Safari Rating
This extraordinary 15-night journey combines the thrill of an African bush safari with the serenity of a private island paradise. Beginning in the pristine Okavango Delta, renowned as the predator capital of the world, you’ll experience up-close encounters with the ‘Big Five’ and rare wildlife. Then, journey to the exclusive Alphonse Island in the Seychelles, where you’ll be among the select few guests on this remote tropical haven. This carefully curated adventure offers the perfect balance between activity and relaxation, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Itinerary in Brief
3 Nights Machaba Camp, Okavango Delta
3 Nights Gomoti Plains Camp, Okavango Delta
1 Night Intercontinental OR Tambo International Airport
1 Night Eden Bleu Hotel, Mahe
7 Nights Alphonse Island, Seychelles
Embark on an unparalleled journey that seamlessly blends two distinct paradises into one remarkable adventure. Your experience begins in the timelessly unspoiled Okavango Delta, where sunset views stretch to distant horizons and the raw beauty of the African bush unfolds before you. The region’s flourishing ecosystem provides the stage for extraordinary wildlife encounters, from predator sightings to peaceful moments watching elephants navigate the waterways under the watchful eye of fish eagles.
The journey then transforms as you’re transported to the exclusive Alphonse Island in the Seychelles. Here, as one of the few guests on this private island, you’ll discover a world where tropical luxury meets untouched natural splendor. The island’s isolation ensures an intimate experience with nature, whether you’re exploring vibrant coral reefs, cycling through historic paths, or simply basking in the serenity of your surroundings.
From the classic safari ambiance of Machaba and Gomoti Plains Camps to the sophisticated beach bungalows of Alphonse Island, each accommodation has been carefully selected to provide the perfect blend of comfort and authenticity. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a honeymoon destination, or an unforgettable family adventure, this unique combination of experiences promises to deliver moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Highlights
- Explore the vast 180,000ha Khwai concession in the Okavango Delta from the classic Machaba Camp
- Witness rare wildlife including swamp-dwelling sitatunga and red lechwe antelope
- Experience traditional mokoro canoe rides through the Delta’s maze of channels
- Observe elephants swimming neck-deep through networks of reeds
- Stay in luxurious tented accommodations that blend classic safari style with modern comfort
- Discover the pristine Alphonse Island, a protected ecosystem in the Indian Ocean
- Enjoy exclusive experiences like flats lunches in the middle of the ocean
- Participate in activities from fly fishing to giant tortoise feeding
- Explore over 30 dive sites teeming with vibrant marine life
- Indulge in traditional Creole cuisine under the stars
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-3: Machaba Camp, Okavango Delta
Your journey begins with a scenic light aircraft transfer from Maun to the stunning Machaba Camp, where the spirit of 1950s safari elegance meets contemporary comfort. Set in the game-rich 180,000ha Khwai concession, this understated camp nestles in the treeline along the Khwai River, offering unparalleled views of the Moremi Game Reserve. Your accommodation in one of 10 Luxury Tents perfectly balances classic safari style with modern amenities, featuring an en-suite bathroom, comfortable living area, and romantic outdoor shower that allows you to stay connected with nature even in your private moments.
The camp’s strategic location ensures exceptional game viewing at every turn. During your three-day stay, expert guides will lead you on thrilling game drives through landscapes teeming with wildlife. Watch elephants submerge neck-deep in crystal-clear channels, track predators through the open bush, and witness rare swamp-dwelling sitatunga and red lechwe antelope grazing on the floodplains. Traditional mokoro canoe excursions offer a silent approach to wildlife, gliding through papyrus-lined waterways as fish eagles soar overhead. As evening falls, gather around the campfire to share stories of the day’s adventures under a canvas of stars, while nocturnal creatures begin their nightly chorus.
Days 4-6: Gomoti Plains Camp, Okavango Delta
Your Delta exploration continues at Gomoti Plains Camp, an elegant sanctuary positioned perfectly on the edge of the Gomoti River system and floodplains. The camp’s ten classic safari tents are elevated on wooden decks, offering spectacular views across the pristine wilderness. Each tent is a haven of sophistication, tastefully furnished with safari-style décor and handcrafted teak furniture that pays homage to Africa’s rich design heritage.
The central area features a beautifully appointed mess tent, full of color and style, where guests gather to share meals and relax between adventures. Here, you’ll continue your Delta exploration with expert-led game drives along the river system, each excursion promising new discoveries in one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions. The afternoon light paints the floodplains golden, creating perfect conditions for photography as animals emerge to drink and graze. Peaceful mokoro canoe excursions offer an entirely different perspective of the waterways and their inhabitants, allowing you to silently observe everything from tiny painted reed frogs to towering elephants. The camp’s location in the heart of the Delta ensures that every day brings new wildlife encounters and unforgettable moments in nature.
Days 7-8: Johannesburg & Mahé Stopover
Your transition from safari to island paradise begins with a flight from the wilderness of the Delta to the urban sophistication of Johannesburg. At the Intercontinental OR Tambo, you’ll find yourself in an oasis of luxury, where contemporary African design meets world-class amenities. This strategic stopover allows you to rest and refresh before the next leg of your journey.
The following day, you’ll wing your way to the tropical paradise of the Seychelles, where the Eden Bleu Hotel on Mahé awaits. This modern haven offers a perfect introduction to island life, with views over the marina and mountainous backdrop of Mahé. Use this time to acclimate to the laid-back island rhythm and perhaps explore the nearby capital of Victoria, before your final journey to the remote splendor of Alphonse Island.
Days 9-15: Alphonse Island, Seychelles
Your journey culminates at the exclusive Alphonse Island, a pristine natural paradise located 400km south-west of Mahé. This remote haven, surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and untouched nature. Your accommodation choices include intimate Beach Bungalows nestled in tropical vegetation just steps from the shore, spacious Beach Suites with spectacular ocean views, or the exclusive Beach Villas offering the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
The heart of island life centers around the beachfront Le Lys bar and Bijoutier restaurant, where you’ll experience exceptional cuisine inspired by Seychellois Creole and French traditions. Using fresh produce from the island’s own garden and locally caught fish, each meal becomes a celebration of the region’s flavors. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean, arrange a private beach picnic for lunch, or dine under the stars on Le Lys beach.
During your week on the island, you’ll have access to an extraordinary range of activities. The diving center offers PADI-accredited courses and recreational dives in waters known for their abundant marine life and resilient coral reefs. Conservation enthusiasts can participate in the Island Conservation Society’s programs, including turtle tracking and monitoring of nesting sea turtles and giant tortoises.
For fishing enthusiasts, Alphonse offers world-class experiences with some of Seychelles’ most experienced guides. The waters around the island boast one of the world’s most prolific Bonefish populations, along with opportunities to catch Giant Trevally, various species of triggerfish, and the challenging Milkfish.
Unique experiences include manta ray snorkeling with the chance to name newly identified specimens, sailfish snorkeling in the deep blue waters, and Blue Safaris where you might encounter pods of spinner dolphins, migrating whales, or feeding frenzies of yellowfin tuna. Bird enthusiasts can observe over 250 different species that inhabit the island’s diverse ecosystems.
Between adventures, find serenity at the Azure Spa, where qualified therapists offer rejuvenating treatments. Whether you choose to explore the reef flats with marine biologists, join conservation activities, or simply unwind on pristine beaches, Alphonse Island provides an extraordinary finale to your journey, where luxury meets wild nature in perfect harmony.
On your final morning in paradise, take time to savor one last sunrise over the Indian Ocean before your shared charter flight returns you to Mahé’s IDC Hangar. As you bid farewell to the Seychelles, you’ll carry with you memories of an extraordinary journey that perfectly balanced the thrill of African wildlife encounters with the serenity of private island living – truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that showcases the very best of both worlds.
When To Go
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Johannesburg | ||||||||||||
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Okavango Delta | ||||||||||||
Outer Islands |
The Accommodation
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