Okavango Delta safari and luxury Seychelles honeymoon

Itinerary in brief:

• 6 nights Okavango Delta
• 1 night Johannesburg
• 1 night Mahe
• 7 nights Alphonse Island, Seychelles

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Maun

On arrival in Maun, you’ll be met and connect on to your charter flight to Machaba Camp. On arrival, you’ll be driven to the Khwai concession, adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. You’ll check in for three nights into your luxury tent, one of only ten in the whole camp.

Included: Breakfast, lunch dinner,   

Days 3 – 7: Okavango Delta

Begin your honeymoon in the wild and beautiful Okavango Delta, a vast ecosystem of wetlands between the Kalahari Desert and the East African Rift. The wetlands promise up-close views of unique wildlife and flourishing vegetation, as well as being the only area in Botswana where the ‘Big Five’ can be found. Encounter grazing herds of rare swamp-dwelling antelope, as well as elephants that tower over islands fringed with palms. Watch in awe as these majestic beasts submerge neck-deep, swimming through a network of reeds and grasses. It’s not just the big cats like leopard and lion that make their homes here: spot tiny frogs of all colours, keep your binoculars handy whilst looking out for the elegant African fish eagle and watch brilliant blue dragonflies’ flit from plant to plant. Glide through the maze of channels, islands and lagoons on a traditional mokoro dugout canoe, taking in the unique perspective of a safari on the water. This is such a romantic spot to start your honeymoon, revelling in the best of nature and enjoying one another’s company whilst exploring Botswana.

Your time in the Okavango will be split between two camps; your first three nights will be at Machaba Camp and your final three at Gometi Plains Camp. The accommodation at Machaba strikes the perfect balance between class and comfort. Each luxurious tent is nestled in the treeline overlooking the Khwai River with a beautiful common area to chat each evening and gather around the fire. On Day 5, you’ll be taken by short charter flight to Gomoti Plains Camp, situated on the edge of the Gomoti River System in the middle of the Okavango Delta. Classic safari tents await, all placed on wooden decks and boasting great views of the floodplains.

By splitting your time between these two camps you get to experience the Okavango Delta from different areas and increase your chances of seeing varied wildlife. Machaba Camp has permanent water, so mokoro safaris are available all year. It’s also a great spot for wild dogs. Over the Gomoti Plains, there are a lot of cats as well as being on a private concession, which means your game drives will be pretty exclusive. Both camps consciously forgo certain conveniences like hairdryers and air-con and rely on alternative energy to lighten their load on the planet.

Included: All meals and snacks, game drives, walking safaris, mokoro safaris (water dependant), alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages      

Day 8: Fly to Johannesburg

After your final morning, you could head out on one final canoe safari along the sparkling waterways before boarding your charter flight back to Maun, where’ll you connect onto your international flight to Johannesburg. You’ll be met and taken to your hotel where you’ll check in for one night. Why not head out to Wombles for dinner, where you can enjoy a delicious steak and some famous South African wine.

Included: Transfers, breakfast, charter flight, international flight, 5* hotel

Day 9: Fly to Seychelles

This morning you’ll be driven back to the airport for your flight to Seychelles. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel, before checking in for one night.

Included: Transfers, international flights, 5* hotel, breakfast     

Day 10: Fly to Alphonse Island

After breakfast, you’ll be taken to the airport for your hour-long charter flight to Alphonse Island. On arrival, you’ll check in for seven nights.

Included: Transfers, charter flight, breakfast, dinner and drinks               

Days 11 - 16: Alphonse Island

400 kilometres west of Mahe, Alphonse Island has a single exclusive lodge with beautiful beach bungalows just metres from the shoreline with scenic ocean views. It is the perfect mix of remote island vibe and indulgent honeymoon luxury. Each room is an individual unit, with perfect views over the water and access to the sparkling pool, delicious Creole cooking and lush tropical gardens. It will be tempting to while away your time here simply relaxing on the sand and drinking cocktails – and who can blame you? However, if you want to get out and explore the island, there is lots to do! Go stand up paddleboarding on the calm water or learn to fly fish along the peaceful beaches. There is an incredible underwater world to discover – you can go snorkelling with gentle manta rays and even swim with sailfish! Feed giant tortoises, cycle around the lush island and dine under the Milky Way each night. Alphonse Island is the perfect end to your luxurious and romantic honeymoon.

Included: Alphonse Island Hotel, all meals, snorkelling equipment, water sports equipment,

Day 17: Depart Seychelles

After breakfast, you’ll board your charter flight back to Mahe and connect to your international flight back home.                

Included: Breakfast, transfers, charter flight, international flight            

Day 18: Arrive UK