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Madikwe Hills

Madikwe Game Reserve

Days 1 - 3: Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Hills Location Map

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.

Example Details For Madikwe Hills

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.

 
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Madikwe Hills Location.

Address

Madikwe Hills,Near Zeerust, Madikwe (via Abjaterskop Gate)

Directions

PLEASE NOTE: The main gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00. Guests who arrive after this time will not be allowed to self-drive to the lodge. The lodge will send a representative to escort guests to the lodge at an additional cost. SUGGESTION: Refuel at Sun Village/Zeerust as there is no fuel available inside the reserve. DO NOT follow your GPS after Zeerust/Sun City - it will take you on the wrong roads.

From Johannesburg Airport via N4 tar road: Follow the R21 north, to Pretoria (Tshwane) through Kempton Park. After 40 km follow N1 north to Pretoria (Tshwane), Pietersburg (Polokwane). After about 12 km, take N4 west into Pretoria (Tshwane), to Rustenburg or Hartebeespoort Dam. Follow the N4 to Hartebeespoort Dam.

Take the N4 to Zeerust past Brits, Rustenberg, and Swartruggens. Zeerust is approximately 220 km from Pretoria. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 to Gaborone/Madikwe Game Reserve. After +/- 90 km you will see a sign on the right for the Abjaterskop Gate of the Madikwe Game Reserve.

Once you are in the reserve, follow the signs to the lodge. Allow about 30-60 minutes to drive from the gate to the lodge.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

From Sun City via N4 tar road: Turn right from as you leave Sun City onto the R565. After a few km you will come to a junction with the R565 to the left, and the R556 signposted straight ahead. Turn left here to keep on the R565 signposted Phokeng and Rustenberg, and it is 38 km from here to the junction with the N4 tar road.

When you reach the N4, turn right onto the road (signposted Swartruggens and Zeerust) and continue for around 130 km on this road to Zeerust. In Zeerust turn right on the R47/R49 and follow the directions as above.

From Johannesburg or Sun City via gravel roads: There is a gravel road from Sun City to Madikwe - this route is a lot shorter than the current tar road route, however as the roads are gravel and the signs to Madikwe are rather inconsistent, we would not really recommend this route to customers.

Should you wish to return to Sun City or Johannesburg using the gravel roads, the lodge will be able to supply you with a map and directions.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14h00 on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge by this time, so you can relax and check into your room before going out on your first afternoon game drive, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 15:00 at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive. Please be advised that ALL the gates into the reserve close at 20:00.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome. Children under 7 cannot participate on game drives. Babysitting services are available.

All suites have glass fronts offering uninterrupted views of the African bush, a lounge area with a fireplace, private deck and plunge pool, an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, mosquito nets, air conditioning, a hair dryer, a ceiling fan, a mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary/unlimited Wi-Fi, and a room safe.

Suite 6 has a private raised viewing deck, the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush.

The main lodge facilities include a guest lounge, dining room, a bar and wine cellar, a terraced viewing deck with umbrellas overlooking a waterhole, a swimming pool, TV room with satellite TV and a selection of books, a traditional boma, and complimentary/unlimited Wi-Fi. There is also a well-stocked curio shop.

The lodge seats a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle on game drives.

The spa offers a range of massages, body wraps, facial treatments, manicure, pedicures and eyelash/eyebrow tinting (additional cost).

The fully equipped gym is air conditioned, and has a treadmill, spinning bike, rowing machine, cross trainer machine, dumbbells and barbells and aerobic mats.

A laundry service is included.

Credit card facilities are available.

If you are arriving/departing via FedAir, the lodge is a 20 minute drive away from the airstrip.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

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. A  guided walk can last a couple of hours and involve walking over uneven terrain that may contain dangerous wildlife in potentially high temperatures. Guests may need to move quickly and for a sustained period through rough bush terrain if instructed to do so by their guide.

Regardless of age or the provision of a doctors certificate, the final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk remains with the guide and lodge manager.

InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

Johannesburg

Day 4: Johannesburg

InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Location Map

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.

Example Details For InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

Nights: 1 Night
Adults: 2 Children: 0
Room: 1 x Deluxe Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport Location.

Address

InterContinental Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport,Immediately outside airport terminals, Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport

Directions

The hotel is located opposite Terminal 3 (Domestic Terminal), which is within a short walking distance from the International Arrivals and Departures Terminal. There is a complimentary Airport Shuttle if required.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

The rooms are all en-suite with a bathtub and shower. They also include a hairdryer, mini bar, in-room safe (laptop compatible), air conditioning, LED TV, iron/ironing board, telephone and tea/coffee making facilities.

All rooms have black out curtains and sound proofing.

A 180-degree view of Johannesburg is your reward for working out in the 8th floor fitness centre (open 24 hours). The Spa offers body treatments, steam rooms and there is also an indoor heated pool. Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments (additional cost).

Quills is the hotels informal but upscale restaurant serving authentic African cuisine (open 24 hours a day). In-room dining is also available (24 hours).

Quills Bar specialises in South African wines and stocks and extensive selection of malt whisky, cocktails and local beers. A light snack menu is available all day round.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas.

On-site parking is available (additional cost).

Babysitting services are available (additional cost).

There is a doctor on call from 12:00.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club credit cards are accepted.

Azura Benguerra Island

Bazaruto Archipelago

Days 5 - 10: Bazaruto Archipelago

Azura Benguerra Island Location Map

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.

Example Details For Azura Benguerra Island

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.
 
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Azura Benguerra Island Location.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may normally be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must normally please be vacated by 10:30 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests. On arrival, you will be escorted to the lounge where you are required to complete a registration form and sign an indemnity.Please ensure that you have settled your bill at least an hour before departure as communication links to banking systems can be intermittent.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All villas have air conditioning and fans, a hair dryer, a mini bar, mosquito nets, room safe, outside shower, tea/coffee making facilities, and a private pool and verandah.

The Beach Villas are set in a fantastic location at the end of the property next to the Spa, and are wonderfully private and perfect for honeymooners. The Beach Villa is the smallest of the villas, but still offers all of the creature comforts.

The Luxury Beach Villas are furnished in contemporary style and just steps from the beach.

The Infinity Beach Villas are furnished in afro-contemporary style and look out over a stunning infinity pool towards the beach and sea beyond. They have the best of the beachfront locations.

The Royal Beach Villas feature infinity edge pools and magnificent sea views.

Villa Amizade has 2 bedrooms with fantastic views out to sea and towards the setting sun.

The 3 bedroom Presidential Villa at Azura Benguerra has been described as one of the best villas anywhere in the Indian Ocean. It has a very secluded private location, some 150m down the beach from main Azura, and comes with its own butler-host and private chef.

Azura Benguerra focus on fresh local produce such as fish and seafood with irresistible signature dishes. Dining locations range from informal and 'foot in the sand' dining to feasting in the comfort and intimacy of your own villa as well as dinners in the Jellyfish restaurant. There is a special, more formal, 7 course tasting menu at least once a week as well as a Mozambican evening. For the wine connoisseur, the wine cellar is always stocked with fine wines from the owner's vineyards, flown in from France's Loire Valley.

Azura has a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre with new top of the range Scubapro equipment. The training pool is perfect for refreshing your diving skills or even trying out snorkelling before you head off to the reefs, and for training they offer a full range of courses and have a PADI Instructor. If you are qualified, please bring along any diving certification cards or log books to prove your certification.

A Sunset dhow cruise is a beautiful ending to a day on the water, with views over the archipelago and a chance to experience the local mode of water transport.

Your transfer to the island ie either by helicopter (approximately 10 minutes flying time) or speedboat (the transfer time is 15 minutes by minibus to the port, then 25-45 minutes by boat depending on sea conditions - guests choosing to transfer by speedboat should be prepared for a knee deep walk through the sea).

For those who like to ride, a trek along the waters edge on the horses based on Benguerra Island and back along some of the island's tracks and trails is an experience never to forget!

A laundry service is available. There is internet access (complimentary) and mobile phone service.

American Express and Diners are not used in Mozambique, so if you are likely to pay for any extras using a credit card, please ensure you have a Visa or Mastercard.  The lodge cannot accept debit cards and traveller cheques, nor small head USD notes or notes printed before 2006.

After clearing customs, a representative will meet you in the Arrivals Hall. Please note this is likely to be a local person with English as a foreign language. They assist guests at the airport every day and are familiar with the procedures so they will ensure you do the right thing. Kindly have patience when communicating with them and know that you are in good hands. And please be aware that procedures may not be as speedy as you may be used to elsewhere!  Also, be prepared for your luggage to be searched upon arrival in Vilanculos - this might include your hand luggage. Your luggage will also be searched upon departure to check that you have not removed any protected items from the Park, such as shells.

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