Nov 30 - Depart USA to Johannesburg for your overnight flight. Plenty of airline choices. More details coming and trip tips. Some may want to fly in early to explore or spend a few days playing in Cape Town.  You need a pre-night to rest on December 1. We recommend the wonderful Sunrock Guesthouse we're all our AFS guest stay.  If you find it out when you try to book, there are hundreds of hotels near Johannesburg airport.

Dec 2 - Fly to exclusive Jock Safari Lodge in Southern Kruger                   L, D

Land begins.  We meet at Johannesburg ORT Tambo airport for check in at 8 AM for your flight directly into the heart of Kruger National Park.

Begin your journey by travelling into the heart of the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s most well-known national Reserve and one of the best game viewing sites in the World. This is Prime territory and regularly seen on the famous TV documentary “Wild Africa”.

You will transfer from Skukuza Airport 1 hour through the park in open game vehicles to the incredible Jock Safari Lodge, named after the incredible legend of the bushveld. Keep your cameras ready for wild animals en route.

Southern Kruger - The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.

Jock Safari Lodge

Check in lodge for 3 glorious nights.  Then depart on an afternoon Game Drive taking about 3 hours.

This is big game country : Enthralling sightings of elephants, prides of lions as well as a sea of buffalo horns rising from the grass. At dusk look out for hyena and leopard on the hunt.  This is also wild dog territory.

And then there’s the incredible story of Jock of the Bushveld, where one dogs story of bravery, loyalty and love comes to life in Percy Fitzpatrick book Jock of the Bushveld – be sure to read this before you come – Jock is the place of legend and storytelling where the pages come to life.  Check in and depart on an afternoon game drive taking about 3 hours.

Untamed, Untouched, Unforgettable!  Jock Safari Lodge is nestled where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers flow as one, situated in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. The lodge offers 6,000 hectares of exclusive traversing rights in an area of the park which is celebrated for the Big Five game viewing.  Jock Safari Lodge is carefully screened by lush trees and reed walls, the 12 individual thatched rooms at Jock Safari Lodge, impart a sense of aloneness and oneness with the landscape.  Morning and evening drives are performed in covered 4x4 land cruisers conducted by highly experienced rangers in the legendary Kruger National Park.  Other activities include game walks, bird watching, stargazing, visits to rock art sites and spa treatments at the Pilgrims Rest Relaxation Retreat.

Jock Safari Lodge is nestled where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers flow as one, situated in the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park. The lodge offers 6,000 hectares of exclusive traversing rights in an area of the park which is celebrated for the Big Five game viewing.

Jock Safari Lodge is carefully screened by lush trees and reed walls, the 12 individual thatched rooms at Jock Safari Lodge, impart a sense of aloneness and oneness with the landscape.

Morning and evening drives are performed in covered 4x4 land cruisers conducted by highly experienced rangers in the legendary Kruger National Park.  Other activities include game walks, bird watching, stargazing, visits to rock art sites and spa treatments at the Pilgrims Rest Relaxation Retreat.  Fully Inclusive – all meals, afternoon high tea, a selection of house beverages, game drive beverages, all game activities , guided wilderness walks

Nestled on the edge of a dry riverbed, this is the ultimate place to be for Big 5 country. As you sip your coffee on your own private sala (outdoor day bed) watch the elephant playing in the river bed.

Lunches and dinners are held on their deck perfectly positioned to see the wildlife passing by. This lodge is in a private concession meaning it’s only you, highly experienced game rangers and massive amounts of wildlife. This is wild territory and probably the best location in Kruger.

Each private thatched suite has beautiful deck with private plunge pool, outdoor day bed and spectacular views of the riverbed. You can choose to sleep outdoor on the deck under the amazing Southern Cross if you wish and they will make the bed up for you.  Overnight.

Dec 3 - Jock Safari Lodge, Kruger National Park              B, L, D  

Today you will enjoy 2 Game Drives in the early morning and late afternoon when the game is most active.  The Jock Safari lodge concession has the most staggering diversity of Wildlife. Incredible sightings of huge herds of elephant walking down the dry riverbed directly in front of the lodge, prides of lions on the hunt, wild dog, leopard and buffalo are common.  At dusk, a vantage point is chosen to overlook one of the breathtaking views over the park and watch the spectacular African sunset with its ever-changing colors of the sky.

Back at the lodge, this is truly a place to relax and be spoiled. Each suite leads onto its own private deck with plunge pool and a Sala, an outdoor day bed, all with a spectacular view of the riverbed. You need go no further than your deck to have your own private wonderland of experiences.

Enjoy a special Boma Dinner under the African stars!            Overnight

Dec 4 -     A Day of Safari Thrills                B,L,D

Your final day at Jock to enjoy morning and afternoon Game Drives.

Walking safaris are encouraged after a hearty breakfast. It’s a great way to walk off the constant delicious meals, but also the fauna and flora comes alive when on foot. The guides will the focus on the smaller things which we pass by on the 4x4 vehicles and give you some insight into tracking, spoor, the medicinal uses of plants and the cycles of nature.

The Pilgrims Rest Retreat offers a welcome escape to enjoy some pampering. Awaken your senses and rejuvenate body, mind and soul with their many treatments at the spa.

Dev 5 - This morning, Dec 5, you will be transferred from Jock to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your flight to Vilanculos in Mozambique. This is a 2-hour transfer to the airport.  On arrival in Vilanculos, you will be met and transferred to the jetty for the boat transfer across to the island.

Welcome to Mozambique!

Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. This exceptionally scenic destination will leave you with a burning desire to return time and time again.

Bazaruto Archipelago

Resting in the warm Indian Ocean just off the coast of Vilanculos in Mozambique, the Bazaruto Archipelago forms part of a protected marine park and consists of five idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. These small, sandy and exquisitely beautiful islands feature some of Africa’s best beaches as well as a number of large dunes and freshwater lakes, providing ideal nesting habitats for black-winged flamingos. Just offshore visitors can explore a kaleidoscope of colourful corals teeming with exotic marine life - whale sharks, dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Active types can try their hand at scuba diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and sailing, while history lovers and culture enthusiasts will delight in the picturesque lighthouse and Vilankulo Ruins, built in the Great Zimbabwe tradition.

This is one of the last remaining places in the world where you can truly be on your own on a magnificent island , lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean , having a seafood barbecue and feeling like you are royalty.  Spend the morning exploring the incredible “Two Mile Reef” . This coral reef starts at a depth of 5 meters and slowly descends to a maximum of 22 meters, making it possible to see large schools of reef fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks, as well as occasional visits by Dolphins, Dugongs, Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. This is an underwater paradise and you will be discovering it.

These activities and so much more are yours at Anantara Bazaruto. Island paradise, azure blue warm waters, silky white sandy beaches and all in the luxury of your very own beach villa situated right on the beach.

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort brings authentic luxury to an African island hideaway. An escapist’s dream, this is a place to lose oneself in total seclusion, dazzling tropical beauty and protected ocean life.  Facilities include a variety of dining venues, bars, swimming pools and an activity centre, which offers a wide variety of water sports, as well as diving and fishing activities. The luxurious Anantara Spa offers a range of pampering treatments to revitalize the weariest of souls, with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean.  Renowned as one of the world’s top snorkelling, diving and fishing destinations, the Bazaruto Archipelago boasts year-round warm waters, dazzling soft coral ridges and thousands of tropical fish species.

Check for 4 glorious nights. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Soft drinks, Bottled water, House wine, Local beer and Selected House spirits, Tea/coffee, selected Mini-bar items, Non-motorised watersport activities/equipment.

AFS includes:

• A 2-hour Snorkeling Safari out on the 2-mile reef to look for rays, dolphins, manatees, and even humpback whales.

• 1 hour Spa massage.

• An authentic traditional dhow cruise while watching the sunset over the horizon.

• Beach Villas: Mini-bar includes soft drinks and beer!

Being on this private island surrounded by Azure blue waters is a dream made in paradise with a myriad of things to do. Imagine stepping out of your room onto an endless beach of white sands and kayaking or paddleboarding on flat waters. Enjoy horse rides, diving, deep-sea fishing, island hopping, helicopter flips, spa treatments and village visits.

Water Activities:

• Non-Motorised Water Sports included Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Dhow Sailing and Snorkelling.

• Motorised Water Sports – additional

• Water Skiing, Tubing, Knee or Wake Boarding.

• Blue Water Activities – additional

• Fishing, PADI Scuba Diving Courses, Boat Charters, Paradise Island Cruise, Pansy Island Cruise, The spectacular Dom Carlos, and Sunset Dhow Cruise.

Golden Sands Activities - 

• Cultural & Croc Lake Drive, Dune Boarding, Island Drive and Horse Riding.

• Sonhos Pool Bar Seaside Restaurant

• Experience the captivating essence of Bazaruto island – from enchanting sunsets to bold seasonal zests. Embark on a culinary journey enhancing the authentic aromas of Mozambique with modern twists. Vibrant colours, local music and a rustic aesthetic come together to create a tranquil and inviting cultural destination.

• Indulge in refreshing cocktails, dishes inspired by Mozambican flavours and delightful wines from South Africa and Portugal. From day to night, savour the perfect location on the archipelago's sandy shores, where soothing relaxation and epicurean tastes seamlessly blend together.

Golfinho Restaurant - Our main restaurant offers flavours from around the world, morning and night. Wake up to tantalising aromas, from freshly brewed coffee to pastries hot from the oven. For dinner, themed evenings feature Mozambican, Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine.

Sonhos Pool Bar Seaside Restaurant -  from enchanting sunsets to bold seasonal cuisines. Embark on a culinary journey enhancing the authentic aromas of Mozambique with a modern twist. Vibrant colors, local music and a rustic aesthetic come together to create a tranquil and inviting cultural destination. Indulge in refreshing cocktails, dishes inspired by Mozambican chefs and delightful wines from South Africa. From day tonight, savor the perfect location on sandy shores with epicurean tastes.

Clube Naval enjoys a breezy location perched over the ocean. Casual fare and an extensive selection of beverages invite all-day unwinding. Take in the sunset over tropical cocktails. Our signature grill serves up fresh flavours in an inspiring setting. Enjoy a variety of meals from crisp salads, locally sourced seafood dishes and flame grilled juicy prime cuts.

 Dec 9 -     Departure Home

After breakfast, we board our boats back to the mainland to Vilankulo Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg.

(Flights are not in the system yet.) Details later.