| Right then, fancy a bit of an escape? I mean, a proper, lie back and think of England (or in this case, Mozambique) kind of escape. I’m talking about an 8-day jaunt from Durban all the way up to Mozambique, the kind of trip where your biggest worry is whether to have another gin and tonic or perhaps a perfectly chilled glass of rosé. This isn’t your average, dusty safari where you’re dodging flies and hoping for a glimpse of a disgruntled wildebeest. Oh no, this is the crème de la crème, the caviar of the continent. We kicked off in Durban, a city that’s got this wonderfully vibrant, almost tropical feel. After a smooth arrival and being whisked away to our ridiculously plush accommodation, we started acclimatising. And by acclimatising, I mean to the art of utter relaxation. Think plush robes, infinity pools with views that could make a poet weep, and service so attentive you’d swear they could read your mind. The journey north was less about bumpy roads and more about gliding through scenic routes, with our comfortable vehicle (think private jet on wheels) making sure every moment was as enjoyable as the last. Our first proper taste of the wild was in a private game reserve. Now, I’m not usually one for early mornings, but when that early morning involves a hot air balloon ride over the savanna, well, you just have to get out of bed, don’t you? Seeing the sunrise paint the sky while lions padded below… it’s a moment that makes you feel both incredibly small and supremely privileged. Then came Mozambique. Ah, Mozambique. If the savanna was breathtaking, the coast was simply divine. Imagine turquoise waters so clear you can see the fish doing their little synchronized swims, and beaches so pristine they look like they’ve been Photoshopped. Our accommodation here was something else entirely. Think private villas opening directly onto the sand, where your ‘commute’ to the ocean involves a leisurely stroll in your slippers. The days here were a delightful blur of activity and utter idleness. We snorkeled amongst vibrant coral reefs, spotting turtles that seemed utterly unfazed by our presence. We went on dhow cruises as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and soft purples. And of course, there was the food. Freshly caught seafood, prepared with a flair that would make a Michelin-starred chef blush. Grilled prawns so sweet they tasted like they’d been personally blessed by Poseidon himself. One evening, we were treated to a private beach barbecue. Starlight, the gentle lapping of waves, and the most exquisite meal under the African sky. It was one of those moments where you have to pinch yourself, just to make sure you’re not dreaming. You find yourself reflecting on how utterly fortunate you are, and perhaps feeling a tad guilty about the amount of effortless luxury you’re experiencing. But then again, that’s the point, isn’t it? This safari isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s about experiencing nature in its most untamed form, but with every possible comfort and convenience. It’s about leaving the stresses of everyday life so far behind that you almost forget they existed. And if that doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, then I’m not sure what does. It’s an adventure that lingers long after you’ve unpacked, a collection of vivid memories that sparkle brighter than any diamond. |






















