Luxury Safari Plains with a Mauritian Beach Escape - Premier Collection

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly to Johannesburg - Start your safari holiday with an overnight flight to Johannesburg.  
• Day 2
  Travel to Safari Plains and included wildlife talk - Meet your driver as you touch down in Johannesburg this morning, before taking a scenic drive north to your camp set against the backdrop of the Waterberg Mountain range. Arriving in time for lunch, you’ll have the chance to share a meal in the camp’s restaurant with your fellow travellers. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to settle into your impressive new surroundings in the heart of the Mabula Game Reserve. Perhaps have a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax in the comfort of your private tent. Later, you can soak up the sounds of the bush at sunset from the comfort of your private veranda, and if you're feeling peckish, perhaps enjoy a high tea at the camp’s restaurant. This evening, re-join your fellow guests for an expert-led wildlife talk courtesy of one of the reserve’s resident specialists before dinner.
• Day 3
  Included morning game drive and afternoon at leisure - Rise early this morning, enjoy a tea or coffee, and head out on your first game drive in the Mabula Game Reserve. Witness herds of the region’s antelope moving in the open as they tend to move around more early in the day, to find the best protection from predators.  You’ll then return to camp for breakfast and time at leisure to enjoy under your own steam before lunch is served. More downtime will follow this afternoon, in between your daily high tea, for you to take in the warm South African sun. Whether you’re relaxing by the poolside or pampering yourself with a treatment in the on-site spa, there’ll be plenty to help you unwind. Dinner will be served in the camp restaurant this evening.
• Day 4
  Morning at leisure and afternoon game drive with sundowners - Wake up early and watch the sun rise over the mountains, or take a lazy morning lounging with time at leisure after breakfast. Later this afternoon, set out in search of the ‘Big Five’ – the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo – with a drive out into Waterberg’s idyllic open landscapes. As you pass through the South African bush, be sure to keep an eye out for the region’s big cats, which are known to rest amongst the branches of the native acacia trees! After this afternoon’s safari, enjoy a true safari tradition with a relaxing sundowner. Watch the sun set over Waterberg with premium snacks and drinks served in the bush amidst the stunning savannah landscapes. Afterwards, reboard your vehicle for a drive back to the camp for dinner.
• Day 5
  Morning at leisure and included afternoon game drive - Take the morning at your own pace with time at leisure, accompanied by the day’s breakfast, ahead of the third game drive. With a diverse range of habitats housed in the Mabula Game Reserve, you’ll find an astounding array of wildlife besides the ‘Big Five’ which are synonymous with safari sightseeing. Look closely and you may see one of the region’s smaller, but no less exciting, creatures from the elusive bushbabies and vervet monkeys to the humble pangolin and burrowing mongooses! You’ll then join your driver and fellow travellers for an excursion into the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere, an area rich in biodiversity and home to hundreds of species of native flora and fauna. Here, you’ll find an area abundant in flocking zebra, roving antelopes (including the rarer tsessebe), and giraffes which are certain to provide an enchanting day afternoon out on the open savannah. Enjoy dinner this evening back at the lodge’s restaurant.
• Day 6
  Included morning game drive and evening stargazing experience - Another game drive awaits this morning and with it comes another chance for you to see the Big Five. Fuel yourself with a hot drink before taking to the savannah plains under the morning sun.  Returning to the camp for breakfast, you’ll then be able to spend the rest of the morning at your own pace before lunch is served. Spend the afternoon at leisure whether that’s taking Waterberg’s striking landscapes from the comfort of the camp to making the most of your all-inclusive package with a complimentary drink by the bar. Why not indulge yourself in a touch of luxury with a high tea enjoyed alongside the area’s gorgeous savannah views?   However you choose to spend your afternoon, be sure to reconvene with your tour group this evening for an early dinner and stargazing experience under the unobstructed night sky.  
• Day 7
  Fly to Mauritius - Rise early this morning and relax ahead of a transfer to Johannesburg for your flight to the Indian Ocean Island nation of Mauritius. Make sure to fill up on breakfast, as the next included meal will be later this evening, and dining options are limited at the airport. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be collected and driven to your five-star resort, set right on the beach, and overlooking an unspoilt coral reef.  You can then check in, unpack, and have your first dinner by the sea.
• Day 8
  Day at leisure or optional Northern Highlights tour - Rise to the sound of the waves and enjoy a buffet breakfast with the choice to spend the day at your leisure, taking advantage of the resort’s assortment of facilities. If you'd prefer to relax today, you'll be perfectly placed to do so among the four on-site swimming pools and first-class spa facilities, while those who are keen for a more active day can enjoy kayaking, archery and tennis classes. Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion, which encompasses several stops around the island. You’ll begin with a visit to Royal Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Dating back to 1786, these beautiful grounds are known for the pond of giant water lilies and colony of giant tortoises.  Next up on the itinerary is the Beau Plan’s Sugar Adventure Museum, which is set in an old sugar mill. Here, you’ll get to taste sugar and rum, both made on the property.  Interactive exhibits showcase the history of the nation’s sugar industry, and there’ll be time to purchase some souvenirs created by local craftsmen.    Stop for an included lunch before the tour continues to the seaside village of Grand-Baie, with its pristine beach and protected cove. You’ll be able to wander the lively bazaar, selling handicrafts. You’ll then stop off at the northernmost point of Mauritius. This area is aptly named Cap Malheureux, which translates to 'The Cape of Misfortune' due to the legendary 1810 battle in which the British defeated the French and took over the island. Take in the views over the Indian Ocean and surrounding islands, observe the red-roofed church of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, and take some photos.    Later, you’ll return to the resort to relax and choose from a broad range of dining options, including Italian,  Japanese and Mauritian restaurants, for dinner (a la carte options require reservations, which can be made at the F&B concierge). 
• Day 9
  Included 'Wonders of the South' winery tour - After breakfast, you’ll venture on a full-day excursion to cover the natural splendours of the southern part of Mauritius. The Takamaka Winery is the starting point, and the only winery in the world dedicated exclusively to lychee wine. Ganga Talao, a crater lake also known as ‘Sacred Lake’, is another must-see location, and it’s ringed by a temple with small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods. This lake is also an important pilgrimage site, and according to Hindu mythology, it’s believed that the water here is sourced from the sacred Ganges River in India.    A photo stop at the Black River Gorges National Park is next, where you should keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, deer, and mongooses. Lunch will be served at a local family-run restaurant in the small village of Chamarel, encircled by tropical rainforests. Chamarel is also home to the famous Terres de 7 Couleurs, ‘Seven Coloured Earth’, which consists of an expanse of multi-coloured dunes as a result of uneven cooling of molten rock. This natural wonder of green, purple, yellow, red, brown, and violet is a striking sight, and at the base, there are several giant tortoises.    Towards the end of the day, you’ll be taken back to the resort, where you can unwind and have dinner.   
• Day 10
  Day at leisure or optional 'Tale of Four Islands' excursion - Once you’ve had breakfast, another day of leisure awaits, and you can make the most of your complimentary Green Fees at the nearby Anahita and Ile aux Cerfs Golf Clubs. If you'd prefer a more structured day, you can also opt for an excursion, which involves boarding a speedboat to cruise around some of Mauritius’ most beautiful, uninhabited islands.  You’ll first cruise across a lagoon to a wild nature reserve on the small island of Ile aux Mariannes, where your guide will inform you about the endemic flora and fauna. Then you’ll travel to Ile aux Phares (Lighthouse Island), a former military base for the French during the colonisation of Mauritius. The lighthouse, which can be found here, was built to guide ships to the local port, and the island’s unique location near colourful reefs ensures a brilliant photograph opportunity.    The tour will then pass by the rocky islet of Ile de la Passe, which was a base for English and French troops, and now encompasses several fortifications. You’ll then have some time to snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters before calling at the paradisical Ile aux Cerfs for a BBQ lunch. Sip a cold beverage, or some local rum, on the beach as you enjoy Mauritius’ authentic creole flavours and a lively Sega (traditional Mauritian performance).  You’ll return to the resort in the evening for dinner.