of remarkably beautiful beach. Sun loungers are discreetly positioned between palm trees along the length of the beach, creating a remarkable sense of privacy. Despite being positioned on a beautifully landscaped 64 hectare property, the resort has been laid out in such a way that guests are never very far away from the water.
The temperature is warm enough to swim all year round, but, if ever you tire of swimming or snorkelling in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, there is an Olympic-length swimming pool, where guests can cool off or burn some energy swimming laps. There is even a children's paddling pool at the Kids Club, so that no guest is left out of the aquatic fun.
The south of Mahe has some of the most beautiful and diverse dive sites in the Seychelles. The resort's 5* PADI dive centre at the resort is able to cater for divers of all experience levels - from seasoned dive masters to absolute beginners who are eager to experience the magic of scuba diving for the very first time. They also offer various PADI courses for guests that are interested in advancing their scuba skills during their stay.
Glass bottom boat excursions, surfing, and kayaking excursions can be booked at the Watersports Pavillion for fun on the water rather than in the water.
The Kempinski Spa offers a range of treatments and also has a fully equipped fitness centre. The resort also has tennis and volleyball courts, a casino and bike hire.
Elegantly appointed Hill View, Beachside and Sea View rooms promote a feeling of tranquility and bliss. All rooms are decorated in warm, earthy tones and are equipped with modern amenities.
Diverse flavours capture the cultural mix of the Seychelles and you can experience this at the various bars and restaurants found within the resort. Private dining options are also available.
Nights: | 5 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Ocean View Room (Book Early, Save 35% if booking confirmed 90 days prior to arrival) | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. Dinner supplement can be added on request. PLEASE NOTE: The Environmental Sustainability Levy is not included and is payable in Seychelles Rupees direct to the hotel on check in/out. |
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/seychelles
Normally, irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members (with some exceptions* - see below), there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles. However, the following documents must be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport:
A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles
Return or onward ticket
Proof of accommodation including contact details
Sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
Presentation of all of the above documents will grant you a Visitor’s Permit that will be issued upon arrival by the Seychelles Department of Immigration. The Visitor’s Permit is initially valid for the period of visit of up to one month.
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Seychelles and have sufficient blank pages for the Seychelles entry/exit stamps (at least 2).
* If you are a passport holder from certain African countries, please contact your local Seychelles High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements, as nationals from certain countries are required to obtain temporary visas before travelling to Seychelles.
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.
IMPORTANT: The Seychelles Government have implemented a new Environmental Sustainability Levy. This Environmental Sustainability Levy has been introduced to generate funds which will be invested back into preserving and enhancing the natural environment of Seychelles by investing in green, renewable energy, and environmental conservation. Under the newly introduced levy, all travellers arriving in Seychelles from the 01 August 2023 will be required to contribute based on a per person/per night basis. The payment is made in-destination, in Seychelles Rupees, and payable directly to the respective hotel upon check in or check out. The levy will be charged based on the size of the hotel as follows (children under 12, airline company staff, and Seychellois citizens are exempt from the levy):
Small Hotels (1 to 24 rooms) - SCR 25 per person per night
Medium-sized hotels (25 to 50 rooms) - SCR 75 per person per night
Large hotels (51+ rooms, island resorts*, yachts) - SCR 100 per person per night
* Island resorts relate to establishments based on any island other than Mahe, Praslin, La Digue or Cerf Island.
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 Seychelles.
To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids and keep out of the midday sun.
Tap water meets W.H.O. (World Health Organization) specifications and is safe to drink nationwide. Because tap water is chlorinated, however, visitors are advised to drink bottled water but there is no imperative to avoid soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice. If you are in any way concerned about drinking water, bottled water is widely available in shops, restaurants and hotel bars.
There is NO risk of contracting malaria in Seychelles as the anopheles mosquito does not exist in Seychelles. However, some cases of dengue fever transmitted by mosquitoes have been reported. 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 Seychelles, so a yellow fever vaccination is NOT required for travellers whose sole destination is Seychelles. However, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Seychelles 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
There are 3 official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Topless sunbathing is uncommon and not tolerated on some beaches. Nudism is not acceptable.
Homosexuality is not illegal in Seychelles. However, local attitudes do and can vary, 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.
Please resist the urge to collect seashells along the beaches as many are used as habitation by hermit crabs. Collecting shells is prohibited in nature reserves, marine parks and reserves in Seychelles. The unique and unusual tropical flora is beautiful and for it to remain so, it is important that you admire it, but leave it for others to enjoy.
Be considerate towards the fauna and sensitive to its sometimes fragile nature. Please walk carefully on the reefs and do not feed sea birds, mammals, turtles or tortoises or disturb them or their nesting grounds.
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.