On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach
On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach
On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach
15 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Johannesburg, Sebatana Private Reserve, Mauritius
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98528
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
An immersion into the extraordinary South African and Mauritian wilderness featuring opportunities to connect with nature, engage in local cultures, and gain insights into each destination’s history.
Prep your khaki gear for the first part of your African adventure with malaria-free Sebatana Private Reserve as the backdrop and the five-star, all-inclusive Rhino East Lodge as a base. Open-air vehicles will venture into the bush daily, allowing for ample ‘Big Five’ sightings under the direction of experienced guides.
Itinerary enhancements feature wildlife talks, slow-paced nature walks, and a Champagne brunch in the heart of the savannah. Sundowners will mark night falling, and dinners, served under the starry sky, can be accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Engagement with the local community allows you to gain a better understanding of the culture, and days spent in Johannesburg and Soweto provides further comprehension of the nation’s past.
It's then time to switch to your beachwear as you venture to the Indian Ocean Island nation of Mauritius and check into an all-inclusive resort, with a sustainable focus. Activities like wine tasting, a visit to a crater lake, Black River Gorges National Park, and the remarkable Seven Coloured Earth’ help you get well acquainted with the tropical inland area. Whereas an optional excursion to the neighbouring islands, followed by a BBQ lunch and a sunset cruise, with a glass of local rum in hand, ensure you take advantage of your seaside setting. Finally, the opportunity to be a conservationist for a day while volunteering on an unspoilt island alongside expert biologists and rangers concludes this trip of a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Fly From The Uk
Location: London Gatwick Airport
Accommodation: Overnight flight from the UK
Travel to South Africa on an overnight flight.
Day Two – Arrival At Johannesburg Airport
Location: Johannesburg, Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, you’ll be met by your local tour manager and set off on a scenic transfer to the Sebatana Rhino Lodge. Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, lunch will be served.
Afterwards, relax in your new surroundings, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool. This evening, enjoy an included welcome drink, followed by dinner and a short briefing about the week ahead.
Day Three – Included Wildlife Talk And Afternoon Game Drive
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll venture into the reserve in an open-air vehicle on your first game drive. During this journey, your guide will provide a wildlife talk about the different animals, birds and plants that inhabit the area, as well as the area’s history.
This drive will be followed by lunch and some free time back at the lodge before you return on an afternoon game drive, with a local tracker, who’ll do his best to seek out wildlife. Keep an eye out – and have your camera at the ready – for zebras, meerkats, giraffes, wildebeest, and impalas.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the lodge.
Day Four – Included Game Drive In Welgevonden Game Reserve And Optional Tribal Evening With Dinner
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge, Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll join a ‘Big Five’ game drive and visit one of the best private reserves in South Africa, Welgevonden Game Reserve.
Set within the UNESCO-protected Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, this expanse of wilderness is home to more than 50 mammals, including lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, and elephants. Access to the reserve is subject to extensive restrictions, so it’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself.
After the sun has set, you can choose to join an optional tribal dinner, with the opportunity to gain insights into African culture and lifestyle. You’ll be able to taste local dishes and beverages, learn about traditions and customs, as well as watch a performance of dancing and music in a replica of a cultural village.
Day Five – Included Walking Tour, Game Drive And Optional Night Game Drive With Dinner In The Bush
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, you’ll join an experienced guide for a gentle bush walk into the Sebatana Private Reserve. Listen intently as your guide points out animal breeding areas, local plant life and the Waterberg Mountains. After the walk, return to the lodge for some well-earned lunch.
After lunch, you’ll be collected in an open-air vehicle for a game drive to Christina’s Wallow, a hide with direct views of a waterhole, which is often teeming with giraffes, wildebeest, and impalas. For a truly authentic wildlife-spotting experience and to have the least impact, you’ll complete the journey on foot.
At dusk, you can join the optional night game drive, giving you the unique opportunity to witness how the bush changes as the sun goes down, and a different animal kingdom emerges. With the help of powerful spotlights, you’ll hopefully see nocturnal creatures, like caracals, bush babies, porcupines, and ant bears.
On the way, you’ll stop at ‘Flintstone Cave’, where the chef will have prepared a special three-course dinner spread across beautifully set tables and looking out over a fire – a wish-list experience.
Day Six – Included Game Drive And Champagne Brunch In The Bush
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’ll rise early this morning for a game drive and the chance to spot herds of antelopes moving in the open. Antelopes and other prey animals tend to move around in the morning to find the best protection from predators, so this is time best time to see them.
Around mid-morning, you’ll stop at Kudu Rock for a lavish Champagne brunch, enhanced by the backdrop of the African bush. Here, you can tuck into your meal while soaking up the surrounding vista, perhaps even seeing an animal or two.
Afterwards, you’ll return to the lodge to unwind.
Day Seven – Day At Leisure Or Optional Pilanesberg National Park Excursion
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy breakfast and a day of leisure at the lodge, taking advantage of the amenities, or join an optional excursion to Pilanesberg National Park, the fourth largest of its kind in South Africa.
This expansive park is situated in a volcanic crater and presents further opportunities to spot the ‘Big Five’ as well as the endangered white rhinos, cheetahs, hippopotami, and over 300 bird species. When you arrive, you’ll board an open-air vehicle and traverse through the park with an experienced guide who’ll provide you with facts about the park and the animals that reside here.
In the evening, dinner will be served back at the lodge.
Day Eight – Optional Game Drive In The Kaingo Game Reserve And Included Sunset Rock Game Drive And Sundowner
Location: Sebatana Private Reserve
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rhino East Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you can spend another day at the lodge lounging by the pool or join a last morning game drive into the Kaingo Game Reserve. If you still want to tick some of the ‘Big Five’ off your list, this is the perfect opportunity.
In the mid-afternoon, there will be one more game drive to Sunset Rock, a fitting finale to your South African adventure. This spot is where you’ll have a magnificent vantage point and a chilled glass of Champagne while looking out over the Waterberg Mountains as the sky turns a cascade of red and orange.
You’ll then return to the lodge for a final dinner with your new-found friends.
Day Nine – Fly To Mauritius
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamassa Bel Ombre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Have your last breakfast and say goodbye to your hosts before you depart for the airport for your flight to Mauritius.
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the southwest of the island, where you’ll check into your ocean-facing resort in the village of Bel-Ombre.
Day 10 – Day At Leisure In Mauritius Or Optional Northern Highlights Excursion
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamassa Bel Ombre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise to the sound of the waves and enjoy a buffet breakfast with the choice to spend the day at your leisure, taking advantage of the resort’s assortment of facilities.
Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion, which encompasses several stops around the island. You’ll begin with a visit to Royal Botanic Gardens, the oldest in the southern hemisphere. Dating back to 1786, these beautiful grounds are known for the pond of giant water lilies and colony of giant tortoises. You’ll also be able to see 85 different varieties of palm trees from around the world, including the talipot palm. This unique species waits up to 60 years to produce a single crop of yellow-green fruit, only to die soon afterwards.
Next up on the itinerary is the Sugar Adventure Museum, which is set in an old sugar mill. Here, you’ll get to taste sugar and rum, both made on the property. Interactive exhibits showcase the history of the nation’s sugar industry and there’ll be time to purchase some souvenirs created by local craftsmen.
The tour will continue to the seaside village of Grand-Baie, with its pristine beach and protected cove. You’ll be able to wander the lively bazaar, selling handicrafts, before you enjoy lunch at one of the ocean-facing restaurants.
You’ll then stop off at the northernmost point of Mauritius. This area is aptly named Cap Malheureux, which translates to 'The Cape of Misfortune' due to the legendary 1810 battle in which the British defeated the French and took over the island. Take in the views over the Indian Ocean and surrounding islands, observe the red-roofed church of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, and take some photos.
Lastly, a visit to an ancient working sugar estate, Domaine Labourdonnais, will conclude the excursion.
Later, you’ll return to the resort to relax and have dinner.
Day 11 – At Leisure Or Optional ‘Tale Of Four Islands’ Excursion
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamassa Bel Ombre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Once you’ve had breakfast, another day of leisure awaits, or you can opt for an excursion, which involves boarding a speedboat to cruise around some of Mauritius’ most beautiful, uninhabited islands. You’ll first cruise across a lagoon to a wild nature reserve on the small island of Ile aux Mariannes, where your guide will inform you about the endemic flora and fauna. Then you’ll travel to Ile aux Phares (Lighthouse Island), a former military base for the French during the colonisation of Mauritius. The lighthouse, which can be found here, was built to guide ships to the local port, and the island’s unique location near colourful reefs ensures a brilliant photograph opportunity.
The tour will then pass by the rocky islet of Ile de la Passe, which was a base for English and French troops, and now encompasses several fortifications. You’ll then have some time to snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters before calling at the paradisical Ile aux Cerfs for a BBQ lunch and chilled refreshments, including local rum.
You’ll return to the resort in the evening for dinner.
Day 12 – Included Full-Day Excursion ‘Wonders Of The South Winery Experience’
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamassa Bel Ombre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you’ll venture on a full-day excursion to cover the natural splendours of the southern part of Mauritius. The Takamaka Winery is the starting point, and the only winery in the world dedicated exclusively to lychee wine. Ganga Talao, a crater lake, also known as ‘Sacred Lake’ is another must-see location, and it’s ringed by a temple with small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods. This lake is also an important pilgrimage site, and according to Hindu mythology, it’s believed that the water here is sourced from the sacred Ganges River in India.
A photo stop at the Black River Gorges National Park is next, where you should keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, deer and mongooses. Lunch will be served at a local family home in the small village of Chamarel, encircled by tropical rainforests. Chamarel is also home to the famous Terres de 7 Couleurs, ‘Seven Coloured Earth’, which consists of an expanse of multi-coloured sand dunes as a result of uneven cooling of molten rock. This natural wonder of green, purple, yellow, red, brown, and violet is a striking sight, and at the base, there are several giant tortoises.
Towards the end of the day, you’ll be taken back to the resort, where you can unwind and have dinner.
Day 13 – Day At Leisure And Optional Volunteering At The Wildlife Foundation
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Tamassa Bel Ombre
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s your final day in this beautiful corner of the world, and you can make the most of it by embracing many of the resort’s activities. Perhaps tick off anything you’ve been wanting to experience, like windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and snorkelling, or maybe book a treatment at the spa.
Alternatively, choose to do something completely different by being a conservationist for a day. This optional excursion takes you beyond the tourist traps and allows you to volunteer at a wildlife fountain with local biologists.
You’ll travel by boat to the unspoilt island of Ile aux Aigrette, which showcases a well-preserved ecosystem of Mauritius. Here, you’ll get to observe the operations of experienced and knowledgeable biologists and rangers. They’ll give you unique insights into the flora on the island, particularly the trees, and you’ll get to participate in potting, planting and feeding tortoises.
During your visit, you may even have lunch with a biologist and discuss their daily work in the field station before learning about the island’s bird conservation. The proceeds from this experience go to supporting the foundation, and you’ll return to the resort feeling informed and enlightened after leaving a positive impact.
Day 14 – Depart For Overnight Flight
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation: Resort, Overnight flight to the UK
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following your last breakfast in paradise, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Day 15 – Land In The Uk
Location: London Gatwick Airport
Arrive back in the UK after your adventure to Africa.
The order of the itinerary may change at times.
What's Included
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12 nights’ carefully chosen all-inclusive accommodation: seven nights' full-board accommodation at the five-star Rhino East Lodge and five nights' all-inclusive accommodation at the four-star Tamassa Bel Ombre, Mauritius, plus two nights on the aircraft
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All meals whilst at each resort plus an open bar which includes a selection of wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks - premium brands are excluded
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Five game drives in Sebatana Private Reserve and Welgevonden Game Reserve
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A wildlife talk with a local guide
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A guided walking tour
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A Champagne brunch in the bush
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A Champagne sundowner
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Activities at Tamassa Bel Ombre, including windsurfing, pedal boarding, kayaking, aquagym, non-motorised sailing, snorkelling, glass-bottom boat rides, beach volleyball, table tennis, and mountain biking
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The ‘Wonders of the South Winery’ excursion in Mauritius, with a Michelin-acclaimed wine tasting
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Flights to Johannesburg, then onwards to and returning from Mauritius
What's Not Included
Insurance
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from Johannesburg airport to your safari lodge is approximately two and a half hours. In Mauritius the transfer time to your hotel is about one hour.
Passports and visas
A visa is not required for British citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
British Citizens do not require a visa for entry to Mauritius.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Currency and payments at the lodge
Please note that Rhino Lodge is cashless. The payment of the final bill will be in Euros with a Visa/MasterCard credit or debit card. Only a small amount of local currency - the SA Rand - is required for purchases on the road and for tips to staff members (at your discretion) at the end of your stay.
In Mauritius credit cards are widely accepted. The local currency is the Mauritian rupee.
Optional Excursions
The following optional excursions are available on this tour and are only bookable once at your destination and cannot be prebooked. Prices quoted are 'from' prices and subject to change without notice.
Pilanesberg National Park – from 160 Euros
Night safari – from 75 Euros
Tribal evening – from 65 Euros
Welgevonden Reserve game drive – from 135 Euros
A package with all four tours is available in resort from 349 Euros. Children aged 0 – 11 are half price.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from Johannesburg airport to your safari lodge is approximately two and a half hours. In Mauritius the transfer time to your hotel is about one hour.
Passports and visas
A visa is not required for British citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
British Citizens do not require a visa for entry to Mauritius.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Luggage allowance
You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.
Travel vaccinations
Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Currency and payments at the lodge
Please note that Rhino Lodge is cashless. The payment of the final bill will be in Euros with a Visa/MasterCard credit or debit card. Only a small amount of local currency - the SA Rand - is required for purchases on the road and for tips to staff members (at your discretion) at the end of your stay.
In Mauritius credit cards are widely accepted. The local currency is the Mauritian rupee.
Optional Excursions
The following optional excursions are available on this tour and are only bookable once at your destination and cannot be prebooked. Prices quoted are 'from' prices and subject to change without notice.
Pilanesberg National Park – from 160 Euros
Night safari – from 75 Euros
Tribal evening – from 65 Euros
Welgevonden Reserve game drive – from 135 Euros
A package with all four tours is available in resort from 349 Euros. Children aged 0 – 11 are half price.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Flights to Johannesburg, then onwards to and returning from Mauritius
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Four and Five-star
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
A visa is not required for British citizens travelling to South Africa, but your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date of entry to the country and have two adjacent blank pages. Special entry rules apply for children under 18 years.
British Citizens do not require a visa for entry to Mauritius.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
In South Africa, you’ll be fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager and wildlife specialists, and in Mauritius, you’ll have a representative only during transfers and excursions, not on leisure days. You’ll have a 24/7 contact number during your time in Mauritius
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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