Mauritius South Africa Victoria Falls Romantic Escape

Tucked away on the Western coast of Mauritius the mystical village of Chamarel holds secrets that can take you very close to nature’s bounty. The Terres de 7 Couleurs (or the Seven Coloured Earth) and the nearby waterfalls are the main attractions that lure tourists to this village.

Recently opened to the public, this beautiful old hunting estate, well preserved to this day and not having suffered much from deforestation, still houses beautiful patches of primary forest and including magnificent ebony trees over 300 years old having escaped thanks to their inaccessibility, to the ravages of the former colonisers.

If you’re looking for the perfect couples’ getaway, and stunning walking safaris trails then look no further than Marataba Mountain Lodge. This is a very special place. Most of us lead busy lives, and there is nothing quite like being on foot in the African bush to help us reconnect with nature and simply ‘be’ in the environment we evolved from.

These are the only trails of their kind in a Big Five reserve, taking guests through Marataba South Africa – a malaria-free, private concession within the Marakele National Park. The park conserves 67 000ha (165 560ac) of the UNESCO-recognised Waterberg Biosphere – the only savannah biosphere in the world! – and Iron Age sites of great historical significance. Marakele is a place of sanctuary, as its Tswana name suggests. It is home to the critically endangered black rhino, the world’s largest colony of endangered Cape vultures, and rare plant species of yellowwood and cedar trees, among a multitude of other fauna and flora. Our trails put guests in the thick of things, getting them closer to nature.

An early morning transfer back to Johannesburg airport, followed my a short 90 minute flight will bring you to Victoria Fall in Zimbabwe. 

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya", the smoke that thunders and is a waterfall in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk. Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialisation.

The stunning Mattes River Lodge is set on a private 15 km stretch of the mighty Zambezi. Just 40 km upriver from the rush and spray of the Falls, Matetsi offers both world-class safari experiences and an idyllic oasis from which to explore, adventure, relax and recharge. Experience stellar five-star services rivalled only by the spectacular natural wonders. Guests, accompanied by knowledgeable, conservation-minded guides, are invited to explore Matetsi Private Game Reserve’s 55 000 hectares of protected and unspoiled wilderness on foot, by vehicle and by boat, while great herds of elephant, buffalo and plains game delight and amaze.