Highlights
- Amazing diversity of wildlife, culture & landscapes
- Self-drive independence & expertly guided activities
- Game drives, walking safaris, diving & snorkelling, birding
- Private & exclusive settings, en suite accommodation
FROM
USD 4836 pps
Itinerary
Days 1 – 3: On Foot in Big 5 Country
Sharing an unfenced border with the Kruger Park and the famous Timbavati Reserve puts Klaserie Reserve at the heart of South Africa’s Big 5 country. And since it’s a private reserve, you’ll have incredible sightings of lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino to yourself. Your accommodation – Africa on Foot – is a lodge that specialises in walking safaris with expert guides. Game drives balance the experience and after a day’s game viewing you’ll return to your simple but comfortable chalet for a night under canvas. The lodge also offers lodging in a romantic tree house at no extra cost.
Days 4 – 6: Pure Sabi Magic
The super-exclusive Sabi Sands Private Reserve has long been the destination of choice for discerning travellers; Umkumbe Safari Lodge delivers all the drama of Africa’s best game viewing at an affordable rate. And you won’t sacrifice location: the lodge overlooks a productive waterhole and you’ll be enjoying game drives with sharp-eyed guides and trackers. Spot-lit night drives give you the chance to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies, springhares and genets.
Day 7: A Swazi Stopover
It’s a long drive between Kruger and the KwaZulu Natal coast so you’ll be breaking the journey up with an overnight stay at a historic piece of Swaziland. Reilly’s Rock Hilltop Lodge – once exchanged for an ox-wagon – is family-owned and formed the nucleus around what has become the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a lovely location with valley views and gardens full of birds; your lodgings will be in individually decorated suites.
Days 8 - 11: To the Indian Ocean
Drive on to the coast and one of South Africa’s wildest and most unspoilt beaches where you’ll find a luxurious beachside hideaway – Thonga Beach Lodge. Its setting on KwaZulu Natal’s remote Maputaland coast puts you at the heart of an extraordinary ecosystem: thick forest grows right down to the beach, off-shore coral reefs teem with marine life and its lakes ring with the call of fish-eagles and hippos. It’s a luxurious and romantic lodge, offering treats such as a spa and candle-lit dining for two. Activities are varied: there are diving, snorkelling, kayaking and ocean tours: bird watchers can tick off endemic species; and guests can even watch turtle nesting between November and February.
Days 12 – 14: Discover Pongola
Head into the interior of KwaZulu Natal and to the Pongola Game Reserve, home to classic African animals as well as an amazing 350 bird species. Your accommodation is White Elephant Safari Camp, set at the foot of the Lebombo Mountains and overlooking Lake Jozini. Such a location means you’ll be adding boat cruises and canoeing to your game drives, and you’ll also have the chance to take part in elephant and rhino conservation programmes.
Days 15 – 18: A Boutique Finale
It’s a morning’s drive to Durban’s King Shaka Airport but only a couple of hours to fly to Cape Town where you’ll be met and transferred to Welgelegen Guesthouse, set in a quiet street close to the popular Kloof Street area. This puts you at the heart of ‘local’ Cape Town and you can walk to restaurants and delis from the guesthouse. It’s also just a short taxi or Uber ride to Cape Town’s biggest attractions such as Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Camps Bay beach. For destinations further afield such as Cape Point, the Cape Winelands and the penguins of Boulders Beach, we recommend hiring a car or joining organised or private tours – ask us for recommendations and bookings.
Day 19: The Journey Ends
After a final breakfast at Welgelegen, it’ll be time to transfer back to Cape Town International Airport for your onward flight and the end of the tour.
Rates: 2018 & 2019
Accommodation, Meals as specified, Activities at Safari Lodges, Local Drinks & Laundry at Safari Lodges, All internal flights in SA, 15 Days Car Rental; Nissan X-Trail Car Rental, All Park & Conservation fees, Airport taxes
Excludes:International Flights to SA, Premium Drinks at Safari Camps, Gratuities, Meals that are not Specified, Items of personal nature, Travel Insurance
Safari, Beach & Cape Enquire Now
USD 4836 pps *Prices vary according to seasonality. Usually we tailor itineraries to your particular requirements. Simply contact us!