Mad Mongoose | With Moz Beach

In a nutshell

Number of nights:

Lodges:

Rukiya Tented Camp (4 nights)
Nthambo Tree Camp (4 nights)
Rio Azul (4 nights)

Price:

From R 40.000 / 2.300 £ per person

Includes local flight from Johannesburg to Kruger area
Includes local flight from Kruger area to Mozambique
Includes local flight from Mozambique to Johannesburg
Includes all transfers to and from the airports, and all inter-lodge transfers
Includes two safari activities per day at Rukiya Tented Camp
Includes two safari activities per day on Klaserie Reserve at Nthambo Tree Camp

Based on double room occupancy
Price depending on season

International flights:

Not included
Count at least about 400 £ per person from UK
Ask us for more info

Strong points

The safari part:

◦ Safari in private reserves with open borders to Kruger National Park
◦ Off-roading, bush walks and night drives allowed
◦ Qualitative wildlife encounters; maximum two vehicles per sighting meaning no "bush jams"
◦ Very experienced guides and trackers

The beach part:

◦ Most peaceful yet affordable location near Vilanculos
◦ Free use of estuary boat, kayaks and windsurfers
◦ Beach front view!

In general:

◦ Qualitative and very comfortable lodges
◦ All local flights included

LODGES

Rukiya Tented Camp

Located between Drakensberg mountains and Greater Kruger Area, on the banks of the Blyde rivier (Which also flows through Blyde River Canyon).

This lodge is located in Wild Rivers Estate, a reserve just north of Hoedspruit. The airport is a mere twenty minutes away. The reserve is on the west side of the R40, which of course is a difference compared to reserves on the east side of the R40. The latter usually have open borders towards Kruger National Park. However, all wildlife can reach Wild Rivers Estate, via the Blyde- and Olifants rivers which flow under the R40. In other words; even though Wild Rivers is not known as a big five reserve, animals have made it their home. We haven't seen lions yet, but have heard them on the other side of Blyde River, across from Rukiya Camp. It is only a matter of time.

At Rukiya Camp your accommodation is a safari-tent with en-suite bathroom (with shower, wash basin and toilet), a fan, and a terrace with view on the Blyde River. The Camp is brand new (launched April 2016).

The owner of Rukiya Camp is a very experienced wildlife guide (FGASA level 3), and has hired equally knowledgeable guides. They are the ones accompanying you during all other safari activities.

Their safari activities are;

- A very long morning game drive on Balule reserve. This is a private reserve with open borders to Kruger. Rukiya has got traversing rights on a superb section of Balule, which features a long stretch of riverfront (the Olifants River runs through the reserve). These morning game drives last almost twice as long as a regular game drive at any other lodge. That is because Rukiya has a breakfast in the bush, somewhere on Balule reserve, and they only come back to the lodge after that.

- Short afternoon bumbles on Wild Rivers Estate, or an afternoon safari on foot, typically along the edge of the Blyde river. These walks are one of the things that set Rukiya apart from most competitors; not only does one get lots of wildlife sightings when walking along a river, but the knowledge of the guides lift the experience to an even higher level.

Nthambo Tree Camp

nThambo Tree Camp is situated in the "Ross" block within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, not far from sister cam Africa On Foot. Both camps have the same owners; Courteney en Cecilia Blunden. nThambo Tree Camp's location is just great; on the highest point of a plain and with view on the Drakensberg mountains. Because all huts are on stilts, the view on the mountains is simply spectacular.

All huts are made from wood and canvas. No bricks are used. The lodge's central part has a high ceiling and contains a lounge, bar, swimming pool with sun deck, dining area, boma (fenced area with fire where the typical braai "barbeque" is done) and kitchen; all on a raised wooden platform.

The rooms are very romantic; made from wood, canvas and thatch roof. They are spacious with a queen sized bed and sufficient storage space. All rooms have an en-suite bathroom. with shower, washbasin and toilet. As far as we're concerned, nThambo's rooms are close to perfection.

Meals are hearthy and delicious. nThambo holds our record of "best Bobotie". Desserts are - unfortunately - delicious as well. If you have any dietary requirements, just let them know in advance.

nThambo Tree Camp employs the most legendary tracker ever; Isaac. He takes the Nthambo guests to a lot of big cat sightings.

Rio Azul Lodge

Rio Azul means “Blue River”, a name that is well suited as this luxury lodge overlooks the sparkling Govuro River Estuary in Mozambique, Africa. The lodge is a short distance from the River mouth, and the mix of river and sea provide a unique setting for a number of different activities and ways to relax. The lodge faces west and enjoys spectacular sunsets in a quiet and peaceful setting.

Rio Azul is a family lifestyle lodge and offers good bird watching opportunities, kayaking, snorkelling and sunbathing - to name but a few of the lodge’s beach holiday activities - as well as a number of exciting alternatives such as estuary exploration and a wide variety of fishing types and styles such as estuary fishing, surf fishing and some of the finest offshore fishing in Mozambique. It is ideal for fishermen who enjoy a variety of fishing techniques from flyfishing, to light tackle lure fishing, surf fishing and deep-sea fishing.

To cap it all, Rio Azul offers beauty, quiet solitude and a romance that can take your breath away. As a couple’s spot, nowhere is better. We also offer a fine dining experience and luxurious facilities. Rio Azul is a great place to unwind and experience all the lifestyle activities offered or enjoy the premier fishing. When looking for a great Mozambique fishing holiday, family beach vacation, or romantic get away, Rio Azul Lodge is the place for you.

SAFARI
ITINERARY
IN DETAIL

Day 1

Afternoon or evening; international flight to South Africa.

Day 2

Morning; arrival in Johannesburg
Noon: flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit and transfer to Rukiya Tented Camp
Afternoon: game drive or -walk on Wild Rivers Estate
Dinner & overnight at Rukiya Tented Camp

Day 3

Morning: game drive with breakfast in Balule Private Nature Reserve
Noon: relax in camp and have a light lunch
Afternoon: game drive or -walk on Wild Rivers Estate
Dinner & overnight at Rukiya Tented Camp

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Morning: game drive with breakfast in Balule Private Nature Reserve
Noon: transfer to Nthambo Camp, relax in camp and have a light lunch
Afternoon: game drive in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Evening: night drive in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, followed by dinner
Overnight at Nthambo Camp

Day 7

Morning: game drive in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve followed by breakfast
Noon: relax in camp and have a light lunch
Afternoon: game drive in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Evening: night drive in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, followed by dinner
Overnight at Nthambo Camp

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Morning: game drive in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve followed by breakfast
After breakfast; transfer to Nelspruit airport and flight to Vilanculos
Afternoon: transfer to Rio Azul Lodge
Dinner & overnight at Rio Azul Lodge

Day 11

Morning: breakfast
Full day; activities at Rio Azul Lodge
Dinner & overnight at Rio Azul Lodge

Day 12

Morning: breakfast
Full day; activities at Rio Azul Lodge
Dinner & overnight at Rio Azul Lodge

Day 13

Morning: breakfast
Full day; activities at Rio Azul Lodge
Dinner & overnight at Rio Azul Lodge

Day 14

Morning: breakfast
Noon; transfer to Vilanculos and flight to Johannesburg
Evening; international flight to UK

Day 15

Morning: Morning/noon: arrival in UK

Included / not included

Included

◦ Local flight Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
◦ Local flight Nelspruit to Vilanculos
◦ Local flight Vilanculos to Johannesburg
◦ All accommodation as summarized above
◦ All activities as summarized above
◦ All meals in the lodges
◦ Accompanied by experienced wildlife guides and trackers
◦ The safari portion; two activities per day (game drives or bush walks)

Not included

◦ International flights
◦ Travel insurance
◦ Personal expenditure
◦ Medical expenditure (vaccinations, malaria tablets)
◦ Tips & gratuities
◦ All drinks (but prices are rather low. For example; a soft drink is about 1,5£)
◦ Conservation levies. Private reserves ask for a small contribution per person and per vehicle, either payable at the gate or added to your bill at the end of your stay at every lodge. These are small amounts of 15 to 20£.

Additional info

There is a single supplement for any person traveling alone.

This is just a sample itinerary, which can be adapted to your wishes. For example;

◦ Extra nights in the same or additional lodges
◦ Swap out safari lodges for other safari lodges
◦ Add an extention to the Panorama Route
◦ Add an extention to Cape Town
◦ Add an extention to the Garden Route
◦ Extentions can be added anywhere in the itinerary

Ask us for the possibilities!

Got questions?
Need more info?

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