The perfect blend of an exhilarating African safari experience and a leisurely tropical beach getaway.
Once you’ve arrived in Johannesburg and have cleared customs and immigration, you’ll find a representative from African Sky waiting for you as you enter the arrivals hall. First, we’ll take care of a few formalities. You’ll be handed a complete tour folder containing all necessary documentation for your upcoming holiday, including e-tickets, accommodation and transfer vouchers, a detailed itinerary and our emergency contact details. Our representative, as an experienced guide, will also gladly answer any questions you may have. Once formalities are completed, you’ll be escorted to the appropriate departure terminal where you’ll be assisted in boarding a local flight to Richards Bay. There, you’ll be met and transferred to Phinda Private Game Reserve. The reserve is located in the lush Maputaland region of northern KwaZulu-Natal on our east coast, deep in the heart of a dry sand forest, and borders the Greater St Lucia or iSimangaliso Wetland Park - a World Heritage Site and a rather unique ecological region in South Africa.
At Phinda, seven distinct habitats host an abundance of wildlife, including Africa's Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo - and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity along the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. This northern part of Zululand was once a wild and unexplored place, a hunting ground to successive Zulu kings and teeming with wildlife of every description, including many rarer and less easily encountered species such as the cheetah, black rhino, nyala and red duiker.
Guests spend three nights at Phinda Vlei Lodge on a full board basis. Your stay includes three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, and one-hour nature walks guided by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability). Emergency medical evacuation insurance is also included. Two game drives are included daily and are conducted by a professional ranger and tracker. Game drives take place during periods of increased activity - the early morning and late afternoon and evening. The remainder of your day may be spent enjoying the creature comforts of your luxurious accommodations.
After a last morning activity at Phinda, you’ll say goodbye to your hosts as your transfer arrives. Traveling north, you’ll embark on an adventurous journey towards the southern Mozambican border with South Africa, passing through the large tribal lands of northern KwaZulu-Natal. After clearing immigration at Kosi Bay, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the White Pearl Resorts team, who’ll transfer you the last stretch to the lodge along the sandy 4x4 road. You’ll arrive in Ponta Mamoli around lunchtime and will be assisted with check-in.
White Pearl offers the ultimate in beach luxury in Southern Africa. Experience elegant simplicity at this exclusive resort, set in the dunes along the pristine shores of southern Mozambique and located along a magnificent stretch of coastline. Surrounded by untouched tracts of bush and Casuarina trees and warmed by the Indian Ocean current moving south from the equator, White Pearl’s clear waters and subtropical climate offer honeymooners an enticing beachside escape. During your stay, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations and three mouth-watering meals daily, as well as various activities included in your stay (see below).
Note: Ensure that you’re familiar with Mozambique’s visa policy and requirements prior to your arrival.
Your days at White Pearl are devoted to rest, relaxation or island-style pursuits. Included in your stay are activities such as an ocean safari (snorkeling), snorkeling from the beach, tracking turtles (seasonal), horse riding, a beach picnic or a cultural tour. Spa treatments and scuba diving are also available at an additional cost.
White Pearl Resorts is home to one of the richest turtle nesting sites in southern Mozambique. Between November and February, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles head to this stretch of coast to lay their eggs. In partnership with the Southern Mozambique Marine Turtle Nesting Monitoring, Tagging and Conservation Programme, White Pearl works to monitor and protect these amazing creatures.
After a relaxing morning, you’ll be returned to the airport at Richards Bay in South Africa. From there you’ll fly return to Johannesburg, bringing to an end a memorable safari and beach honeymoon holiday.