For decades Bush Lodge has been Sabi Sabi's flagship lodge, famed for its warmth, vibrancy and legendary hospitality. Bush Lodge is a luxurious safari escape set in the heart of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a waterhole and an African plain.
Bush Lodge's charm is evident from the outset. Here you will savour uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency and personalised attention.
Marlin Lodge is built on elevated wooden stilts and overlooks a tranquil Flamingo bay. Formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a result of mass sand deposits by the waters of the Limpopo River, and is now host to over 2000 fish species and over a hundred coral species. From sand dunes to freshwater lakes and acacia woodlands, Benguerra Island is a diverse ecological gem.
Depart Johannesburg by light aircraft to the Sabi Sabi Airstrip, followed your first game drive en route to the lodge. Discover this amazing wilderness and extraordinary scenery! (L, D)
DAY 2 - SABI SABI LODGE
An early morning call from the Ranger will wake you before first light, while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares cool fruit juices with a muffin, rusk or other freshly made delicacy. So begins the morning safari. The bush is already alive, the air filled with birdsong as the rising sunlight dances off beads of dew on spiders’ webs. Nobody, not even the tracker who can read the bushveld like a book, knows what’s in store. He will watch the road for spoor, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. There may be hushed discussions in Shangaan between Ranger and Tracker, and brief radio interactions from one vehicle to another. Sharing information ensures that the occupants of each Land Rover have the best chance of a wide range of sightings during their drives - and also ensures control and responsible behaviour as the vehicles move in close to the animals. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - SABI SABI LODGE
Renowned for luxury experiences, Sabi Sabi isn’t all about phenomenal game drives and exceptional dining. Opportunities for education and adventure are definitely on the cards for those interested and energetic. On the morning safari walk you can be part of a small group that sets out on foot after breakfast. The walk is an opportunity to feel the pulse of Africa through the soles of your feet and experience the bushveld at close quarters. Sabi Sabi boasts approximately 350 different species of birds, a paradise for birdwatchers. Raptors are plentiful, including 11 species of owl, the seldom seen cuckoo hawk and rare bat hawk. There is an endless diversity of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and whatever the time of year, no two walks are ever the same. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - KRUGER MPUMALANGA AIRPORT TO VILANCULOS
Embark on your last bush adventure before preparing for your flight from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Vilanculos, Mozambique.
Arrive in Vilanculos and be whisked away by boat transfer to the magnificent Bazaruto Archipelago. Discover a world of endless turquoise ocean and pristine beaches.
Spend your days underwater, snorkelling, diving or relax on the beach and enjoy the sun! (B, L, D)
Day 5 - BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
Breakfast at Marlin Lodge is divine with a variety of food to choose from a scrumptious menu and buffet.
Why not spend the day diving and exploring the warm topical waters surrounding the Bazaruto Archipelago. It is home to some of nature’s finest marine life. A spectacular variety of fish, coral, marine mammals and plants wait to be explored by divers and snorkellers.
Led by a resident PADI qualified diving instructor, diving sites and depths are varied along all levels of diving experience. They also have an on-site diving centre with all the necessary equipment.
Water temperatures range from 28°C in summer (30°C between December and February) to 22°C during the winter months.
The various dive sites can be reached with the 27-ft catamaran Novacat, equipped to accommodate 8 divers and their equipment.
All dives take place at locations as determined by Marlin Lodge’s dive instructor. (B, L, D)
DAY 6 - BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
The sun makes an early appearance and the day is young! Breakfast is first on the agenda followed by doing whatever you wish.
A trip to Pansy Island is definitely very highly recommended. Pansy Island is situated ½ hour north of Benguerra Island. Enjoy lunch which is set up under colourful umbrellas and rugs, spread out on pure white sand. Water sports are also offered or take a quiet stroll along the beach to search for the unique Pansy Shell. (B, L, D)
DAY 7 - BAZARUTO ARCHIPELAGO
Surrender to the resounding African splendour that is Marlin Lodge. Rekindle your soul and allow yourself to be captivated by the allure of a relaxed way of life. A timber sanctuary, a paradise on stilts - Marlin Lodge promises definitive, self-indulging repose like no other. (B)
For those seeking restoration and reawakening, a visit to the Beauty & Wellness Spa Centre will soothe the sun-basked body and clear the mind.
Marlin Lodge offers a small, intimate wellness centre with an internationally qualified therapist to look after all your wellness needs.
The treatment menu offers a wide range of massages, reflexology, aromatherapy, facials and hand and foot treatments.
DAY 8 - RETURN TO JOHANNESBURG
Pack up your belongings and don’t forget your memories as you prepare for your flight back to Johannesburg.
