13 Days of Honeymoon Vic Falls, Kruger & Seychelles

Overview
Embark on a 13-day adventure beginning on the Zambian banks of the Zambezi River at Thorntree River Lodge, located just a few kilometers upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls. This riverside sanctuary is an ideal blend of relaxation and adventure, serving as the perfect base for discovering this awe-inspiring natural wonder, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.

Your journey continues across the border to South Africa’s Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled wilderness of the Sabi, where you’ll stay in a luxurious riverside villa at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the heart of Big 5 territory. Here, you’ll enjoy thrilling 4×4 game drives and guided walking safaris led by an expert ranger-and-tracker team.

Next, you’ll spend a night at The Residence in Johannesburg, an exclusive hotel in the prestigious neighborhood of Houghton, where every detail of your stay is catered to perfection. Then, journey to the Seychelles, where you’ll enjoy a short stay at Eden Bleu Hotel before transferring to your final island retreat – a chic beachfront cottage on St Denis Island. Set against the backdrop of pristine beaches, bright-blue lagoons, and untouched forests, this is your private castaway paradise. Unwind with days spent sunbathing, scuba diving on vibrant coral reefs, and exploring the rich flora and fauna of this idyllic island.

Highlights & Activities
What’s included on this remarkable journey?

• Zambezi River & Victoria Falls adventures
• Big 5 game viewing in a premier South African reserve
• Barefoot luxury in the Seychelles
• Educational island tours and off-road game drives
• Leopard and nocturnal wildlife spotting
• Bush & beach spa treatments
• Sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River

Summary
Tour Duration: 12 Days
Start: Victoria Falls, Zambia
End: Private Islands, Seychelles

Days 1-3: The Smoke that Thunders | 3 Nights

Victoria Falls, Zambia

Your adventure begins as you depart from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, arriving at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia. A seamless road transfer will take you to your luxurious home for the next three nights – Thorntree River Lodge, nestled just upstream of Victoria Falls on the banks of the iconic Zambezi River.

The majestic Victoria Falls, known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” is a must-see, especially during a full moon when the breathtaking lunar rainbow forms over the cascading waters. For those seeking adventure, the Falls offer a variety of thrilling activities to satisfy even the most daring adrenaline seekers.

You’ll also experience guided 4×4 game drives and birdwatching walks, offering exceptional opportunities to spot wildlife in this pristine environment. A boat cruise along the Zambezi River—known as the hippo highway—offers a tranquil yet awe-inspiring way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Throughout your stay, the lodge offers expansive views of the wilderness from its various lookout decks, as well as the private, furnished deck of your suite. Unwind in the comfort of a giant sofa with a book from the lodge’s library, or cool off in the serenity of your private plunge pool, making for the perfect afternoon retreat.

Days 4-6: Total Luxury at Lion Sands | 3 Nights

Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

After enjoying one final breakfast in Zambia, you will be transferred back to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport for your flight to South Africa. Upon arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, a private driver will escort you to Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, nestled along the Sabie River in the heart of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

Your luxurious and contemporary villa is located within a private concession of the reserve, which borders the renowned Kruger National Park. Here, you will immerse yourself in thrilling 4×4 game drives and informative walking safaris, expertly guided by a ranger and tracker team. These safaris provide unparalleled opportunities for game viewing, with reliable leopard sightings in this Big 5 reserve where off-road driving offers unique wildlife encounters and an exceptional animal tracking experience. For a truly unique adventure, you can join a hippo tour along the Sabie River, observing these fascinating creatures up close while crocodiles bask in the sun along the riverbanks. As night falls, embark on night-time game drives, revealing the nocturnal life of the bush, including bush babies, genets, or perhaps a stealthy predator on the prowl.

Your villa offers supreme comfort with its spacious two-room design, glass-fronted walls, and a rim-flow pool. Your personal butler will cater to your needs, ensuring an experience of effortless luxury. Dine on the lower wooden viewing deck with sweeping views of the wilderness, in the privacy of your villa, or under the stars around a roaring fire. As evening falls, retire to your beautifully appointed living area, curl up by the fireplace, and drift off to sleep in the comfort of your king-sized bed, ready for another thrilling day of adventure.

Day 7: One Night in the City of Gold | 1 Night

Johannesburg, South Africa

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Skukuza Airport, where you’ll board a flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Upon arrival, a representative from The Residence will meet you and escort you in a Rolls Royce to the hotel.

Located in the affluent neighborhood of Houghton—once home to late President Nelson Mandela—this hotel exudes regal charm. With its exceptional attention to detail, every corner is beautifully appointed, from the lavishly furnished sitting areas and lounges to your expansive, individually designed suite. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a restful night after six days of exhilarating safari adventures.

Day 8: Off to the Beach

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to OR Tambo International Airport for your flight to the Seychelles. Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport, it’s just a short 10-minute drive to the Eden Bleu Hotel.

With direct access to a world-class yacht marina, Eden Bleu is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. In the evening, enjoy a refreshing sundowner and a light meal at Bourgeois Bar, before heading to the casino to test your luck. All rooms offer stunning views of Eden Island, the marina, or the majestic granite peaks, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Days 9-12: The Seclusion of Denis Island | 4 Nights

Private Islands, Seychelles

In the morning, you’ll be transferred back to Seychelles International Airport, where you’ll board a light aircraft for your journey to the remote Denis Island. Your Crusoe-chic beachfront cottage, nestled under the shade of coconut palms, offers breathtaking views over the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

Spend your days basking in the sun on the pristine, footprint-free beach or taking refreshing dips in the vibrant blue lagoon. For the more adventurous, the inviting waters offer exciting reef dives or shallow snorkel excursions, where you’ll encounter triggerfish, graceful rays, and gliding turtles.

Explore the dense forests of the island, which hum with the calls of native birds, while discovering the diverse flora and fauna that thrive here. Join the resident conservationists for a fascinating educational island tour, where you’ll learn about the island’s history and conservation efforts.

In the evenings, delight in the culinary creations of the talented chef, who prepares innovative dishes using fresh ingredients sourced directly from the island’s gardens or the surrounding ocean. Whether you’re enjoying a five-course meal in the dining room, a relaxed breakfast in bed, or a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach under a star-filled sky, the experience will tantalize your senses.

Every time you return to your beach cottage, you’ll be captivated by the spectacular views from your verandah, which is furnished with a comfortable daybed, perfect for relaxing while you overlook the water just steps away. As the rhythmic sound of the ocean lulls you to sleep, you’ll drift into a peaceful slumber, dreaming of the beauty and serenity of this African paradise.