Family KwaZulu-Natal & Mauritius

Overview
This 12-day family adventure offers an unforgettable blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and tropical relaxation. It begins with a captivating Big 5 safari at the renowned Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, where you and your family will experience world-class game viewing and birdwatching. With specially designed safari programs for children, the whole family can engage with nature, learning about the bush through fun, educational activities led by Phinda’s expert staff.

Following your safari adventure, you’ll fly to the beautiful island of Mauritius for a blissful beach holiday. Enjoy the island’s pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters while your children are entertained in a professionally run kids’ club. For adults, Mauritius offers a range of relaxation options, including rejuvenating couples’ spa treatments. Whether it’s participating in exciting watersports or simply relaxing by the beach, this itinerary ensures everyone in the family has an unforgettable experience.

Highlights & Activities

• Spot the Big 5 in Phinda Game Reserve
• Engage in specially designed safari activities for children
• Relax and play on the stunning beaches of Mauritius
• Enjoy a dedicated children’s club for younger guests
• Rejuvenate with couples’ spa treatments

Summary
Tour Duration: 12 Days
Start: KwaZulu-Natal Safaris, South Africa
End: East Coast, Mauritius

Day 1: Start Your Journey at Phinda | 4 Nights

KwaZulu-Natal Safaris, South Africa

Your family adventure begins as you arrive in Durban, a vibrant city on South Africa’s balmy East Coast. From Durban, pick up your rental car and embark on a scenic drive along the lush kwaZulu-Natal coast. The journey takes you through picturesque sugar cane plantations, giving you a glimpse of the region’s beauty before you arrive at Phinda Mountain Lodge.

Nestled in the mountainous region of the Phinda Game Reserve, the lodge offers breathtaking views and a warm welcome from the friendly staff. Phinda Mountain Lodge is the largest of the camps in the reserve, making it the perfect base for families with young children. The lodge features a variety of family-friendly amenities, including several restaurants, a special kids’ club with educational and fun activities, and spacious rooms that offer comfort and privacy for the entire family.

Once settled in, you can relax and unwind, ready for the exciting wildlife adventures ahead. Your family will be well taken care of with tailor-made safari experiences and engaging activities that allow everyone to connect with the natural surroundings.

Days 2-4: Enjoy Amazing Safaris

Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa

Over the next three days, your family will immerse itself in the beauty of Phinda Game Reserve. The lodge offers a variety of exciting and educational activities tailored for children, all designed to deepen their connection to the natural world. The safari experience begins with a specially designed children’s programme that includes fun activities such as a bug hunt, bark-rubbing excursions, and even a lesson on making recycled paper. These activities provide children with a hands-on learning experience while under the watchful guidance of expert rangers.

As a family, you’ll also embark on thrilling game drives, where children can show off their newly acquired knowledge of the animals and plants in the reserve. These drives offer incredible opportunities for wildlife sightings, including the Big 5, as well as a chance to spot a variety of bird species and unique plants.

In between your game drives, the lodge’s spacious swimming pool offers a perfect way to cool off and relax. Evenings at Phinda are special, with dinner served either in the communal dining area or in the traditional boma, where your family can gather around the campfire. After a delicious meal, kids can roast marshmallows on the fire and share stories under the stars, creating cherished memories of your safari adventure.

Day 5: Fly to Sunny Mauritius | 7 Nights

East Coast, Mauritius

After your exciting safari adventure, it’s time to head to the tropical paradise of Mauritius. This morning, you’ll drive back to King Shaka International Airport, drop off your rental car, and board your flight to Mauritius, with a short stopover at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Upon arrival in Mauritius, a private transfer will take you to LUX Belle Mare*, a stunning resort located on the island’s serene eastern coast. Set on a pristine lagoon, this luxurious resort is the perfect base for a family holiday, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure for every age. The expansive azure swimming pool invites you to take a refreshing dip, while the resort’s spa provides indulgent signature treatments to help you unwind after your safari.

For families, LUX* Belle Mare has dedicated children’s and teenagers’ clubs, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re looking to relax by the beach, enjoy water sports, or take part in family-friendly activities, this resort is designed for both relaxation and adventure, making it the perfect place for a well-rounded family getaway.

Days 6-11: Enjoy Family Fun Under the Sun

For the next five days, enjoy a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on the idyllic island of Mauritius. Your days will be filled with sunshine, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters, ideal for lounging or engaging in water activities.

Spend time together as a family on the soft white sand beach, or cool off in the inviting waters. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, try your hand at windsurfing, sailing, or scuba diving. The resort offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, including tennis, yoga, and mountain biking along scenic nature trails.

For parents seeking a little time to themselves, LUX* Belle Mare provides a babysitting service, allowing you to enjoy some downtime. The resort also offers a range of dining options with multiple restaurants on-site, where you can savor everything from Asian cuisine to traditional Mauritian dishes. In the evenings, enjoy a cocktail and unwind with a nightcap at the Monsoon Lounge, as the warm island nights set the perfect backdrop for relaxing with your loved one.

Day 12: End Your Journey

After a relaxing and adventure-filled family holiday, your time in Mauritius comes to a close. A private transfer will pick you up from LUX* Belle Mare and take you to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Here, you’ll board your outbound flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of your South African safari and the idyllic beaches of Mauritius, before heading back home.