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Honeymoon to South Africa & Mauritius
Andrea Garzouzi & Brian Toulouse, 24th September 2022This trip was incredible! Due to Covid, we unfortunately had to postpone our honeymoon or nearly two and a half years – even after all that time it was worth the wait and exceed all expectations. We went to South Africa and Mauritius and while both were amazing there’s nothing quite like going on safari. Since we were coming from California, it was quite a trek, but the good news is that nothing will ever feel long again. And truly, it was worth every moment of flight time. This was our first time on safari and after day one – drive one – we knew we’d be safari-goers for life. We felt like the world rewarded our patience with all that we got to see but maybe that’s just part of the magic that is Kruger National Park and Ngala. From our lodge to the hospitality, to the people we met in our group (who are now friends) we had the most fun and memorable time. Mauritius was a welcome treat after being up early and daily adventures – it was beautiful, calm, and relaxing.
Accommodation Visited
OR Tambo City Lodge
“For an airport hotel, it was clean, had everything we needed, the staff was very nice and helpful (even let us check in early), and the food and prices were all reasonable. After traveling for 24 hours straight it was a welcome rest.”
Ngala Safari Lodge
“I hardly know where to begin with Ngala. This is hands down the best place I have ever had the opportunity to stay. The room was absolutely lovely with an oversized king bed, outdoor shower, beautiful tub, and all the snacks (& alcohol) you could want. The staff was AMAZING! Some of the most kind, helpful, fun people to be around. By day two, they knew our preferences for coffee, snacks, breakfast, cocktails and more and that’s just at the lodge!
While we were first-timers, the game drives were incredible. Day one, drive one, we saw four of the Big5 including some rare sightings like the saddleback stork! Our driver, Kel, was so very cool she asked us what we wanted to see and somehow made it all happen including a sighting of a mama leopard and her cubs but between the big sightings we got to see and learn so much – she was kind, patient with all our questions, and just fun to be around. Our tracker, Given, was SO good at what he does, they are a dynamic duo. At one point, driving in the pitch-black back to the lodge, Given shouts to stop and spotted a tiny chameleon on a branch completely camouflaged! We laughed about it all week – how he did this we’ll never understand. But that’s how amazing this experience was – every moment felt so special including the last night sundowner with full bar, snacks and singing.
In addition to the incredible game drives, the staff, the beautiful location, we got to see the elephants and several other animals come up to the pool and watering hole. There’s nothing that quite prepares you for how cool it is to be lounging around and with no noise, suddenly see a heard of elephants making their way down for a drink. To see them up close and watch them drink and play was special.
Maybe we were spoiled with this first trip but if you have any doubts of going, say yes. Thankful and grateful for Stuart and Mahlatini for recommending Ngala and making this happen for us. We still dream of it daily.”
Sands Suites Resort & Spa
“Sands was an amazing resort. The staff was so friendly and so accommodating. They knew that we had to postpone our honeymoon for nearly two and a half years and they made up for it! When we arrived in the late evening, they got us settled in quickly, had a quick snack and then went to our room that had all sorts of treats including a welcome bottle of champagne and desserts – it was such an unexpected and nice surprise. But it didn’t stop there! Throughout our trip, they paid special attention to us, with surprise desserts, a very nice private dinner and so much more. By day two they knew our names and welcomed us every morning for a lovely buffet breakfast and asked how they could help us for the day. After traveling to South Africa for safari, we found it a nice treat to relax on the beach or find a spot by the pool. Daily, we took advantage of the free sports that are included – windsurfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, etc. And of course, we spent time at the spa, which is an absolute must and very reasonably priced!
While we were staying, we decided to book a daily excursion through Hello Islands. Our guide met us at the hotel and helped us select what we’d like to do. What a great personal touch of hospitality. After a long, fun-filled day of boating, snorkeling, and beaching we got back to the hotel wiped out (travel was all arranged and included by the way) only to realize we left a phone in the car! But with this level of service, it was no problem. The hotel staff and our Hello Island guide quickly got ahold of the driver and got it back to us as quickly as they could.
All around we had a great stay, the rooms were nice, the people even nicer. I hope one day we make it back to Sands Resorts until then I’ll be dreaming of those sunsets over the pool.”
Sands Suites Resort & Spa
“Sands was an amazing resort. The staff was so friendly and so accommodating. They knew that we had to postpone our honeymoon for nearly two and a half years and they made up for it! When we arrived in the late evening, they got us settled in quickly, had a quick snack and then went to our room that had all sorts of treats including a welcome bottle of champagne and desserts – it was such an unexpected and nice surprise. But it didn’t stop there! Throughout our trip, they paid special attention to us, with surprise desserts, a very nice private dinner and so much more. By day two they knew our names and welcomed us every morning for a lovely buffet breakfast and asked how they could help us for the day. After traveling to South Africa for safari, we found it a nice treat to relax on the beach or find a spot by the pool. Daily, we took advantage of the free sports that are included – windsurfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, etc. And of course, we spent time at the spa, which is an absolute must and very reasonably priced!
While we were staying, we decided to book a daily excursion through Hello Islands. Our guide met us at the hotel and helped us select what we’d like to do. What a great personal touch of hospitality. After a long, fun-filled day of boating, snorkeling, and beaching we got back to the hotel wiped out (travel was all arranged and included by the way) only to realize we left a phone in the car! But with this level of service, it was no problem. The hotel staff and our Hello Island guide quickly got ahold of the driver and got it back to us as quickly as they could.
All around we had a great stay, the rooms were nice, the people even nicer. I hope one day we make it back to Sands Resorts until then I’ll be dreaming of those sunsets over the pool.”
Staff Review
“Stuart was a dream! I’ve never had the privilege of working with an agency to book travel and wow and am I grateful that we chose Mahlatini. Because of the pandemic, we had been working with Stuart for well over two + years from our initial inquiry to our vacation. Not once did I feel like I didn’t know what was going on at every change, every delay, and everything in between. Stuart kept us informed and took care of everything. Genuinely not sure we could have done this without him! Not only was he so helpful but he was also excited for us and just an all-around nice a nice guy. We actually had the pleasure of meeting Stuart in Mauritius! It just so happened that our vacations synced up. After all that time, and all the back and forth, we got to meet face-to-face – funny sometimes how it all works out. The entire staff was great, we’ve spoken to a few folks over the years and will definitely use Mahlatini to book future travel. We felt so taken care of and with everything that was happening it was so welcome. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts to take such good care of us and planning a trip we’ll never forget.”
