Compare Luxury Dubai: beach & desert by Audley Travel vs Luxury South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon by Ker & Downey Africa

Day 1: Dubai

Accommodation: Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

On arrival at Dubai’s airport, you’ll be met by our representatives, who’ll drive you to your hotel in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, on the outskirts of the Arabian Desert. Here, you can settle into your private villa and perhaps enjoy the sunset over the dunes from the hotel’s terrace bar.

Day 2: Dubai

Accommodation: Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

Speak with your private concierge and field guide about which activities you could do today to make the most of your time in the desert. You may want to try your hand at archery, take an exhilarating 4x4 drive out among the deep-orange dunes, or ride a horse through the palmed oasis.

Day 3: Dubai

Accommodation: Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa

This morning you could take a guided walk around the reserve to learn about the flora and fauna that thrives in this arid environment. Wildlife you might see includes camels, gazelles and Arabian oryx, which were once thought to be extinct, but now roam the reserve in large herds. This evening, take a guided camel trek out to the crest of a dune to watch the sunset while sipping on Champagne and enjoying local snacks.

Day 4: Dubai

Accommodation: One&Only The Palm

Today you’ll be driven back through the city of Dubai and across to the Palm Jumeirah peninsula along the coast. Here, you’ll stay for four nights at the One&Only The Palm, a lavish resort with sparkling pools and its own private stretch of beach. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and choose from one of the resort’s handful of fine restaurants for dinner, taking in views over the city’s growing skyline.

Day 5: Dubai

Accommodation: One&Only The Palm

Wake up this morning and enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast alfresco. You could then relax on a daybed beside the pool, taking a dip to cool off in the sun-dappled water, or stretch out on the beach to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore. You might also like to visit the Guerlain Spa for a pampering treatment that leaves you completely rejuvenated.

Day 6: Dubai

Accommodation: One&Only The Palm

Today you could venture into the city, perhaps taking a taxi or private vehicle to the historic side of Dubai, where skyscrapers are replaced with traditional low-rise stone buildings. Wander the souqs, laden with spices, textiles and gold, taste traditional Middle Eastern dishes that you won’t find on the menus of the city’s fine-dining restaurants, or take an evening dhow boat cruise along the tranquil Dubai Creek.

Day 7: Dubai

Accommodation: One&Only The Palm

You might like to rise early this morning to join a yoga session on the beach. Then, enjoy the final day of your trip however you please: you could try some water sports in the marina, soak up the sights of Downtown Dubai, where you could head to the Burj Khalifa’s exclusive 148th floor, or simply enjoy further relaxation within your resort’s opulent surroundings.

Day 8: Return home

You’ll be driven back to the airport today in time for your flight home.

Day 01 to 04 : Arrive at Cape Town, South Africa

Your Luxury South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and your partner to the ‘Mother City’. You will be transported to 21 Nettleton, a luxury boutique hotel set on the slopes of Lion’s Head, where you will check in to your King Room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Honeymooners can enjoy a complimentary room upgrade and an additional night on the house, as well as romantic turndown services, sunset canapes and a romantic tapas dinner served with a bottle of champagne to toast your ‘I do’’s. During your stay, you will discover the city and its breath-taking surroundings on a full-day private guided tour which includes stops at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope.

Where you’ll stay: 21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Luxury Residence

Located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, 21 Nettleton offers guests an exclusive stay with an uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The clifftop mansion boasts only 6 luxurious and spacious suites, each deck out with bespoke art and furnishings.

Experiences:

Your time at 21 Nettleton can be tailored to suit you. Enjoy time at leisure by the pool, unwind with a personalised on-site spa treatment and indulge in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Explore the city on a full-day guided tour to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Day 05 to 06 : Transfer Cape Winelands

Check-in Babylonstoren Farm Hotel

After a hearty breakfast on the slopes of Table Mountain, your driver will meet you and transfer you to one of the oldest working farms in the heart of the Cape Winelands – Babylonstoren. With an emphasis on sustainability and organic produce, Babylonstoren offers guests the ultimate farm-to-table retreat with award-winning restaurants, vineyards, a wine cellar and a spa set amidst 8 acres of fragrant fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Check in to your impeccably stylish Farmhouse Suite and explore the farm by bicycle, join a guided Garden Tour or partake in the morning harvest alongside the farm’s gardeners. For honeymooners with an interest in wellness, we recommend partaking in a Healing Garden and Tea Ceremony or indulging in a couples massage at the Wellness Spa.

Where you’ll stay: Babylonstoren

Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, award-winning Babylonstoren offers guests the ultimate farm-to-table retreat with award-winning restaurants, vineyards, a wine cellar and spa, set amidst 8 acres of fragrant fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. The 22 whitewashed cottages are impeccably stylish and blend the old with the new.

Experiences:

There are an array of activities to enjoy during your stay at Babylonstoren. Explore the farm by bicycle or join a guided garden tour and farm walk, a morning harvest excursion alongside the farm’s gardeners and bread baking experience in the bakery. Other activities include olive oil and wine tasting, world-class farm-to-fork dining and luxurious spa treatments.

Day 07 to 09 : Flight and Transfer to Kruger National Park

Check-in Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Wake up and enjoy the freshest produce in the comfort of your Farmhouse Suite or in Babel Restaurant. Your driver will meet you and accompany you to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. From here a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and transfer you to a private concession in South Africa’s premier wildlife destination, Kruger National Park. Your base is Lukimbi Safari Lodge, an exclusive lodge flanking the Lwakahle River among a cluster of ancient marula, acacia, knobthorns and bushwillow trees. Your time at Lukimbi can be spent on daily 4×4 game drives in search of Africa’s legendary Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – and guided River and Bush Walks alongside an armed guided and tracker. In the evening, honeymooners can enjoy sunset drinks out in South Africa’s bushveld followed by a tantalizing private dinner at the lodge’s boma or wine cellar.

Where you’ll stay: Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Located on the banks of the Lwakahle River in a private concession in Kruger National Park, Lukimbi Safari Lodge ensures the utmost privacy for guests with only 16 luxury suites overlooking the river and surrounding bushveld. The suites are connected by elevated walkways that lead to the Main Lodge which houses a spa and gym, safari boutique, library, bar and wine cellar and outdoor swimming pool.

Experiences:

Your time at Lukimbi can be spent exploring the private concession on twice-daily safari drives, as well as guided river and bush walks alongside Lukimbi’s expert rangers and trackers. The reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 and has a healthy black and white rhino population. Honeymooners can look forward to an intimate table for two in the lodge’s wine cellar or boma and indulge in the couples massage at the onsite spa.

Day 10 to 13 : Transfer Mozambique

Check in Azura Benguerra Island

After a refreshing breakfast overlooking the African bushveld, your driver will transfer you to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your direct flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique. From Vilanculos, you will be escorted to Azura Benguerra, a private island in the Bazaruto Archipelago by helicopter – the perfect introduction to your honeymoon beach escape. Here, you will check in to your luxurious Beach Villa which offers honeymooners absolute privacy with their very own plunge pool and deck overlooking the pristine shore. Your time at Azura Benguerra can be spent soaking up the very best of island life from marine safaris, scuba and snorkelling expeditions to horseback riding and a traditional dhow cruise at sunset. If you are traveling between July and October, you might be lucky enough to spot the surrounding waters come alive with Humpback Whales as they migrate to warmer waters.

Where you’ll stay: Azura Benguerra

Located within a protected marine national park on Azura Benguerra Island, this eco-friendly resort features only 20 villas ensuring utmost privacy for guests. Each villa is decked out with a private infinity pool. The lodge features a wine cellar, cosy bar and lounge area and a wellness spa.

Experiences:

Your island honeymoon can be as laid back or active as you see fit. Try your hand at sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and big game fishing or enjoy horseback riding, private picnics and bird watching back on land. A highlight of your time on the island will be a traditional dhow cruise at sunset.

Day 14 :Departure

Transfer to the airport

Day fourteen marks the final day of your South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon. After breakfast, you will return to Vilanculos by helicopter and connect with your onward flight home.