An exclusive African Bush & Beach Safari in the remote Niassa Game Reserve & Pemba Coast. Travel to an exquisite area untouched by modern man & lost in time... a truly remarkable experience!
Price:
GBP £1,735 /person
Airfare:
Included in price from Johannesburg to Pemba, Mozambique Return
3 nights luxury boutique hotel accommodation at Pemba Beach Hotel, with en-suite facilities Local Flights from Johannesburg to your Lodge All airport and ground transfers in air-conditioned vehicles Wide variety of complimentary activities including Wind Surfing, Kayaking, Kite-Flying and Catamaran Sailing Several optional activities: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Sunset Dhow Trips, Cultural Tours, jet skis and skiing Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners daily
Lugenda Wilderness Camp Niassa Game Reserve
3 nights Luxury accommodation, with en-suite facilities Local Flights from Pemba to your Lodge All airport and ground transfers in air-conditioned vehicles All meals (Brunch, Tea and Dinner) Game viewing drives with personal game ranger Game walks with personal game ranger All game park fees and local taxes
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I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1: Johannesburg to Pemba, Quirimbas Archipelago
On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo International) you will be met by one of our representatives, who will assist you while you book on to your 3 hour connecting flight to Pemba on the warm tropical coast of Mozambique.
Pemba Bay is the third largest bay in the world and home to a number of breathtaking attractions including the beautifully untouched Quirimbas Archipelago, consisting of 37 islands. The scenery is breathtakingly rustic and gives you a feeling of being lost in a place forgotten by time where traditional palm leafed houses are nestled in between thick stands of baobabs that slowly meander to the emerald blue seas, while the coastline is dotted by hundreds of dhow sailing boats, remnants of a bygone era influenced by Arabic settlers.
The Pemba coastline is fast becoming one of Mozambiques premier tourist destinations, with many undiscovered areas now opening up to the intrepid diver who dares to explore. There are 37 diveable Islands, some of which have not been fully explored. The waters are abundant with an extensive variety of hard and soft coral, a vast array of marine plants, countless different types of crustacean, a legion of fish species, great variety of marine invertebrates, 4 species of dolphin and 4 species marine turtles, while it is also not unusual to spot the rare Sunfish (known as Moonfish in Europe). Humpback whales are regularly sighted between August and October and Whale Sharks become extremely common between April and July. The water temperature is 30°C in summer and 26°C during winter, with visibility never below 12 metres, giving you an awesome all year round diving experience.
On arrival in Pemba, you will be met your Hotel representative, who will escort you to the Pemba Beach Hotel, your overnight accommodation for the next 4 nights.
Check into your Luxury Hotel, relax and enjoy.
Day 2 & 3: Pemba Beach Hotel, Pemba Bay
Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa is the gateway to the romantic Quirimbas Archipelago on the northern coastline of Mozambique. It is a world-class destination where Swahili East Africa meets Arabia in a sweeping compilation of Arabian-inspired buildings, colonnades, turrets and archways. The Hotel, offers 102 rooms all with sea views and individual balconies, providing a truly sumptuous rendition of Mozambique east coast living. The Indian Ocean glitters beyond manicured lawns, whilst inside your room you are cosseted in a haven of rich furnishings, Persian rugs and marble-clad bathrooms.
The northern Mozambican coastline around Pemba boasts an astounding diversity of marine species, with Moray Eels, Stingrays, Barracuda, Kingfish and other pelagic game fish to be seen whilst diving here in Quirimba tropical waters that hover between 26 and 30 degrees. Dolphins are frequently encountered, and Leatherback, Loggerhead and Green turtles are often seen in the water, whilst humpback whales can be sighted offshore between August and October. At least 11 dive sites are accessible from Pemba, six of which are situated no more than a 20-minute boat ride away.
Whether you are a novice or experienced diver, at Pemba Beach Hotel and Spa, will help you experience the magic of scuba diving in Mozambique. There is a range of diving courses, such as Discover Scuba, Open Water and Advanced Open Water. The Lodges experienced diving instructor co-ordinates the diving courses and plans every diving trip, taking care of all the details.
A wide range of activities enable guests to delight in the Mozambique ocean environment off Pemba and our modern Activities Centre, situated at Clube Naval, provides all the water sport equipment you may need. The Hotel offers windsurfing, water skiing, wake and knee boarding, as well as sailing (Hobie Cat, Laser or Gypsy Sailing Dinghy) from the nearby marina. Pemba's colourful marine life can be explored on snorkelling excursions to stunning tropical reefs nearby, where dolphins, marine turtles and other marine life can be seen. Guided and unguided snorkelling is available, with up-to-date equipment supplied by the Activities Centre. The Lodge can also provide a range of kayaks for guests to enjoy self-guided kayaking excursions around the Pemba marina or across the bay to Wimbe Beach. After an activity-filled day, sunset cruises along the stunning Quirimba coast and around Pemba Bay provide the ultimate form of relaxation. Fitness enthusiasts can sweat it out in the well-equipped gym or on the floodlit tennis courts.
At night, you will enjoy the Mozambique tropical heat as you drift from the Niassa Bar, with its wildlife trophies evoking past hunting days, to the Quirimbas Restaurant where leading chefs sculpt a blend of international and local cuisine, with local Mozambique seafood in abundance.
Day 4: Pemba Beach Hotel, Pemba Bay
Today is your last day on the coast, and your final chance to take in this beautiful area. After spending your morning doing some final sightseeing or taking a splash in the warm coastal waters, you will be escorted to Pemba Airport where you will be met by your very own private fixed wing aeroplane, which will transfer you to your next destination, Lugenda Wilderness Camp in the Niassa Game Reserve.
On landing you will be met by your new Lodge host, who will assist in checking you in and seeing to your needs. You will have the option of doing an afternoon game drive or you may just wish to check in relax, and enjoy your awesome destination.
Day 5 & 6: Lugenda Wilderness Cap, Niassa Game Reserve
A safari to Lugenda is a journey for the fortunate few to one of Africa's most exclusive wilderness destinations. Untouched and virtually unexplored, it is one of the last vestiges of the wildness that characterised the African interior centuries ago. Located close to the Tanzanian border in far northern Mozambique, the greater Niassa Reserve is an untouched and virtually undiscovered wilderness area of 42 000 square kilometres in extent, double the size of the Kruger National Park. Lugenda Wilderness Camp is situated within this pristine wildlife area on the eastern bank of the Lugenda River amongst the towering Ngalongue Mountains.
Niassa National Reserve is truly a wildlife paradise, providing refuge for over 200 endangered Cape Hunting Dog (African Wild Dog), as well as other predators such as lion, leopard and Spotted Hyena, and general game such as kudu, bushbuck, impala, wildebeest, waterbuck, reedbuck and hippo as well as Elephant. Three sub-species, the Niassa Wildebeest, Boehm's Zebra and Johnston's Impala are endemic to the Niassa area. This is one of the last areas in the world where such a wide array of wildlife thrives without any management by man. Bird lovers will revel in the opportunity to spot up to 370 bird species, including the rare Angola Pitta and Pel's Fishing Owl, as well as abundant raptors. Your local expert guides will take you out by open vehicle to explore the Niassa National Reserve of Mozambique for as long as you wish each day. For those who prefer more intimate encounters with the Mozambique bush, your guide will take you out walking in the early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday sun. Here you can explore the smaller flora and fauna and really absorb the sights, sounds and many hidden delights of the Niassa bush.
Intimate and understated yet offering every luxury you could wish for, Lugendas eight luxury tents are discreetly situated on the banks of the Lugenda River beneath towering fig trees, each with its own patio deck with wide-angle views. The tents have a solid substructure and blend beautifully into the natural surrounds whilst offering every modern comfort - from king-size beds to en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower, double basins, ceiling fans, personal safes and hairdryers.
Despite being in the heart of the Mozambique wilderness, the food at Lugenda is fresh and simply delicious. Guests are woken with piping-hot coffee or tea and muffins in the early mornings for sunrise game drives or walks. Leisurely breakfasts and lunches are taken in the living area overlooking the Lugenda river-bed. High tea is served before the afternoon game drive and you can watch the spectacular African sun set over the Niassa Mountains during sundowners. At night you join the other guests for a charming river-bed or boma dinner, while taking in the African night sounds and smells and gazing at the breathtaking Mozambique night sky. Lugenda's collection of fine wines meets the most discerning tastes whilst our guides reveal some fascinating insights into the region's history and geography.
With all your senses engaged, you cannot help but be sated by this indulgent Mozambique safari experience.
Day 7: Lugenda Wilderness Cap, Niassa Game Reserve
All this come to an end, and unfortunately, this is your final morning. After you final morning game drive, and sumptuous breakfast, you will be escorted back to Pemba by mean of private air transfer.
You will then have time to do some final curio shopping in the Pemba markets, where we are sure you will pick up a few fantastic bargains.
You then board your onward flight to Johannesburg International Airport (O.R. Tambo International).
4 & 5 star luxury accommodation, with en-suite facilities Local Flights from Johannesburg to your Lodge All air, boat and ground transfers Game viewing drives with personal game ranger Game walks with personal game ranger All game park fees and local taxes Breakfast & Dinner Pemba All Meals Lugenda Wilderness Camp
What Is Not Included:
Long Haul International Flights PADI Dive Course or Dive Refresher Courses Optional Activities and Excursions Drinks & refreshments Tips for porters and restaurants Telephone calls, laundry & other incidental personal expenditure All Nature Reserve fees where applicable Visa fees, where these apply Aiport departure taxes, where these apply
Important Notice
All activities are subject to prevailing weather conditions We are able to organize PADI Certified Beginner Diving Courses and Refresher Diving Courses on requests All guests will have to provide Proof of their Diving Qualifications and complete a Medical Assessment in order to take part in the diving excursions.
