PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

If you’re after a truly immersive experience, Phinda Rock Lodge is the place to stay. You’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the bush here as the lodge is set into a cliff face (but don’t worry, you’ll have all the modern comforts you could possibly need). With just six suites all providing sweeping panoramic views of the reserve, there’s no better place to start your African adventure.

RHINO CONSERVATION

Your days will be spent exploring Phinda Private Game Reserve as you’ll become part of their huge conservation effort and will have the unique opportunity of touching an anaesthetised rhino during the notching procedure.

After a briefing with the conservation team, you’ll embark on an afternoon drive to learn all about rhinos before the real work begins the following day. Working closely with the veterinary team, they’ll be soaring overhead in a helicopter in search of the rhino while you and your guide follow in hot pursuit in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Once the animal is located and darted, you’ll arrive on the scene.

And while you observe the vets in action, you’ll know that your choice to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime experience is directly funding this integral work.

RARE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

One endangered species not enough? Well this experience has them in spades. Pangolins are one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, so participate in a privately guided research and monitoring experience. You’ll work with a researcher as he locates one of the pangolins, does a general health check and downloads critical research data from each animal’s tag.

And while you’re not out assisting critical conservation work, Phinda Rock Lodge has some other stellar experiences for you to enjoy. The diverse ecosystem is home to an equally diverse array of wildlife (think cheetah, suni and red duiker), and there are a whole host of ways to get out there and experience it all. You’ve ticked off 4×4 in your rhino conservation experience, so spend a leisurely morning on a walking safari. Take it easy and connect with the African bush as you walk in the footsteps of zebra and learn about the stories behind animal tracks, or crank the adrenaline up a notch as you go searching for the Big Five.

SERENE SIGHTINGS

After a busy day out in the bush, respond to the call of your suite where relaxation beckons. Spend time in your private plunge pool overlooking leopard rock, or sit on your viewing deck and sight some of the abundant birdlife in the surrounding trees and the wildlife below. You’ll feel fully immersed in nature as you wake up to native birdsong and close the day dining alfresco under the South African stars.

KISAWA SANCTUARY

The first part of your African adventure has been full-on, so you’ll spend the second half relaxing at the aptly named Kisawa Sanctuary. Benguerra Island in Mozambique is home to some of the world’s finest coral reefs, so you’ll spend plenty of time out among the waves diving and snorkeling.

Kisawa is also the world’s first 3D-printed resort, but you wouldn’t know it (everything blends into the natural surrounds and is kitted out with furnishings and decor from local artisans). During your stay, you’ll have access to their 24/7 personal service team plus a colorful fleet of electric Mini Mokes so your days will go at your own pace. You’ll have complete privacy within your bungalow and elsewhere throughout the property, so relax on the private beaches, dive in secluded and protected areas or enjoy the taste of Mozambique flavors in the restaurants.

MARINE CONSERVATION

Keep the conservation thread running through your trip as you work with Kisawa’s sister property, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies. Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory, you’ll work alongside scientists to help tag marlins and sharks. From the deck of the research vessel, fish sustainably by tagging the creatures for research and monitoring purposes (a portion of the funds from each stay goes towards the conservation efforts here).

ADVENTURE

There’s so much on offer here, and you’ll have five days to make the most of it. For those who like to be in the water, spend your days kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkeling among the famous coral reefs. Catch a glimpse of a rare dugong (sea cow), or get closer to the action with a PADI-certified private diving experience where you’ll dive alongside tiger sharks and manta rays. Honeymooning or after something slower-paced? Catch the breeze in the resort’s purpose-built Dhow for a sunset sail along the cove.

Prefer being on dry land? No problem. Take a drive through the island towards crocodile lake to discover the ‘locals’ living there for the past 50 years. Hike this tropical paradise with a nature guide and discover the hundreds of local bird species and gazelles. Soar in a helicopter to explore the archipelago by air, observing the wildlife and the untouched ecosystems of this protected marine park. However you decide to spend your time here, with Pelorus it will be an experience to remember.

We have a vast range of experiences and accommodation options available.

Learn more about our luxury holidays and unique adventures in South Africa or Mozambique, or call our expert team on +1 800 659 0217