Ultimate Africa - An Epic Safari Combined With Flats Fishing the Seychelles

Ultimate Africa An Epic Safari Combined with Flats Fishing the Seychelles

by Brian Gies

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Cape buffalo at MalaMala. Photo: Lee Whittam

or anglers and travelers looking to experience the best of Africa, October and early November offer an unbeatable window. The tail end of prime game viewing in South Africa and Zambia corresponds perfectly with the opening of the flats fishing season in the Seychelles. In the custom itinerary below we have combined three luxury lodges: Chiawa Camp in Zambia, MalaMala in South Africa and Alphonse Island resort in the Seychelles to create an unforgettable game viewing and flats fishing adventure.

The two safari regions are vastly different and offer a variety of landscapes and wildlife. Beginning in Zambia’s rugged Zambezi Valley, you will have incredible game viewing in the riverine woodlands and valley system, as well as on the Zambezi River itself. October is the peak of the dry season, meaning the game is drawn out of the surrounding escarpment and is focused along the river itself. It is also peak tiger-fishing season and you can expect some incredibly exciting fly rod action during your stay.

Next, guests will head south to MalaMala, one of the finest big-game viewing areas in Africa. During your time at MalaMala you can expect encounters with all of Africa’s Big Five (lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard and rhino) along with a variety of other wildlife. Being located on a private game reserve enables guests to enjoy high-quality game viewing with very few people. MalaMala Game Reserve has been protected for many years, resulting in the animals being very approachable; guests see phenomenal interactions and capture them on camera.

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Following Safari, guests will fly to the Seychelles to experience one of the world’s greatest saltwater flats destinations, Alphonse Island Resort. In addition to world-class flats fishing, Alphonse Island Resort offers guests exceptional diving and snorkeling as well as other island experiences coupled with the highest level of amenities and service.

Chiawa Camp, Zambia

On the banks of the Zambezi River, under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. First explored

by David Livingston and later developed by the Cumings family, the region has become one of Africa’s most desirable and sought-after safari destinations. A stunning thatched lounge/ bar area with an upstairs viewing deck provides one of Africa’s best views of the Zambezi River. Additionally, guests enjoy fine cuisine on the al fresco dining veranda and cocktails around an open campfire before retiring to luxurious tents. Also available are two perfectly positioned game-viewing blinds and a plunge pool with timber sun deck overlooking the Zambezi.

MalaMala, South Africa MalaMala Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves and shares an un-fenced border with the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Wildlife is free to move throughout this protected area, ensuring a constant flow of animals, which has created MalaMala’s reputation as one of the most consistent game-view destinations in Africa. Imbued

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ULTIMATE AFRICA with the spirit of MalaMala, the Sable Camp is an intimate version of the Main Camp and a great choice for those seeking a smaller safari. Situated at the southern end of the MalaMala Camp in a prime elevated position overlooking the Sand River, Sable Camp accommodates a maximum of 14 guests. It may also be reserved exclusively for parties of 10 to 18 guests. A large wooden safari deck provides the ideal vantage point from which to observe the steady flow of animal life at the Sand River’s edge.

Alphonse Island Resort, Seychelles Alphonse has long been known for steady streams of large, aggressive bonefish flooding pristine flats, huge trevally and barracuda, mysterious schools of super-charged milkfish and blue water rich with sailfish and wahoo. Recently referred to as the best bonefishing in the world, the only downside to the Seychelles is that once you have fly fished here you will be forever spoiled. To complement the saltwater fly fishing is the unpretentious luxury of Alphonse Island Resort. Truly a worldclass resort, Alphonse offers guests refined international cuisine, tasteful waterfront chalets complete with private verandas, open-air showers, air conditioning and attached bathrooms.

Other rich opportunities at Alphonse are available. Guests

can choose from a list of incredible activities and amenities including world-class diving and snorkeling, sailing lasers, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, wind-surfing, and tennis.

Alternatively, a grand pool and a glorious beach are always steps away from the private chalets.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg, fly to Zambia, road transfer to Chiawa • Days 2-5: Game viewing, Chiawa Camp • Day 6: Transfer to Johannesburg, overnight • Day 7: Fly to MalaMala, transfer to Sable Camp • Days 8-11: Game viewing MalaMala/Sable Camp • Day 12: Transfer to Johannesburg, overnight • Day 13: Fly to Mahé, Seychelles, overnight • Day 14: Fly to Alphonse • Days 15-20: Alphonse fishing and activities • Day 21: Begin travel home • Day 22: Arrive home.

Rate: $22,670 per person

Included: All accommodations, meals at three lodges, guided safaris and fishing, round-trip airfare Johannesburg/ Chiawa, round-trip airfare Johannesburg/ MalaMala. Not Included: All international airfare, meals in Johannesburg and Mahé, alcoholic beverages, staff and guide gratuities.

1-800 -552-2729

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