| D1: Johannesburg OR Tambo - Pretoria |
| Meet and greet • Pretoria Orientation Tour(n) • Union Buildings(n) |
| | - | Meet and greet at the OR Tambo Airport. Our guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall carrying a banded sign board. You will then be escorted to a restaurant or coffee shop where while enjoying a complimentary juice or hot beverage our guide will explain in detail your itinerary and arrangements, he will give you all the advise you might need for your trip and will answer all questions you might have . He will hand over your travel documentation, maps , vouchers and a SIM card, and escort you to your onward transportation.
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| | - | Pick up your vehicle Europcar SA Classic Plus Category M Early Booker(7-13 days ) at Johannesburg OR Tambo - Drop Off Johannesburg OR Tambo (Day 10) - 10 days  |
| | - | Familiarise yourself with Afrikaans and African culture with a tour of Pretoria. The Jacaranda City, as Pretoria is fondly called, is the administrative and diplomatic centre of South Africa that once served as the headquarters for the old independent Transvaal Boere Republic. Here you will find some of the iconic landmarks that represent the old independent Transvaal as well as the new democratic South Africa. The Voortrekker Monument is a massive memorial ringed by ox wagons that commemorate the exodus of disillusioned Afrikaaners from the Cape, Church Square houses Die Raadsaal, the former parliament buildings of the Boer Republic, and the Paul Kruger House was the home of the Traansvaal Republic’s president. The Union Buildings stand proud and tall, built in 1910 and now house the official seat of the South African government as well as a nine-metre statue of former president Nelson Mandela. (n) (n) |
| | - | Admire the architectural beauty of the Union Buildings. This stately edifice is the official seat of the South African government and the offices of the President of South Africa, providing an unrestricted view of the Pretoria city centre and surrounding suburbs. It was designed by one of South Africa’s leading architects, Herbert Baker, and completed in 1913. The layout of the buildings was largely determined by the nature of the site as Baker envisaged identical wings of rectangular office blocks, each representing one of the country’s two official languages at the time. They were to be linked by a semi-circular wing, and the space in-between the two wings was levelled to form an amphitheatre as in the Greek fashion for gatherings of national and ceremonial importance. The Union Buildings are also noted for their beautiful terraced gardens, landscaped exclusively with indigenous plants and various monuments and statues, including a nine-metre-tall statue of the former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Court Classique Suite Hotel (Studio Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D2: Pretoria - Naboomspruit |
| 4x4 Afternoon Game Drive |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Naboomspruit |
| | - | Arrival at Entabeni Safari Conservancy. Often referred to as ‘the place of the mountain’, Entabeni is peacefully positioned deep within the Waterberg Biosphere. Its breathtaking scenery includes diverse vegetation representing the five different eco-systems that stretch across the 22 000-hectare reserve. Birdlife is prolific with over 300 varieties, while the 75 resident mammal species include elephant, lion, white and black rhino, hippo, leopard and buffalo. African python and the Nile crocodile are also present and the reserve offers guided game drives, horseback safaris and nature walks. The stunning terrain is characterised by bountiful bushveld and wide-open grasslands accompanied by sandy wetlands, and exquisitely defined crags and ravines through which small streams babble, lighting up the landscape. |
| | - | Lunch: Entabeni Wildside Tented Safari Camp |
| | - | 4×4 game drive in the Entabeni Private Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province. Nature lovers will delight in the enthralling variety of wildlife on offer in this diverse reserve with everything from the Big Five to tall giraffes and strange looking warthogs. Entabeni is situated deep within the Waterberg Mountains, an area that is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world, so there is a good possibility that you will spot one or more of these elusive cats during your game drive. As you explore the two escarpments that make up the park you will pass through the exquisite yellowwood gorge, along a path that twists down through cliffs, waterfalls and forests before emerging at the base where the glorious sight of sandveld vegetation, dense bush and massive plains await you. In this lower lying area it is not uncommon so see hippo and rhino sharing the grasslands while a magnificent multitude of birds inhabit the wetland areas. |
| | - | Dinner: Entabeni Wildside Tented Safari Camp |
| | - | Overnight: Entabeni Wildside Tented Safari Camp (Family Tent - Fully Inclusive) |
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| D3: Naboomspruit - Tzaneen |
| 4x4 Morning Game Drive • Giant Baobab(n) • Magoesbaskloof Hiking Trail(n) |
| | - | 4×4 morning game drive in the Entabeni Private Game Reserve in northern South Africa. This spectacular, malaria-free reserve not only guarantees big game viewing but also showcases the beautiful variety and richness of the country's indigenous vegetation. Your chilly morning start is one of the best times to spot the countless animals that roam this park before the heat of the day sees wildlife taking cover in the long grass and thick bush. Wildebeest, hippo, giraffe, impala and warthog are easily found and you may even have a chance of watching a pride of lions hunt for their breakfast. With over 300 flower varieties and at least 15 species of antelope you can rest assured that there will always be something to stop and marvel at. Also be on the lookout for the furtive leopard that is regularly sighted in the reserve. |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Tzaneen |
| | - | Sit inside a giant baobab. Believed to be one of the oldest trees on earth, this beautiful behemoth is also one of the largest in the world with a circumference of 155 feet. Located on a privately owned farm, the Sunland baobab, as it is frequently referred to, has become a popular natural attraction, and over the years scores of visitors have entered its gnarled interior to have a look around and enjoy a drink inside the rustic tree pub. Baobabs naturally hollow themselves out when they reach approximately 1 000 years of age and this tree, that carbon dating puts at around 6 000 years old, has hollowed out to such an extent that it can comfortably fit 15 people inside its trunk. As one of Africa’s most iconic trees, baobabs are renowned for their longevity and unusual appearance, looking very much as if they have been planted in the ground upside down. (n) (n) |
| | - | Ramble through the beautiful grasslands of Magoebaskloof. The walking trails that meander through the Haenertsburg Grassland Nature Reserve are not only magnificently scenic but also feature rare afro-montane woodbush granite grasslands, one of South Africa’s most threatened vegetation types. These grasslands alternate with patches of indigenous forest and trails take hikers over craggy ravines, past cascading waterfalls and to crystal-clear mountain streams. Within the magical forest surrounds you will hear Samango monkeys chattering to each other and a host of birds chirpily exchanging calls. There are plenty of rest stops along the trails as well as ancient geological formations to admire, some thought to be over 3 million years old. Relish the fresh countryside air and the rarity of the surrounding flora while rejuvenating your senses. Your hike will last approximately two hours. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Tzaneen Country Lodge (Classic Room - Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D4: Tzaneen - Karongwe |
| 4X4 Afternoon Game Drive |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Arrival in Karongwe Private Game Reserve. Deep within the naturally scenic province of Limpopo and just 40 minutes east of the Kruger National Park, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve and its exceptional lodges are set within a wild and whimsical landscape. The lush countryside is dotted by small hills and an enormous variety of trees, creating the perfect scene for photography enthusiasts looking to capture quintessential African images. All the major mammal species are present in the reserve with regular sightings of giraffe, wildebeest, rhino and zebra, while at night nocturnal animals such as aardvark, bush baby, genet and porcupine emerge from the shadows to graze. Evenings are lit by thousands of stars, and dramatic sunsets end exciting days, giving you a glimpse into the soul of Africa. (Activities included in your package as per program below.) |
| | - | Lunch: Chisomo Safari Camp |
| | - | Afternoon 4x4 game drive. |
| | - | Dinner: Chisomo Safari Camp |
| | - | Overnight: Chisomo Safari Camp (Safari Suite - Fully Inclusive) |
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| D5: Karongwe - Kruger Park |
| Morning 4x4 Game Drive • Kruger Park(n) |
| | - | Morning 4x4 game drive. |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Travel to Kruger Park |
| | - | We recommend that you spend as much time as you can in the Kruger National Park from sunrise to sunset as vehicles are not allowed to drive during the night. You can have breakfast and lunch inside the park at the rest camps, or alternatively, you can request a packed breakfast or packed lunch from your hotel. Game drives in an open vehicle can be booked locally. The park covers an area close to 19 000 square kilometres (350 km x 60 km)... a small country on its own! Needless to say, you can spend days and days in the park that offers one of the widest diversity of wildlife in the world. (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Satara Rest Camp (Bungalow BD2N - Bed only) |
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| D6: Kruger Park |
| Morning Walk(o) • Sunset Drive |
| | - | Get an early start with a morning walk in the Satara section of the Kruger National Park. Famed for its high concentrations of wildlife and scenic beauty, your guided nature walk is guaranteed to be filled with exciting experiences, from spotting antelope, warthog and zebra, to distinguishing between elephant and buffalo spoor. An experienced guide will lead you through the splendour of the Kruger’s wilderness and will assist you in identifying different plant and bird species while keeping a sharp eye out for special sightings such as the feisty little honey badger. Birders will delight in the plethora of resident birds that include the red-billed buffalo weaver, Burchell's starling and mourning dove, while the open plains to the north of Satara camp are perhaps the best place in the park to record montagu's and pallid harrier. Take a minute to admire the trees such as knob thorn and red bushwillow that dot the marula savannahs. (Optional rates: D6:Walk in the Kruger AM) |
| | - | Listen for the sounds of nocturnal creatures on a sunset game drive in the Satara region of the Kruger National Park. Renowned for its brilliant game viewing, this outstanding and diverse region is one of the most accessible in the Kruger. Although busy at times, the humdrum of humans dies down at sunset and is replaced by a symphony of wildlife that includes crickets, nightjars, cicadas and owls. More menacing rumblings also echo across the landscape, such as the whoop of hyena, the screech of jackal, and the roars of lion signalling the start of their evening hunts. As your eyes adjust to the darkening sky, your senses become heightened to the sounds and smells of the bush, all uniting to create a uniquely African sensory experience. Return to a camp blanketed by a starry sky to reminisce and ponder the beauty of the bushland |
| | - | Overnight: Satara Rest Camp (Bungalow BD2N - Bed only) |
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| D7: Kruger Park |
| Sunrise Drive(o) • Sunset Drive(o) |
| | - | Rise at dawn for a sunrise game drive in the Satara region of the Kruger National Park. This area supports many of the Kruger's largest herds of grazers that are easily found on the open grasslands, and is also popular for its frequent lion and hyena sightings. As you begin your guided safari drive in an open 4x4 game vehicle, you may feel a close connection with the fresh and wild surrounding landscape that is slowly beginning to come to life. Grasslands shimmer with morning dew while frisky herds of zebra and antelope can be seen roaming across the plains. Although peaceful, the bushland is never silent at this time of the day with birds beginning their morning song and plains game starting to graze. Keep a lookout for waxbills, yellow-bellied greenbuls and mocking cliff-chats that are regular feathered visitors to this area. (Optional rates: D7:Kruger safari AM) |
| | - | Expect to meet some of Africa’s predators on a sunset game drive in Lower Sabie. The high concentration of predators in this region of the Kruger National Park makes Lower Sabie a popular choice for visitors who arrive in the hopes of observing African lions in the wild and, perhaps, stumble upon a leopard kill. Sunset is the best time to see all the action as frisky predators prepare for a night of hunting and plains game, lazy from the heat of the day, may be caught off guard. Your 4x4 safari drive will take you through the darkening bushland en route to one of the area’s many waterholes where wildlife congregates during the fading hours of the day. Lions are regularly seen gently lapping up water while zebras find safety in numbers and slake their thirst in large groups (Optional rates: D7:Walk in the Kruger AM) |
| | - | Overnight at the Rest Camp: Lower Sabie Rest Camp (Bungalow (BD3) - Accommodation only) |
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| D8: Kruger Park - Graskop |
| Sunrise Drive(o) • Blyde River Canyon and Potholes(n) |
| | - | Prepare for an early morning wake-up call and a sunrise 4x4 game drive in the Lower Sabie region of the Kruger National Park. Located along the banks of the Lower Sabie River, this area is the ideal base from which to admire the game, birds and flora that grace the southern reaches of the Kruger. As you set out at first light, the crisp morning will awaken your senses while the call of birds and wildlife fills the air. The profusion of water in the area attracts large herds of waterbuck and the early morning is a particularly rewarding time to visit the region’s numerous waterholes. Lush vegetation and thick blankets of riverine forests ensure good populations of grazing and browsing animals such as bushbuck, tsessebe, zebra and wildebeest, as well as may water birds including the marabou stalk. (Optional rates: D8:Kruger safari PM) |
| | - | Travel to Graskop |
| | - | Make your way towards the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This seemingly endless river canyon is filled with some of the most beautifully scenic vistas in South Africa. The Bourke's Luck Potholes mark the beginning of the canyon and comprise intriguing geological formations at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers. The canyon itself is 3rd largest in the world, covered in lush sub-tropical vegetation with an average depth of 750 metres and 25 kilometres in length. It consists mostly of red sandstone and has some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Mosswood Bed and Breakfast (Standard Room Bed and Breakfast) |
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| D9: Graskop - Johannesburg |
| Boat trip(o) • Dullstroom(n) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | View the Blyde River Canyon from a different perspective with a boat trip. This massive canyon is usually viewed from vantage points such as God’s Window, offering sweeping views across the landscape; however, a boat cruise through its gorge below presents the advantage of dramatic geological rock formations and excellent birding. Your boat trip will take you to the Kadishi Tufa waterfalls where tufa rock is built up and laid down by the falling water after a chemical reaction precipitates cultrate out of the reaction between plant, water and rock. While on board, admire the unique, traditional hut shape of the Three Rondavels peaks as you gently float by and keep an eye out for wildlife such as hippo, crocodile and fish eagle. During your boat trip your guide will regale you with interesting historical facts about the third largest canyon in the world. (Optional rates: D5:Blyde river Boat cruise) |
| | - | Travel to Johannesburg |
| | - | Hit the highlands in Dullstroom. This picturesque village in Mpumalanga is best known for its fly fishing dams, quaint shops and country restaurants. It forms part of the Highlands Meander where fly fishing rules and old timers exchange news in the local pub and are rumoured to still make their own moonshine. Brisk outdoor adventure waits as the area offers many adventure trails, rock climbing opportunities and hiking paths as well as being home to three varieties of crane species and a stunning array of blooming wild flowers. Dullstroom is also the site of South Africa’s only known breeding community of black leopards, although these unique cats are notoriously difficult to find. The brave can try some witbiltz, a South African version of moonshine. (n) (n) |
| | - | Overnight: Sitatunga Guest Lodge (Standard/Premium - Bed and Breakfast ) |
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| D10: Johannesburg |
| Day Tour: Jo`burg, Soweto and Apartheid Museum FD(o) |
| | - | Breakfast |
| | - | Orientate yourself with greater Johannesburg on a full-day tour of Johannesburg, Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Your explorations begin in the heart of bustling Johannesburg, the third largest city in Africa, as you seek out landmark buildings such as the Hillbrow Tower, one of the tallest towers in Africa, the sky-scraping Ponte City, Sentech and Carlton Centre Tower and the multi-million rand Nelson Mandela Bridge. South of city you will find the Apartheid Museum (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays) that showcases the notorious system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until 1994 when the country’s first fully democratic elections were held. The museum has two entrances labelled ‘white’ and ‘non-white’ giving visitors a tiny taste of some of apartheid’s prejudiced rules. More serious overtones to this system of racial classification can be observed inside the museum with harrowing personal testimonials and historical facts. Your tour rounds off with highlights of Soweto such as the match box houses, FNB “Soccer city” Stadium, Hector Pieterson Memorial, Vilakazi Street and Mandela House.
(Optional rates: D10:Joburg, Soweto & Apartheid Museum) |
