Southern Africa

5 (or 6) Day Wildlife Discovery 
This luxury tour includes the experience of staying at a private game lodge. Consider up-grading to an open safari vehicle for game drives in the park. Experienced and knowledgable guides in smaller
air-conditioned vehicles ensure personalised service.

Why choose this region

What to see

Accomodations

Travel options

Day 1
Depart from Johannesburg and travel to the 'Province of the Rising Sun', Mpumalanga, via the historic towns of Witbank, Dullstroom and Lydenburg. Travel over the famous Long Tom Pass on to the small town of Sabie. Visit the Lone Creek Waterfalls before arriving at your elegant hideaway. Enjoy a delectable dinner that can only be described as a 'culinary masterpiece'.
Lone Creek River Lodge (Timber Cottages) or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis

The 5-Star Lone Creek River Lodge nestles in the river valley outside the town of Sabie, embraced by majestic mountains and evergreen forests. Breathtaking views will greet you every morning from five exclusive hotel rooms and eight private suites. Both en-suite and fully serviced accommodation include DSTV, open fireplaces, and tea and coffee making facilities. Elegant timber cottages provide an exclusive self catering experience. A rock pool offers a relaxing therapy. Private BBQ's can be enjoyed on the wooden deck with built-in braai. Alternatively, be spoiled in the Georgian styled manor house's restaurant, offering a five-course table d'hôte menu, served either indoors on the verandah or privately in the classic wine cellar. Activities available include: fly fishing, horse riding, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, river rafting, birding, helicopter excursions, hot air ballooning and pre-arranged game drives. Visits to the well-known waterfalls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Pilgrim's Rest, Cheetah Project, Sudwala Caves and Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Project will engrave the Lowveld's Panorama Route on your heart forever.

Day 2
After breakfast, visit the Mac Mac Waterfalls. Along the Bonnet Pass, pay a short visit to the historic town of Pilgrim's Rest, where the richest alluvial gold deposits in South Africa were discovered in 1873. Continue exploring the Panorama Route featuring: the Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondawels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window and various waterfalls. Continue to your private game lodge near the Kruger National Park arriving in time for afternoon tea, followed by your evening game drive in an open safari vehicle. Return to the lodge for a diverse selection of eclectic cuisine. Makalali Private Game Reserve or similar – dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 2 game viewing activities.

You won’t find another hotel quite like Makalali. From its curious mix of ragged thatched spires and earthy walls, to it’s ancient mystical ornaments and luxury appointments, it offers a truly unique experience. Four exclusive camps, each consisting of six spacious suites adjacent to a stilted Sala set amongst Jackalberry Trees, are equipped with all the modern conveniences you could desire. Amenities on offer at each camp include a uniquely designed swimming pool, boma, air conditioning and enclosed dining and lounge area. Makalali is more than just a physical experience, it’s a spiritual journey. The tranquillity of the African bush, with its vivid plumage and flora and fauna, makes the Makalali the perfect haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With evenings spent under the star studded African skies, dining on the finest pan African cuisine prepared on a flaming boma fire, you’ll be more that satisfied before you retire to your suite, where a cocoon of soft muslin, rich hues of African kente and scented oils, luls you into a pleasurable relaxing slumber.

Day 3
Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Enter the world famous Kruger National Park established in 1898 at Orpen Gate. This national park spanning over two million hectares is unrivalled in the diversity of its flora and fauna. Spend the day looking for the 'Big Five', general game and prolific bird life. After a late afternoon arrival at your hotel, relax and enjoy a well deserved dinner in the elegant dining room. Casa Do Sol Hotel or similar - dinner bed and breakfast basis

This luxury estate hotel situated in the beautiful Mpumalanga Region is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and quiet flower gardens. The cobbled streets, exotic gardens, coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the bush and the warm and friendly atmosphere make Casa do Sol a destination of choice for a large variety of travelers. Casa do Sol is situated within the 500 hectare "Illanga nature and game reserve". Over 100 different species of trees and indigenous bush, breeding herds of a variety of antelope and other non-aggressive game peacefully roam the reserve. Guests may have the unique pleasure of walking through the bush on the extensive marked trails on their own in complete safety. Finally, the crystal waters of two swimming pools are surrounded by luscious tropical gardens which have won awards for their vibrant colours and serene beauty - an environment sure to lull you into a state of gentle euphoria.

Day 4
After breakfast travel via Nelspruit and to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Drive through North-Eastern Swaziland along the Lebombo Mountains. Leave Swaziland and continue via the town of Pongola to your lodge in the Ubizane Game Reserve, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner is served in the boma under the African sky (weather permitting). Ubizane Game Reserve or similar - dinner, bed and breakfast basis + 1 game viewing activity.

The Ubizane Wildlife Reserve is situated in the heart of Zululand, the kingdom of the proud Zulu nation. The 1500 hectare Reserve, which is adjacent to the world renowned Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, boasts over 350 species of bird life as well as a variety of game including rhino, giraffe, wildebeest and many antelope species. Ubizane Wildlife Reserve boasts a wide variety of game, including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, and most species of antelope. You can view the game from the comfort of equipped game viewing Land Rovers, on foot for a more thrilling encounter or on horseback for a wonderfully unique experience. Adjacent to Ubizane Wildlife Reserve is the renowned Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest Game Reserve in Africa where the Big-5 roam the bush. (The Big-5 are made up of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard.)

Day 5
After an early safari in the Hluhluwe Game Reserve and breakfast, visit St Lucia, a World Heritage Site, and enjoy a river cruise on the estuary. Here you may see pelicans, fish eagles, hippo and crocodiles. After driving through sugar cane plantations along the Indian Ocean seaboard, arrive in the bustling city of Durban for drop off at your hotel or Durban International Airport.

Recommended Additional Night
Instead of traveling straight to Durban, enjoy a night’s stay at Shakaland- a traditional Zulu ‘Umuzi’, or homestead, divided into the home of the Zulus and luxury ‘beehive hut’ accommodation. A unique resort built on the set of the movies, Shaka Zulu and John Ross. Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake.

Day 6
After Breakfast enjoy an enriching experience affording a better of the Zulu nation, its people and their intriguing customs. Highlights include: the sight of assegaai-wielding warriors, sharing the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witnessing traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies. Mid-morning departure to Durban for drop off at your hotel or Durbal Intl. Airport.

 

5 (or 6) Day Wildlife Discovery
January 1st to October 31st 2008 rates:                 
Gross Price:                 US$  1380 CA$  1495
Single Supplement:     US$  185 CA$  200

Additional Night:       US$  227 CA$  245
Single Supplement:     US$  45 CA$  50

 
 

 

   
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