Meet our local representative on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport
Scheduled flight Johannesburg – Hoedspruit (cost not included in the tour price)
Road transfer to Tintswalo Safari Lodge (approximately 60 minutes)
Tintswalo Safari Lodge situated on a private Manyeleti Reserve concession, within the Greater Kruger National Park. Tintswalo in the Shangaan language means the intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace that you bestow upon someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift. And this is just what you will experience during your stay! Tintswalo Safari Lodge offers 5 standard ultra luxury suites and a honeymoon suite as well as a 2 bedroom self-contained Presidential Suite. Each intimate and secluded suite is air-conditioned, has its own private deck and plunge pool and is positioned along the banks of the seasonal Nwaswitsontso River. The wizardry of dining al fresco with a fusion of the unique tastes and spices of Africa is a challenge readily accepted by the chefs. Tintswalo’s chefs are trained in both South African and international cooking styles. Plated meals are served in sophisticated dining areas, including the romantic cellar and under the star scape of the African night sky. Situated within the greater Kruger National Park, the Manyeleti reserve is bounded to the north by the Timbavati reserve of the white-lion fame, and to the south by the Sabi Sands reserve. The eastern boundary adjoins the Kruger National Park, and with no fences between the reserves, a huge variety of wildlife -- approximately 105 different mammal species and 450 bird species -- roam free. Game viewing at Tintswalo takes place on foot or in individually seated open landrovers. The vehicles are equipped with spotlights for night viewing, radios for communication with the lodge and other guides and of course mosquito repellent. Walks in the reserve are guided through the ever-changing environment of the African bush. The surrounding community is predominantly from the Shangaan tribe. Historically settled within the Lower regions of Southern Africa this tribe was defeated in the 1800s by Shaka Zulu. The chief Shoshangana fled over the Lebombo Mountains and settled once again in areas reaching across the Mozambique border and South Africa. The Shangaan have largely retained their culture, being rich in folk lore and story telling. Strongly spiritual people they believe in the presence of their ancestors. A visit to the local community is not a tourist related activity, but rather an experience to see the dynamics of the local communities and how life in Africa is lived.
Odie Air shared charter flight Tintswalo – Kruger/Mpumalanga
Federal Air flight Kruger/Mpumalanga – Vilanculos 10:20am – 12:45pm
Road and boat transfer to Marlin Lodge (approximately 30 minutes)
The Bazaruto Archipelago is known as the 'Crown Jewels of the Western Indian Ocean'. Benguerra is a glittering gem in this chain of islands and Marlin Lodge is the perfect spot for a magical escape. Each day you'll be reminded of the archipelago's colourful past as fishermen pole their beautiful dhows - a sight unaltered in centuries - out to catch the wind. The locals continue to live a laid-back island lifestyle - harvesting their crops, cashew trees and the ocean's bounty. And late at night you may hear the pulse of distant drums. Your accommodation at Marlin is wood-reed-and-thatch chalets, beautifully integrated into the environment. The en suite chalets are a blend of African elegance and tropical island beauty and each has a patch of beach to itself. Drift into slumber listening to the lap of waves and the breath of trade winds in the palms. The living-dining area is crafted from ironwood and red mahogany - Robinson Crusoe could have asked for nothing more. The pool is set in a glade of coconut and Ilala palms, perfect for a day of lazing and tropical cocktails. Raised boardwalks limit damage to the sensitive dune environment and lead to the chalets. From this vantage you can watch the antics of red squirrels and a host of birds like brown-headed parrots, green pigeons and Burchell's coucals. Meals range from semi-formal affairs in the dining room to casual beach buffets. Activities on offer at Marlin include scaling the highest dunes during a round-the-island tour, or grabbing a sun umbrella and picnic basket for a day on a desert isle. Or delve the deep ... Two Mile Reef is a favourite among divers. Here you'll find a protected pool known as the Aquarium, one of southern Africa's finest snorkeling spots. The archipelago's world-class dive sites offer the chance to see Mozambique's gentle giants: whale sharks and manta rays. Guests can enjoy a variety of motorised water sports such as water skiing, knee boarding, parasailing, tubing and water snaking. Non-motorised water sports include windsurfing, hobi cat sailing and ocean ski paddling. Although protected by the five-kilometre width of the island, Marlin Lodge is ideally situated for access to the open ocean. Through these deep channels one has quick access to the continental drop offs, which are the haunts of marlin, sailfish and other deep-sea game fish. Rates are available on request for these optional activities, which are payable direct at the lodge. For the birding enthusiasts, over 164 different birds have been identified on the island. This tropical island provides a beautiful escape whether you are diving, fishing, walking on the beach, shell collecting, sailing, snorkelling, boating or taking day trips to the surrounding islands.
