South African Safari

Day 1 UK - In flight

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2 Johannesburg - Entabeni

This morning we arrive into Johannesburg and commence our exciting journey heading north first to Entabeni Safari Conservancy. Located in the Waterberg biosphere, Entabeni means ‘place of the mountain’, but the area is home to several diverse habitats. We arrive at Lakeside Lodge (4T) or Hanglip Mountain Lodge (5T), with views over Entabeni Lake. Hippos often frequent the lake and it is not uncommon to spot other animals close to the lodge; this afternoon we enjoy a game drive in search of the local wildlife.

Day 3 Entabeni

The Safari Conservancy has plentiful wildlife including the ‘Big Five’: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino, as well as hyena, many birds and at least fifteen species of antelope. We awake on our first morning to magnificent mountain scenery and embark on an early game drive to the upper escarpment. After lunch we enjoy a game drive.

Day 4 Entabeni

Another thrilling day of nature-spotting awaits us, with two included drives to further explore the natural wonders of the reserve and its wildlife. Our first is before breakfast in the lower escarpment. This contrasting area of the reserve is home to warmer sandy wetlands.

After breakfast we visit the Endangered Species Centre to learn of the rare white lion, before joining a walk around a reconstructed Pedi cultural village. Our lunch will be taken at a traditional bush boma, followed by a second game drive.

Day 5 Entabeni - Limpopo

Today we continue our adventure to Limpopo in the far north of South Africa, travelling through the diverse landscape of this region. We stop en route for a picnic lunch, arriving this afternoon at Mopane Bush Lodge (4T), our base for the next three nights. We enjoy a bush walk this afternoon around the local area.

Day 6 Limpopo

Mopane Bush Lodge, a tranquil retreat located on Mapesu Nature Reserve, is a perfect base for the next few days’ activities. We begin early for a guided visit to Mapungubwe UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, in the 9th century Iron Age, the first known Bantu settlement was established in South Africa.

The site’s most famous artefact, the ‘Golden Rhino’, highlights the importance of the settlement within the vast Indian Ocean trade network. After lunch Mapungubwe National Park is our destination, for another exhilarating game drive.

Day 7 Limpopo

We return to the Mapungubwe National Park for a bush walk or game drive. This afternoon we experience the wondrous sight of ancient rock shelters adorned with approximately two hundred individual images of ancient graffiti and art, a legacy of the San people who occupied the area of early Africa before the arrival of the Bantu civilisations.

Day 8 Limpopo - Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Head to Karongwe Private Game Reserve to stay at Chisomo Safari Camp (4T) or Shiduli Private Game Lodge (4T), located within a landscape dominated by the northern Drakensberg Mountains, and thought to have provided inspiration to South African born JRR Tolkien. This afternoon we embark on a game drive, before dinner.

Day 9 Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Enjoy two incredible game drives. If you are staying at Chisomo, the morning drive is replaced with a totally different animal experience at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which has become home for many of South Africa’s abandoned or injured wildlife and together with their longstanding breeding projects, rescue and release efforts, offer a substantial contribution to wildlife education.

Day 10 Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Today we enjoy two more exciting journeys of potential animal-spotting, through the breathtaking landscape of Karongwe - perhaps we may see an elusive leopard or a lion.

Day 11 Karongwe Private Game Reserve - Kruger National Park

We travel along part of the famous Panorama route, including stops at the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. Our destination is Imbali Safari Lodge (5T) or Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge (5T), situated within the Kruger National Park.

Day 12 Kruger National Park

Today we have included two game drives in an area of diverse game viewing and wealth of wildlife.

Day 13 Kruger National Park

Two further game drives today before our final sumptuous evening meal in serene surroundings, which will no doubt be filled with bubbling conversation regarding the splendid wildlife experiences we have encountered.

Day 14 Kruger National Park - Johannesburg - In flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Day 15 UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.