Tailor-made Vacation · Mauritius
Luxury South Africa Safari & Mauritius Beach Escape
Tailor-made, always
Every trip built from scratch around your dates, pace and preferences.
Your own specialist
One named person and a 24-hour number while you travel.
Hundreds of five-star reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot across ten years of LGBTQ+ luxury travel.
At a glance
This itinerary pairs two of the most compelling LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world: South Africa and Mauritius.
The journey begins in Cape Town, a city long welcoming to gay travelers, where you can move through the city and feel free to be yourself at every turn.
Read more
Table Mountain rises over the city with views out to the point where two oceans meet, and Cape Town's architecture, from Cape Dutch facades to sleek contemporary design, gives the city its distinct character.
You will also visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, towns known for their spectacular winelands, where you can taste some of the finest wines the region produces.
Travel to Oudtshoorn to visit the ostrich farms before you reach Kariega Game Reserve. Enjoy game drives, canoe trips, walks along the beach, and close encounters with wildlife across the reserve.
After immersing yourself in the natural beauty and culture of South Africa, your journey takes a quieter turn as you arrive in Mauritius.
As you step off the plane and into your private transfer to the Lux Belle Mare, the pace of city life gives way to the pace of the island. Five nights remain for stretches of white sand, warm water, and very little else on the agenda.
Day by day
This is a sample plan, not a fixed departure. Days can be added, removed or reordered, and almost every client changes something. Prices are an entry-level guide; your quote will be exact.
Days 1-3: Cape Town
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, make your way to the designated rental car desk to collect your car.
The following day, embark on a tour to experience the food markets of Cape Town, where most locals shop for local produce. Visit the well-known Good Company Farmers’ Market, where you can try artisan pizza, homemade fudge, and local youngberries.
Spend your final day and evening in Cape Town at Table Mountain. The half-day Table Mountain and City Tour takes you to St. George’s Cathedral before ascending to the summit by revolving cable car, where wildflowers, the famous silver tree, and sweeping views over the city and its beaches await.
On a clear day, it is possible to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. For those who wish to visit, a tour of the island covers its long and layered history.
Days 4-5: Stellenbosch
Begin your drive to Stellenbosch, the renowned wine-growing region of the Cape.
The Spier Hotel Stellenbosch is set on a historic working farm, with wine tasting offered at the on-site wine shop, housed in an original Cape Dutch gabled barn.
Take time to explore the fine food, hiking trails, wine estates, art galleries, and museums that Stellenbosch has to offer.
Days 6-7: Oudtshoorn
Begin your journey to Oudtshoorn, known for its ostrich farms and set along the scenic Route 62 wine route. The drive offers sweeping views of vineyards and mountains, making the journey as memorable as the destination itself. As you approach Oudtshoorn, you find yourself immersed in the beauty of South Africa’s Klein Karoo region.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge, valued for its setting within the Klein Karoo landscape and its quiet comfort. Whether you choose to unwind by the pool, explore the property, or simply take in the surroundings, you will find it a fitting base for your stay in Oudtshoorn.
The evening is yours to spend at leisure. Explore the town, dine at a local restaurant, or settle into the stillness of the lodge.
Days 8-10: Game Reserve
Drive to Kariega Game Reserve’s Ukhozi Lodge, set within 9,000 hectares of pristine African wilderness. Ukhozi Lodge captures the intimacy of the African bush, with ten air-conditioned luxury suites crafted from logs, each with a private plunge pool and deck overlooking the valley.
Take part in an early morning game drive for close encounters with African wildlife, including the chance to witness a lion hunting or feeding. Return to the lodge for an afternoon siesta before your evening game drive.
The following day, take one of the canoes for a leisurely paddle down the Kariega or Bushmans rivers, watching in quiet as river birds and animals go about their day. The golden beaches of Kenton-on-Sea are less than fifteen minutes away.
Days 11-16: Mauritius
Drive to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Mauritius. On arrival, your driver takes you to the five-star Lux Belle Mare.
Take out a bicycle in the resort’s distinctive red livery and set off along Mauritius’s quieter roads, with picnic baskets arranged by the friendly staff at reception on request.
Indulge in a facial at the LUX* Me spa, sip cocktails by the beach, ride horses along Belle Mare beach, or snorkel with a local guide.
At Lux Belle Mare, try the onsite beer academy, where you can learn about the microbrewing process and sample the local beers. Each of the thatch-roofed suites and villas offers sea views, with a room service menu built to match the setting.
Our Experts
Mauritius always feels like next-level luxury, a cut above the rest. It's quieter than some of the other island destinations so has a heightened sense of secluded relaxation.
I've only ever heard wonderful things from clients who have been fortunate enough to visit Mauritius. There are so many fantastic resorts, plus it's the land of the Dodo.
Stellar service. Stellar products. Stellar people and it gets so much better when you pick up the phone and call.
Anthony S.
Super client centred service. From first contact I have had warm, efficient, friendly and flexible service.
John
I’m confident in giving Out Of Office a 5-star review! They are one of the leaders in this space without a doubt.
Tiberiu
Similar trips
Seychelles & Mauritius: Two Pearls of the Indian Ocean
Tailor-made VacationAsk most travelers to choose between the Seychelles and Mauritius, and they will hesitate. This itinerary is built to explore the best parts of both. The Seychelles and Mauritius are frequently held up against each other in comparisons of the Indian Ocean's finest destinations, yet surprisingly few itineraries actually combine them.
11 days tailor-made from $13,450 per person View trip
Mauritius Island Escape
Tailor-made VacationThis itinerary is built entirely around one island, with time to escape, explore, and immerse yourself in life on Mauritius. Where several of our Mauritius itineraries pair the island with a South African safari, this one stays put, giving guests nine full days to explore a single destination properly rather than fitting it around a longer, more demanding journey.
9 days tailor-made from $9,850 per person View trip
Mauritius Wellness & Spa Retreat
Tailor-made VacationSome travelers come to Mauritius to see the island. This retreat is for those who come to feel it, one slow, salt-scented day at a time. This itinerary is designed for travelers who want Mauritius stripped back to its most restorative elements: warm water, quiet mornings, and treatments that leave more time unaccounted for than planned.
8 days tailor-made from $8,150 per person View tripWe know where you will be welcome, and where to take more care.
Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specializing in tailor-made vacations and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury vacations, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalized experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with traveling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveler, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalized service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ vacations?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalized itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
We plant trees for every booking
For every booking made with Out Of Office we commit to planting trees in your name to help reduce the impact of travel on future generations. You'll even get a link to see where your trees are planted in the world via our partner Ecologi.
We donate to Rainbow Railroad with every booking
Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQ+ people escape state-sponsored violence and persecution. A donation goes with every trip we sell, funded by us and never added to your price.
Start Planning Your Trip
Tell us where you would love to go, when you are thinking of traveling and what kind of trip you have in mind. One of our LGBTQ+ travel specialists will create a tailor-made itinerary designed around your destination, style and preferences.
One named specialist, first inquiry to homecoming. No call center, and nothing is charged until you decide to book.