You will be met on arrival at Durban's King Shaka International Airport, and transferred to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
A full-day private tour:
Durban, once known as the last British Bastion and renowned for its old Colonial homes and architecture, has become a veritable melting pot of culture and intrigue. A melding of history, traditions and beliefs, which totally encompass South Africa’s policy of tolerance and equality for all! This is the true ‘Heart’ of our Rainbow Nation. Allow us to take you on a journey of sight, smell and sound as you drive along the well-known Golden Mile, wander through lush tropical Botanical Gardens, savor amazing Panoramic Views and interact with Local Traders at the famous Victoria Street Indian Market.
We continue to uShaka Marine world which is an Aquatic Theme Park, designed under direction from the Disney Theme Parks team, so your enjoyment is guaranteed! The Shipwreck Theme adds something special to this experience! Featuring the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, with underground viewing galleries, extending 500 meters through a series of four superbly designed old ship wrecks, the uShaka aquarium is breathtaking. Each and every display was designed to represent not only the natural habitat of the sea creatures, but to depict a story the ties in with the Phantom Ship theme.
You will be collected after breakfast, and transferred north, through the rolling hills of Zululand, to your safari lodge. The drive will take approximately 5 hours, with a comfort stop en route.
Amakhosi is located in a blend of savannah, wetlands and mountains. The Safari Lodge is situated on the banks of Zululand's Mkuze River in Amakhosi private game reserve. Artistic décor, African fusion cuisine and prompt attentive service, makes Amakhosi one of the most popular safari lodges in the area.
Accommodation will be in one of the Luxury River Suites, or - for families travelling with children - in the private villa.
Luxury River Suites: Six luxurious river suites capture nature through ceiling-high windows and private viewing decks across the river. Each suite accommodates two adults with an air conditioned lounge, bedroom, bathroom with a separate shower and toilet, safe, bath robes, fully stocked mini-bar and a tea and coffee tray. Built in a shape of a Zulu shield and decorated in a typical Zulu style with a colourful modern touch, all suites are easily accessible from the main lodge.
The Private Villa overlooks the meandering Mkuze River and is perfectly positioned to capture every African sunset which adorns the rolling hills in this pristine Zululand wilderness. Exclusive, private and located a leopard's leap away from the main lodge, this hidden gem accommodating four deserving guests offers a share of paradise. The spacious lounge entices with large sofa's, a centered fireplace and bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms all opening up onto a large wooden viewing deck, giving sweeping views of the valleys and wildlife below. The splash pool provides cool relief on warm days. Residents of the private villa will have their own private safari vehicle and private safari guide during their stay.
This afternoon, go out on your first safari - this is a Big 5 reserve and is home to Africa's iconic animals.
A safari is a journey of discovery in which you are one with your surroundings. Being part of life in the bush is the essence of a safari and being able to do it is a privilege one should never take for granted.
During your stay at Amakhosi Safari Lodge, you will have the opportunity to join a morning and an afternoon game-drive. Each drive takes approximately 3 hours, and you never know what you will encounter on the drives. During the morning drive, we stop for coffee and rusks, and we return to the lodge for a big and tasty 'brunch'.
The middle of the day is without a programme: you can join your game ranger for a bush walk (age limit 16 years). Bush walks brings you closer to the heartbeat of the bush, submitting yourself to the mercy of nature. Your knowledgable guide knows exactly where to take guests for exciting, yet safe encounters with pristine fauna and flora.
During the middle of the day you can also book a Spa treatment in Amakhosi's prize-winning Spa, or you can relax in your luxurious chalet - enjoy the swimming pool and just let the peace of the African savanna sooth your soul.
We meet early afternoon for "High Tea" before setting off on the afternoon game drive. We stop for the traditional 'sun-downer'; drinks and snacks. The afternoon game drive will also continue for a short while after dark, where we use spotlights to try to see some of the shy, nocturnal animals. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
Today, morning and afternoon game drives, with options of a bush walk if this is what you would like to do.
Your last morning game drive today, followed by brunch. You will be collected by your transfer representative, and drive approximately 2 hours to your next stop - Ghost Mountain Inn, a family-run hotel in the heart of Zululand.
Enjoy one of the hotel's Superior Rooms that have been specifically designed to maximise comfort with carefully selected fabrics, furnishings and linen. All rooms look out over the verdant rolling lawns and picturesque stretch of water that runs in front of the hotel towards the soaring Lebombo Mountains and Ghost Mountain.
Your 2-night stay at Ghost Mountain Inn includes:
- Breakfast daily
- 1 complimentary dinner
- 1 Boat Cruise on Lake Jozini (weather permitting, in the event of bad weather the cruise will be replaced with another activity)
- Zulu Cultural Walk
- 1 x 30-minute Back and Neck Massage
For families travelling with children, the following additional activities are included for the children:
- Pizza Making
- Zulu Crafts
Book these directly at the hotel's activity desk:
Lake Jozini Boat Cruise (3 - 4 hours):
Lake Jozini lies in a d ramatic setting at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and is one of South Africa’s largest dams. There are severa l exquisite gorges which abound with cycads and a wide variety of birds. On the western side of the dam one might see elephant, rhino, hippo and crocodile. The 13 species of fish found in the dam include tilapia, catfish, mud fish, carp and the sought after tigerfish. A catch and release policy for the tigers is promoted and anglers are encouraged to retain only one trophy fish each per day, releasing the live smaller ones.
Zulu Cultural Walk (3 - 4 hours)
Immerse yourself into the rural community of the Lebombo mountains and enjoy a memorable walk with remarkable views, while learning about rural Zulu customs and living as it is today. This walk is a cultural treat and allows for interaction with the people of the area, as well as gives a greater insight into life in rural Zululand.
For children only - Zulu Crafts:
Have fun and test your creative skills at making some simple Zulu crafts, like beading and wire vehicle making.
For chidlren only - Pizza making:
Have a fun time makig your own pizza in the kitchen, and then enjoy it around a campfire, with marshmallows and melted chocolate!
You will be collected after breakfast and transferred to the South Africa - Mozambique border at Kosi Bay. You will need to manage your own luggage for the border crossing. Meet your Mozambican transfer representative, for the transfer to your beach lodge. The transfer through southern Mozambique's Maputo Elephant Reserve will take 2.5 - 3 hours. Check in at Anvil Bay, into your own private Forest Casinha.
During your stay at Anvil Bay, all meals and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
Anvil Bay is a private and exclusive barefoot beach camp on a rare untouched stretch of coastal wilderness in Mozambique’s most southern national park.
Created with the smallest possible footprint to preserve the wilderness and special sense of place the camp is set up on the beach under canvas and thatch. Just 9 Casinhas are nestled in the dune forest on stilted wooden decks each with its own stretch of beachfront.
The lure of Africa is to experience the wilderness as it’s been for thousands of years. Anvil Bay is a beach in Africa where it is as it’s been for thousands of years. On a rare unspoiled stretch of beach guests get to experience life close to nature but with all the comforts of home. The perfect beach holiday to just relax and recover from a strenuous overland safari. Or go on new adventures at sea on the beach or exploring the lakes forests and savannas of the park.
Escape to a world of simple pleasures and lifetime memories. Sunrises over the ocean and sunsets across the Parks pristine lakes and vast savannas. Evenings under the stars around a campfire. Miles of untouched beaches and an ocean teeming with marine life to explore.
Anvil Bay is a dream destination for nature lovers in search of the perfect get away from it all wilderness beach experience.
To give guests the best experience of life on a beach and preserve the raw natural beauty of this pristine piece of paradise, as few permanent building structures as possible were erected. Canvas tents provide shade on the beach and a thatched retreat in the forest shelter from occasional storms. The beach bar lounge and restaurant are centrally positioned on the bay with the accommodations either side so guests can book to be close to the action or enjoy even more isolation on the north and south ends.
The accommodations, called Casinhas (a little home in Mozambique) are nestled in the canopy of the coastal forest just a few steps away from the secluded white sand beach. They blend a small footprint, natural materials and local craftsmanship with simple functional furnishings and fine linen.
Designed to be your home from home you will find a well stocked minibar and beverage station, luxury indoor and outdoor showers and a private dining deck en-suite.
The thatch and canvas design takes advantage of the cooling ocean breezes and the canvas sides can be rolled up to truly get in touch with the natural surrounds. Outdoor lighting has been kept to a minimum in order to better see the majestic African night sky and so as not to disturb the turtles in nesting season.
Climate
Southern Mozambique has a tropical savannah climate. Winter months (June to August) are dry and mild, with average temperatures between 58°F (14°C) and 77°F (25°C). The summer months (December to March) are hotter and wetter with occasional thunderstorms in the afternoons. January is the hottest month with highs averaging around 86°F (30°C).
All non-motorized activities activities are included in your rate at Anvil Bay:
Beach Walks
With miles of stunning unspoiled coastline north and south of our bay, you can walk as far as you like and are unlikely to come across another soul. There are some beautiful ocean and sunset viewpoints atop some of the world’s highest coastal dunes.
Dune Forest Trails
You are not limited to just strolling on the beach! The camp is situated in a coastal forest and there are stunning walks where one can explore the inland areas of Anvil Bay, Ponta Chemucane. Whether you are a keen birder who would like to spot an elusive feathered friend or you just want to take a relaxing stroll to the nearby lake and view the resident Hippos there are plenty of options for you. If you prefer you can explore by yourself, just ask for directions, or a guide can accompany you to show you the route.
Beach Bikes
The lodge has innovative ‘Fat Sand’ bikes that guests can use to explore the coastline. Riding on the beach is best done around low tide when the going is a bit easier.
Rock Pool Exploration
Collect some reef walker shoes from the activity centre and explore the tidal rock pools along the shoreline at low tide. A fun activity for all ages, one of the on-site marine guides will show you where the best pools can be found.
Sea Kayaks
A selection of kayaks includes 2 adult kayaks, 2 double kayaks and 2 children’s kayaks along with paddles and lifejackets to keep you safe. Subject to sea conditions.
Stand Up Paddle Boards
Try out the exciting and challenging activity of Stand Up Paddle Boarding! These big surfboard style craft are designed to be paddled standing up but can be just as much fun when used in a kneeling position. Be prepared to spend some time learning, falling off and having fun! Subject to sea conditions.
Body Boarding
A fun and easy activity for all ages, all the thrills of surfing with much less effort! Grab a board from the activity centre and head down to the shoreline to catch some waves. Speak to the activity team about the safest place along the beach to get on the water. Subject to sea conditions. Participants must be able to swim.
Beach Games
A selection of beach toys and games are available in the treasure chest at the beach lounge. Burn off some energy with a quick kick-about, a spot of Frisbee, a game of volleyball or some touch rugby.
Fishing from the beach
Enjoy the exciting experience of angling on the Mozambican coastline. You will get a basic introduction, equipment and someone to guide you to the best spots. If you’re familiar with the techniques grab a rod and explore the options. Species typically caught from shore include three spot pompano, stumpnose, shad, bonefish, and trevally. Catch and release encouraged.
The following activities are available at an additional cost:
Snorkeling trips
Discover the world below the surface of the sparkling Indian Ocean by taking a snorkeling trip. You will be provided with all equipment and an introduction to snorkeling techniques. Travel a short distance by boat to one of the exclusive coral reef snorkeling sites where you will be able to spend time observing the diverse marine life found at Anvil Bay. Participants must be able to swim. Subject to sea conditions.
Ocean Safari
Go on a safari experience with a difference! Set sail on one of Anvil Bay’s purpose designed boats for a 2 hour leisurely cruise along the coastline in search of marine animals big and small. Dolphins are frequent visitors to these shores, as are turtles and the occasional Whale shark & Manta Ray. Depending on the circumstances and the behavior of the animal it may also be possible to enter the water and interact with some of these magnificent creatures. In season humpback whales can also be encountered up close and personal during their annual migration. Subject to sea conditions. Participants must be able to swim.
Whale Watching
From July to November every year the Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales make their annual migration along the Mozambican coastline on their way to and from their winter breeding grounds. Keep an eye out for the telltale blow as they surface to breathe, or perhaps you will be lucky enough to witness them breaching, lob tailing or pec rolling. The whales can be easily sighted direct from shore but if you would like to get a closer look then book an Ocean safari in the whale season.
Ocean Fishing
The Indian Ocean off the coast of Anvil Bay, Ponta Chemucane offers some of the best sport and game fishing in the world. Species such as black, blue and striped marlin, sailfish, wahoo, dorado, various tuna species, king and queen mackerel, kingfish and barracuda are all found here. The lodge offers half day guided fishing charters from the unique jet-powered wave boat. All fishing activities are conducted in line with international conservation guidelines. Subject to sea conditions.
Leave Anvil Bay after breakfast for the transfer to Maputo International Airport. This road transfer takes 4 - 5 hours.
There is also an option of a helicopter transfer (takes 25 - 30 minutes), please contact us for further details.
