Romantic Kruger, Zimbabwe & Mozambique

From Johannesburg’s International Airport, a short charter flight whisks you to the exclusive Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Together with its neighbour, the world-famous Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands forms 2.7-million hectares of fence-less, protected wilderness. Game roams freely between the two reserves, forming one of Africa’s most bio-diverse wildlife populations. The short drive from the airstrip whets your appetite for game viewing and delivers you to Singita Boulders Lodge, a flagship property in the award-winning Singita family.

Boulders is set in the heart of Big 5 country and is tastefully decorated in elegant neutrals and gorgeous African textures. The architecture is best described as organic – the Lodge seems to have sprung forth from the wilderness around it. Your suite is spacious with lovely views from the front-facing glass wall. This barely-there division between you and the wilderness beyond opens onto your private viewing deck, complete with a plunge pool and enticing loungers.

Once you have settled in, it is time for an expedition into the wilderness. Who knows which of the Big 5 will make an appearance on your very first game drive? As the sky comes alive in a vivid sunset palette, your expert ranger selects a spot for sundowners, making the most of this beautiful time of day. On your drive back to camp, your guide deftly wields a spotlight to seek out the rare nocturnal wildlife as it emerges.

After breakfast, a charter flight returns you to Johannesburg’s International Airport for a scheduled flight to Zimbabwe. There, a road transfer brings you to the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, a 100,000 acre private conservation area, and home to the Singita Pamushana Lodge.

Malilangwe positively teems with wildlife, including rare Roan and sable antelope, and black rhino. You have an excellent chance of seeing the Big 5 as well as 14 species of African raptors – a particular attraction for birders. Morning and afternoon game drives allow you to explore diverse habitats and encounter a rich variety of game, while evening drives offer a glimpse of the more elusive nocturnal creatures. A fascinating tour takes in some of the more than 2 000-year-old San rock art, while expeditions to a nearby 9-hole golf course and fishing for tigerfish and bream, provide a refreshing balance to the usual range of safari activities.

Sensitive architecture has created a lodge in perfect harmony with its natural environment. Wherever your gaze settles, you see beautifully framed views of lush gardens, sparkling pools and the spectacular sweep of Malilangwe dam below. Each suite enjoys its share of dramatic scenery, especially from the private decks and plunge pools. The décor is refreshingly bold and very comfortable. In addition to the convenient amenities you might expect in any luxury hotel, the double-sided fireplace and Swarovski spotting scope are charming touches.

The main lodge features richly textured African prints, roaring fireplaces, and sumptuous indoor-outdoor dining and sitting areas. The spa is delightful and the yoga room provides a charming addition to daily activities. The library is well stocked, as is the wine cellar, and in true Singita style, two heated swimming pools and a Jacuzzi compete for your leisure time.

After your morning game drive, your flight departs for Johannesburg. On arrival, you are transferred to Fairlawns Boutique Hotel a sumptuous hotel set on a garden estate in the leafy, affluent neighbourhood of northern Johannesburg. The hotel is known for its award-winning spa, and its restaurant, Terrace, is particularly recommended. If a taste of Johannesburg’s night life is more appealing to you, the concierge will arrange an evening taking in the best the city has to offer.

After breakfast, return to the International Airport and fly to Vilanculos in Mozambique, gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago. A spectacular helicopter flight delivers you to Benguerra Island, and the delightful Azura Benguerra hotel.

Welcome to paradise found: a remote, unspoilt island wrapped in white sand beaches and lapped by warm, aquamarine waters. Spend the long, hot days beside your own sparkling plunge pool or lounging on the daybed in your exclusive beachside sala. A tropical panorama of palms and passing dhows charms you by day, until sundowners announce the cool of evening.

Azura’s luxury villas are set amid indigenous gardens and blend modern beach chic with locally sourced wood, thatch and artwork. Each villa has generous proportions, king-sized beds with Egyptian cotton linen, gorgeous bathrooms, and twin outdoor showers. Step straight out of your villa onto the pristine white beach that stretches in either direction.

The public areas are also comfortable, spacious and decorated with cool cottons and contemporary African textures. The Star Bar promises the camaraderie of a game of Bau, while the library discretely offers television and Internet facilities. The cuisine is simple, fresh and locally sourced, with an emphasis on seafood. Lunch is a picnic if you are out exploring or an informal affair at the Star Bar. Dinner is always a special event, served on the beach by candlelight under a star-spangled night sky whenever possible.

The whole staff is focused on your happiness, from the chef to the spa girls and the watersports team, but most especially your Mozambican Butler-host, who serves your meals, arranges any special requests you have, and delivers cocktails to your sala at sunset. Drawn from the island community, the Butler-hosts may have little formal education but their sincere warmth and friendly service are a true joy to encounter.

All the classic water-based activities are on offer – including snorkeling and scuba diving the superb coral reefs, big game fishing and saltwater fly fishing, and dhow cruises to deserted islands with the chance of seeing dolphins and humpback whales along the way. The sunset dhow cruises are highly recommended and the perfect way to whet your appetite for a feast of grilled fish, prawns and crayfish barbecued right on the beach.