12 Days Kruger Southern Africa Safari and Mauritius Tour
Our 12 Days Kruger Southern Africa Safari and Mauritius Tour offers a combination of a luxury safari with a few days of rest on a tropical island. You’ll start with a safari experience in the Makalali Private Conservancy within the Kruger National Park region. You’ll stay at an exclusive and intimate camp. Next is the tropical island of Mauritius, where you can snorkel on the colorful coral reefs, stroll along the endless empty beaches, hike one of the trails on Le Morne Mountain, or simply relax and do nothing!
During your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour, you'll explore the diverse landscapes of Makalali Private Conservancy, where expert guides track the Big Five through rolling savanna and riverine forests. The journey continues with a brief urban interlude in Johannesburg before whisking you away to the island paradise of Mauritius, known locally as "Dina Arobi" (Isle of Riches), where palm-fringed beaches and remarkable cultural diversity await.
Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour showcases the region's exceptional contrasts – from encounters with lions and elephants in their natural habitat to snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. This carefully balanced itinerary provides thrilling wildlife experiences at Kruger, followed by five blissful days at the luxurious Lux Le Morne resort, nestled beneath the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne Brabant mountain.
Tour highlights
Expert-guided game drives tracking the Big Five in Greater Kruger
Optional microlight flights over spectacular African landscapes
Boutique hotel stay in Johannesburg's Kempton Park area
Five nights at the exclusive Lux Le Morne beachfront resort
Snorkeling adventures in Mauritius's protected coral reefs
Hiking trails on the dramatic Le Morne Mountain
Cultural exploration of Port Louis's diverse architectural heritage
Black River Gorges National Park exploration
Horse riding along pristine Mauritian beaches
Price Includes:
- Park fees and conservation levies
- All scheduled activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- Ground transport in custom 4x4 safari vehicles
- Bottled water during game drives and transfers
- Full board accommodation at Makalali Private Conservancy
- Bed and breakfast accommodation at Johannesburg boutique hotel and Lux Le Morne
- Professional English-speaking driver-guides throughout
- Driver allowances and park fees
- All mentioned activities (excluding optional experiences)
Price Excludes:
- South African and Mauritius Visas (where applicable)
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities (microlight flights, spa treatments, kite surfing lessons)
- Laundry services
- Travel insurance
- Beverages beyond provided water
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Kruger National Park
Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour begins with arrival at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport, followed by a scenic 50-minute flight to Hoedspruit Airport in the Greater Kruger region. The Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour adventure continues with a 45-minute transfer through the bush to your luxury tented camp in Makalali Private Conservancy, located approximately 60km west of Kruger National Park. Your first taste of the Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour includes an afternoon game drive through Makalali's 26,000 hectares, where you'll encounter diverse wildlife in landscapes locally known as "Veld ya Vutomi" (Fields of Life).
- Day2Sunrise Game drive in Makalali Conservancy
Begin your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour Day with a sunrise game drive through Makalali's diverse ecosystems, accompanied by expert trackers who interpret the subtle signs of wildlife activity. This immersive Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour experience includes a bush breakfast at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Makhutswi River, approximately 8km from camp. Your afternoon Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour activity focuses on tracking predators as they become active in the cooler hours, culminating in a sundowner stop at Lepapa Hill to witness the spectacular African sunset.
- Day3Game Drive in Greater Kruger
Today's Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour explores the northern sections of Makalali, known locally as "Ntoma ya Swikhovha" (Land of Eagles), approximately 15km from camp. Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour guide will focus on finding the reserve's famous lion pride and elusive leopards that inhabit the rocky outcrops. The afternoon Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour drive takes you to the expansive savanna areas where herds of elephants, zebras and giraffes congregate around seasonal waterholes, offering excellent photography opportunities.
- Day4Big Five Safari in Makalali Private Conservancy
Wake early for another thrilling Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour expedition through Makalali's varied terrain, this time venturing to the western boundary approximately 12km from camp. The Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour experience continues with an optional guided bush walk where you'll learn about the smaller creatures and plant life of the African savanna. Your evening Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour activity includes a night drive using spotlights to locate nocturnal creatures such as bushbabies, civets, and perhaps even the elusive aardvark.
- Day5Final Kruger National Park Safari
Your final full day of the Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour in Makalali offers an opportunity for a special full-day game drive to more remote areas of the conservancy. This extended Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour adventure takes you approximately 20km to the southern sections, where white and black rhinos are frequently spotted in an area known as "Madulini" (Place of Quiet). The Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour concludes with a memorable farewell dinner under the stars at the camp's traditional boma, reflecting on your remarkable wildlife encounters.
- Day6Transfer from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg
The wildlife portion of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour concludes with a final morning game drive and bush breakfast. Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour journey continues with a 45-minute transfer to Hoedspruit Airport and a 50-minute flight to Johannesburg. The transitional day of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour includes accommodation at a boutique hotel in Kempton Park, located just 10km from O.R. Tambo International Airport, where you can relax in preparation for the beach portion of your adventure.
- Day7Fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius
Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour shifts from savanna to sea as you transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport for your four-hour flight to Mauritius. This exciting transition in your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour brings you to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, followed by a scenic 60km drive along the southwest coast to Lux Le Morne. The island phase of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour begins with a welcome dinner at the resort, nestled at the foot of the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain on one of the island's most beautiful beaches.
- Day8Tropical Paradise Mauritius Tour
Begin the Mauritius segment of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the turquoise lagoon at Lux Le Morne. Today's Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour activities focus on the resort's stunning surroundings, with opportunities for snorkeling at the coral reef just 100 meters offshore. Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour guide can arrange a visit to the nearby Kitesurf Village of Le Morne, located just 3km from the resort, where you can watch professionals ride the waves or arrange lessons.
- Day9Mountain Tour at Le Morne
This day of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour offers an opportunity to explore the dramatic Le Morne Brabant mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site rising 556 meters above sea level. Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour experience includes a guided 3-4 hour hike up this iconic landmark, which holds significant historical importance as a sanctuary for escaped slaves during colonial times. The afternoon Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour activity provides time for relaxation at the resort's infinity pools or a massage at the LUX* Me Spa to soothe your muscles after the morning's exertion.
- Day10Cultural Heritage Tour of Mauritius
Today's Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour takes you approximately 45km north to Port Louis, the vibrant capital city of Mauritius. This cultural Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour experience includes visits to the Blue Penny Museum, the colorful Central Market known locally as "Bazaar Port Louis," and Fort Adelaide (The Citadel). Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour guide will lead you up Signal Mountain for panoramic sunset views of the city and harbor before returning to Lux Le Morne in the evening, approximately a one-hour drive back to the southwest coast.
- Day11Excursion to Black River Gorges National Park
The penultimate day of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour features an excursion to Black River Gorges National Park, located approximately 15km from Le Morne. This nature-focused Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour activity explores the park's 6,754 hectares of protected rainforest, home to endemic birds like the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet. Your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour experience includes visiting the spectacular Alexandra Falls and enjoying a picnic lunch at a viewpoint overlooking the dramatic gorge, before returning to Lux Le Morne for a farewell dinner on the beach.
- Day12International Departure
The final day of your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour begins with a sunrise yoga session on the beach, followed by a leisurely breakfast at Lux Le Morne. Your unforgettable Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour concludes with a 60km transfer to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, taking approximately 1 hour through the scenic central highlands. As your Southern Africa Safari Mauritius Tour comes to an end, you'll board your international flight with memories of both thrilling wildlife encounters and tranquil beach relaxation.