An Immersive Southern African Conservation Adventure

Set out on a true journey with a purpose, as you join conservation teams across South Africa and Mozambique on this unique, multi-destination experience. Be part of a safari that goes far beyond the usual daily activities, joining dedicated teams on a mission to assist with vital research work – from the heartland of KwaZulu-Natal to the shores of Benguerra Island.

When to go
May-Sep
 
From Price
£21,500 PP*
(excl international flights)
Ideal Length
10 Nights
 



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Experience Highlights

  • Experience two unmatched conservation areas in South Africa and Mozambique, marvelling at the diversity of landscapes and close-up sightings of iconic wildlife and marine species.
  • Take part in exclusive rhino notching and pangolin tagging conservation experiences, closely encountering these endangered creatures alongside a specialist team of researchers.
  • Explore seamlessly across ecosystems, utilising private aviation, helicopters, vehicles and vessels to perfectly position you close to the action.
  • Immerse into the natural world, all the while learning from the experts who spend each day out in the field and can unlock unprecedented access to the true workings of the wilderness.

Your immersive conservation-focused experience begins in South Africa, where you will journey to one of the country’s most impressive land restoration success stories, located in the storied Kwa-Zulu Natal region. With nearly 30,000 hectares of land across seven habitats, your stay here will truly have you feeling like you’re in the heart of the bush. Through Pelorus’ relationship with the reserve, you will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about what it takes to protect the key species of wildlife in this extraordinary wilderness, before you continue your adventure in Mozambique. Here, you will travel to Benguerra Island, an extraordinary location in one of the most pristine protected marine areas in the world.

CONSERVATION IN ACTION

Spend your days exploring this vast wildlife reserve, accompanied by the field guides who have dedicated their days to being part of a huge conservation initiative that began many years ago. With a huge array of activities on offer, no doubt the most sought after is the unique opportunity to assist with a rhino notching procedure, a truly rare and spectacular event. Often years in the planning, very few experiences compare to the unique opportunity of touching an anaesthetised rhino during the procedure and witnessing firsthand the enormous effort that it takes to protect this at-risk species.

For those who are passionate about participating in an event of this scale, Pelorus can coordinate closely with the reserve to offer this opportunity. While no two days are the same, you could expect that your experience would begin with a briefing with the conservation team, before embarking on a game drive for the chance to spot the rhinos and learn all about them from your guide, ahead of working closely with the veterinary team the next day. Watch in awe as the vets soar overhead in a helicopter in search of the rhino as you and your guide follow in hot pursuit in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Then, once the animal is located and darted, your guide will be alerted, and you will be directed towards the scene, ready to get hands-on alongside the team for a conservation activity you are unlikely to ever forget.

Rare Wildlife Encounters

During your stay at the reserve, you will also get the opportunity to participate in a privately guided pangolin research and monitoring experience. As one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, you’ll work with a researcher as they locate one of the pangolins, do a general health check and download critical research data from each animal’s tag, further contributing towards the knowledge base of this little-understood mammal.

Alongside assisting with critical conservation work, there are some other excellent safari activities for you to enjoy. This 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. Hop in a 4x4 vehicle and head out in search of sightings or spend a leisurely morning on a walking safari. Take it easy and connect with the African bush as you learn about the stories behind animal tracks or crank the adrenaline up a notch as you go searching for the Big Five. After a busy day out in the bush, come back to your suite to relax. Spend time in your private plunge pool 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.

ISLAND PARADISE

The first part of your Southern African adventure has been full-on, so the second half presents an opportunity to travel to the beautiful beach for some well-deserved relaxation, while also going behind-the-scenes with the marine research team to understand their role in protecting this area. Venture to Benguerra Island in southern Mozambique, a destination famed for diving and snorkelling, renowned as the home of some of the world’s finest coral reefs. With some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean, the opportunity for new discovery is endless.

MARINE ADVENTURES

One of the most meaningful experiences on offer is a visit to the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. In order to understand the role the centre plays, you are invited to spend a day working alongside the scientists in residence to help tag marlins and sharks. From the deck of the research vessel, you will also be able to fish sustainably, catching some of the bigger species and then tagging the creatures for research and monitoring purposes.

Next, explore the archipelago by air as you soar in a helicopter and observe the wildlife and the untouched ecosystems of this protected marine park. Spend your days relaxing on private beaches, diving in secluded and protected areas or enjoying the taste of Mozambique flavours. For those who love the water, there is the option of kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkelling among the famous coral reefs. Further afield, 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. Or, for something calmer, catch the breeze in a purpose-built dhow (traditional boat) for a sunset sail, the perfect end to your unforgettable Southern African adventure.

Where to Stay

Phinda Rock Lodge, South Africa

Benguerra Island

Kisawa, Mozambique

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