Remote Kruger & Mozambique

After arriving at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, a short chartered flight whisks you to the world-famous Kruger National Park. Together with the exclusive Sabi Sands Reserve, the Kruger boasts 2.7-million hectares of protected fauna and flora. Wildlife roams freely between the two reserves, creating one of Africa’s most bio-diverse wildlife populations. A short game drive from the airstrip delivers you to either Singita Lebombo or Singita Sweni lodge.

Each day features early morning and late afternoon game drives in the care of an experienced guide and expert tracker. See the Big 5 among a rich diversity of game and birdlife. After an early drive, the generous breakfast that greets you on your return is very welcome. This indulgent dining is best followed by a guided bush walk, which provides a refreshingly close-to-nature perspective. Following your African siesta, the late afternoon game drive culminates in sundowners at a pretty spot in the bush. A thrilling spot-lit drive back to the lodge adds zest to the conversation over pre-dinner drinks.

SINGITA LEBOMBO LODGE

Lebombo is a sophisticated, Afro-chic retreat in a spectacular, elevated setting. Its sweeping wooden decks overlook the N’wanetsi River, a favourite watering hole for elephants.

The lodge provides the perfect retreat between game-viewing expeditions, whether you indulge in a treatment at the spa or a tasting at the wine boutique. There is satellite TV to watch and a library full of gorgeous coffee table books to browse. Should you feel the urge to workout, head to the fully equipped gym, hone your archery skills or make a splash in the cliff-side lap pool.

The kitchen serves African cuisine with global flavours, using fresh ingredients and pairing dishes with the finest South African wines from the cellar. Service is excellent and dining in the open-air candlelit boma adds a sprinkle of adventure to every meal. For a romantic treat, request dinner on your private terrace.

Lebombo’s 15 Luxury Suites are refreshingly original with elegant loft architecture constructed from glass and timber. This sophisticated design ethic flows through the trimmings and thoughtful personal touches. Your private deck features a day bed, the perfect spot to relax or even spend the night beneath a canopy of stars, lulled by the sounds of Africa. Each suite has a full en suite bathroom and an outdoor shower. Your suite offers the perfect conclusion to a day of exploration: a spacious bed dressed in inviting Egyptian cotton linen.

After your morning game drive, your flight departs for Johannesburg. On arrival you are transferred to The Saxon Boutique Hotel, which is set in 10 acres of lush garden and is a regular the World’s Leading Boutique Hotels list since 2006.

The Saxon famously hosted Nobel Laureate Nelson Mandela so look out for Dean Simon’s original sketches of this remarkable man in its outstanding art collection. After a light lunch on the Pool Terrace, pamper your senses in the spa (which includes a hair and nail salon). The Piano Lounge’s live music is a sophisticated backdrop for pre-dinner drinks. A member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and under the passionate direction of executive chef David Higgs, the Saxon is a gastronomic delight, whether you choose the impeccable Dining Room or the much-admired Five Hundred restaurant. The sommeliers take great pride in pairing the chef’s delectable dishes with renowned wines from local and international estates.

After dinner, retire to your opulent suite, finished in marble, light wood and plush furnishings. Upload your holiday snaps using the high-speed Wi-Fi, watch a film from the digital movie library or raid the complimentary mini bar. From the spacious en suite bathroom to the discreetly attendant personal butler, every detail has been considered and the ideals of comfort raised to a new standard.

Your air transfer carries you from Johannesburg to the town of Pemba on the Mozambique coast. There, you travel north by helicopter to the Quirimbas Archipelago where a tropical island, drenched in sunshine and kissed by gentle ocean breezes, awaits you.

Azura @ Quilalea is an exclusive beach resort that has become deservedly famous for its exceptional service, luxury accommodation and divine culinary experiences.

It is the ideal place to relax on pristine beaches and take in postcard-perfect views but there is also plenty of opportunity to get active by going snorkelling and scuba diving, or choosing from one of the many watersports offered at the watersports centre.

The island is fringed with white sandy beaches that welcome breeding turtles each season. Its wild heart of indigenous forest is home to samango monkeys, coconut crabs, butterflies and 112 bird species. Its aquamarine underwater wonderland teems with whales, dolphins, turtles, 400 fish species and cathedrals of coral. Dive one of the world’s top 10 sites, Neptune’s Arm, in the care of PADI instructors. Azura offers a full range of toys for its island playground: kayaks, sailboats, and gear for snorkelling, diving and deep sea fishing.

Your home will be a Kaskazi Villa, which has tranquil sea views, air conditioning and 24-hour room service. Picnic on a desert island, reconnect with loved ones as you stroll along untouched sands, or drift serenely above the pristine reef: Vamizi Island is paradise found.

An air transfer carries you back to Pemba Island to begin your journey home via Johannesburg’s International Airport.