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Honeymoon to Zambia, South Africa & Maldives
Tim Bonnell, 17th August 2022My husband and I are so grateful that we found Mahlatini for our honeymoon! We went to Zambia for Victoria Falls, South Africa for safari at Kruger National Park/Sabi Sands, and finished off with an overwater bungalow in the Maldives. At first, I wasn’t sure if we would even be able to take this trip because of the complex logistics - but Mahlatini (and Caroline!!) made it happen for us! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime and a honeymoon that makes everyone jealous :) Ruth & Tim (2022)
Accommodation Visited
InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
“So amazing that this is the “airport hotel”! It could not be more convenient - It’s literally across the street from the airport - like you just walk outside and take the crosswalk with your bags and roll in. From check in to check out we felt like royalty. Within an hour of landing I was getting a massage and I didn’t even make an appointment ahead of time. The service was top notch from top to bottom. The bed and bath were comfortable, quiet, with everything you need and then some. They all somehow knew it was our honeymoon and every staff member we interacted with told us congratulations. The chef at the restaurant took our menus away, asked us what we were in the mood for, and made us both a custom dish according to our palate at the moment! The food was delicious too. I would definitely stay here again!”
The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
“This place is beautiful. I loved all the old fashioned and luxurious details. It’s right on the Zambezi River and literally walking distance to the falls. The staff sings and dances for you as you arrive and are there to help your every whim at all times. We felt so attended too! Even while laying out by the pool someone brought us drinks and snacks and offered a foot rub! This was the perfect place to relax and adjust to the time zone before our trip to South Africa for Safari. There are multiple adventure excursions you could take but we just did the River cruise and falls tour because we didn’t want to over-commit. The food was plentiful but nothing to write home about. This was a great choice. I don’t know that I would stay here again because I’d want to experience something different next time - but I’m glad we stayed here.”
Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
“This place feels like a fairy tale. Like you stepped into another time. It’s so peaceful. The luxury rustic tents were exactly what we were looking for. Right on the river, quiet, and private. They were comfortable and have everything you could need and then some. They even turn the heated blanket on for you while you’re at dinner so your bed is toasty when you come back. My only complaint is that the hot water ran out before my shower was done and took more than 30 mins to replenish before I could get another 10 mins to finish. The food here is the best I’ve had in my life! And that’s saying something. I will forever dream about the meals we had here - all of them! And the relaxed, family, the ambiance of the restaurant feels like you’re in a library surrounded by books and a fireplace. I would 100% stay here again. It’s a great base camp if you’re taking the panorama tour.”
Kirkman's Kamp
“This place!!!!!! The people… the animals… the rangers… the safari vehicles… the service… the drinks… the attention to detail… everything was perfect. They literally think of everything and then some. I truly could not imagine a more perfect safari experience (and that’s saying something!) I love that only 20 ppl max can stay here at a time so it feels exclusive and literally everyone knows your name. I love just knowing that any wild animal could just walk up on the lawn at any time because you are literally IN IT. I love the way the safari vehicles have stadium seating so no matter where you’re sitting you can see. I love that they are uncovered and we are allowed to have a tracker sit out front. I love that we can off-road and that only 2 vehicles are allowed at each animal sighting. My favorite part was how much a LEARNED from our safari guide/ranger Lenox! He MADE this trip for us! Not only does he know everything about everything, he knows when to be quiet and when to talk. He can tell when you’re satisfied and ready to move on or if you’re still enjoying it. He is so gifted. It’s amazing what all is included here. We never wanted for anything and they feed you SO MUCH. The cocktails are delicious and just right. If you don’t like what's on the menus they will make you whatever you ask for at any time. If you don’t show up for a meal they call to be sure you’re not coming before they close up. My husband got very sick for one of the days and ALL the staff handled everything so wonderfully that I remember how well we were cared for instead of how bummed I was that he was sick. The chef made him a special soup and brought me crackers and everything else I asked for to take to him. The manager gave us medication and made a special trip to the village to get him electrolyte drinks. She brought us a blood pressure cuff and thermometer. She arranged for a phone visit with their camp doctor. And gave us her private number. All for no extra cost. And no one was the least bit annoyed or bothered. They were all concerned and wanted him to get better as much as I did. And he did! Just missed one day of game drives and then was back in it. Definitely recommend!!!”
Constance Halaveli
“Absolute paradise! It’s just like the pictures and the service is top notch. Food is okay-good. Bed is comfortable. Love that we each get our own closet. Love that it includes snorkel gear. Love that you can walk down right into the ocean from your deck. We wanted for nothing during our stay. We were even able to schedule a massage every day and 2 dive trips. Nothing I would change about this place except for the weather. It was a monsoon all but 1 day during our stay. We still made the best of it, but please keep that in mind while planning you’re trip to the Maldives. We wish we would have. The plane ride was fun and an experience in and of itself. The lounge they have for you to enjoy at the airport while you wait for your flight is perfect. Includes comfortable chairs/loungers, massage chair, food, drinks, video games, plenty of charges at each seat, and even a shower! (With a hair dryer - just be sure you bring conditioner, but they have the rest of what you’ll need to freshen up.)”
Staff Review
“We will be forever grateful and indebted to Caroline! From the very first email she was quick to reply, clear, and helpful. Not only did she hook us up with the PERFECT places for our honeymoon, she helped us make decisions between places like you would expect a good friend to do. Her knowledge of Africa and the places we were staying/going was AMAZING. She answered all our questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. I never felt like I was too much and she made me feel totally understood and I was confident that she understood us too. We literally didn’t have to worry about a thing because she told us everything we would need to know. She booked all our internal flights and transfers and handled ALL the logistics (which I was dreading!) I don’t know how I’m ever going to go back to planning/arranging our own trips offer this fabulous experience. Thank you for all the little honeymoon surprises along the way too! Thank you for helping us plan the trip of a lifetime and have the honeymoon of our dreams. We literally couldn’t have done it without you Caroline!!
Ruth & Tim (2022)”
