Author:

Kruger National Park

Highlights & Itinerary

Stay in the Kruger National Park - If you want to see the ‘big five’ this is the place to go – safari country at its best. This one of the most famous national parks in the world and the oldest one in Africa. Spend time exploring the scenically spectacular Panorama Route and take part in open vehicle game drives in the park at night and during the day.

Tour Summary

NO. AREA 3 STAR ACCOMMODATION
1 Ohrigstad Mpumulanga Hannah Lodge: Good chalets on a private game reserve with own bathroom and restaurant.
2 Kruger National Park Satara, Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Bergendal: Kruger Park Camp Chalets with own bathroom and restaurant.
3 Kruger National Park Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Pretoriuskop, Bergendal Camp: Kruger Park Camp Chalets with own bathroom and restaurant.
4 Depart

Meals Included

1 2 3 4
Breakfast X X X
Lunch X X X X
Dinner X X X

* Included meals are indicated with an X

What to Expect

  • A compact holiday for those short of time.
  • Privately guided tours for a minimum of five people (also offered with a surcharge for two).
  • Visits to the scenic highlights of the Panorama Route.
  • All entry fees and meals included as per itinerary.
  • Night drive and full day game viewing in open vehicle in the Kruger Park with the opportunity to see The Big Five.
  • Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg at the start or completion of the tour can be arranged on request.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG TO OHRIGSTAD – 500KM (Hannah Lodge or Similar (LD))

day01aTravel out of Johannesburg on the N4 towards Maputo, bypass Middleburg and near Belfast we detour from the freeway. We pass through Dullstroom and proceed to Lydenberg which, was established in 1849. The English translation of this name is the ‘Town of Suffering’ and it was named after its founders who had suffered greatly as a result of malaria and floods in the original town of Ohrigstad.  From here we take the scenically spectacular Long Tom Pass over the Mpumulanga Drakensberg to Sabie. The pass is 57 km long with a summit of 2149 metres. The origin of the pass goes back to 1871 when a wagon track was built to connect Lydenberg with Lourenco Marques (Maputo).

In September 1900, the British recaptured Lydenberg during the Anglo-Boer war. The Boers used a 15cm cannon to shell the British and the gun was nicknamed ‘Long Tom’ by the British troops – a name which, has survived to this day. A light lunch is taken en-route in the Sabie or Graskop area and in the afternoon we spend time exploring the scenically spectacular Panorama route visiting sights such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes or Gods Window.

In the evening, we arrive at the lodge and dinner is taken in the restaurant.

DAY 2: HANNAH LODGE TO KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – 210KM (Satara, Skukuza or similar – Kruger Camp Chalets (BLD))

day02aBreakfast is taken in the restaurant. We leave the Drakensberg escarpment via the Abel Erasmus Pass – another scenic route which, drops 800m in its 24km length and includes a 133,5 m long tunnel. There are panoramic views of the Olifants River Valley and the Lowveld.  We travel via Klaserie and the Orpen Gate into the Kruger National Park.  Expect some superb game viewing as we drive the 50km, through the park.  A light lunch is taken en-route or at the camp.

Overnight in the tranquil setting of the Kruger Park rest camp. Towards evening we board the open vehicles for a game drive in search of the nocturnal animals – remember to dress warmly and to have a windproof jacket if possible. Dinner is taken at the lodge and is included.

Tomorrow is another eventful day so make sure you get your beauty sleep! Our first night in the African bush and we are lulled to sleep by the calls of the wild!

DAY 3: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – 130KM  (Satara, Skukuza or similar – Kruger Camp Chalets (BLD))

day03aA full day today, after an early breakfast in the restaurant. Dress warmly and take hats and sun-creams for later on in the morning.  We spend the whole day in the open safari vehicle with the opportunity to see many of the exciting animals, including the Big Five, which Kruger has to offer.

The direct distance between the two camps is about 95 km, however, depending on the animals seen and the route taken it could be longer. A picnic lunch and soft drinks are included and taken at one of the rustic picnic sites or camps along the way.  The coach will be waiting for you at the overnight camp with your luggage.  A leisurely evening and dinner are taken in the restaurant with time to discuss the sightings of the day (an optional extra would be another open vehicle night drive).

DAY 4: KRUGER TO JOHANNESBURG – 480KM (Depart (BL))
An early start today and the guide will transfer you to Cape Town Airport in time to make an internal flight to Johannesburg and then onward to your luxury bush lodge in Mpumulanga. On arrival, you will be met by a lodge representative for a road transfer to your bush camp where you will spend the next two days on an all-inclusive basis.

INCLUDED EXCLUDED
  • Transport in Air-conditioned vehicle to suit group size
  • Accommodation as described in itinerary
  • All meals as indicated in meal table above.
  • All entry fees and activities as specified in the itinerary.
  • Services of a professional qualified SATOUR registered guide.
  • Comprehensive tour folder at start of tour
  • Drinks and gratuities
  • Any non-specified extras.
  • Any activities listed as optional extra activities
  • All flights
  • All Insurance and visa costs
  • All meals not shown as included in the meal table

Sun City & Pilanesberg

Highlights & Itinerary

If you don’t have time to visit Kruger National Park or you are looking for a “Big 5” Malaria free option, only two hours from Johannesburg, then this is the ideal tour for you. En-route, we visit the Elephant Sanctuary for an introduction to these massive creatures. Enjoy two nights in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve including open vehicle game drives to search for the Big 5. Visit the spectacular Sun City Resort which has an abundance of water sports and activities on offer.

Tour Summary

NO. AREA 4 STAR ACCOMMODATION
1 Pilanesberg Bakubang Bush Lodge
2 Pilanesberg Bakubang Bush Lodge
3 Sterkfontein Maropeng Hotel
4 Depart  

 

Meals Included

  1 2 3 4
Breakfast   X X X
Lunch X    
Dinner X X  

* Included meals are indicated with an X

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG TO PILANESBERG – 180KM (Bakubang Lodge or similar (LD))

You will be collected from your Sandton hotel or O.R. Tambo International airport at +- 08h00. En route visit the Elephant Sanctuary in the Magaliesberg Mountains.  An introduction to the elephants in the forest area is followed by interaction with these giant creatures. Lunch is included at the Elephant Sanctuary. On arrival at Pilanesberg National Park check in to your accommodation.  This afternoon board your open vehicle for an evening game drive in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

The Game reserve is situated in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, adjacent to Sun City. Set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, the Park ranks among the largest of the parks in South Africa (it is in fact, the fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectares. The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam. Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets. Pilanesberg National Park accommodates virtually every mammal of southern Africa and is also home to the Big Five.

Dinner will be taken at the lodge and is included.

DAY 2: PILANESBERG & SUN CITY – 30KM (Bakubang Lodge or similar (BD))

It is an early start this morning with a morning game drive into the magnificent Pilanesberg Game Reserve followed by breakfast at the lodge. This is Big Game country at its best.

Transfer to Sun City for the rest of the day. A map will be provided on arrival to familiarise yourself with what you can do and where the activities are situated. Lunch will be for your own account and can be taken at one of the many restaurants within the Sun City complex.

This African fantasy-world immerses visitors in the atmosphere of an ancient and exotic civilisation.

Sun City has a combination of features unmatched anywhere in the world. There are many optional activities (Some activities may incur additional expenses for your own cost) which you can enjoy such as tennis, squash, swimming, golf, mountain biking and horse riding. There are also lots of water sports and guests can parasail, water ski, canoe and windsurf. Less active water enthusiasts can enjoy a Sunset Cruise. Other activities include golf, Valley of the waves, Kwena Gardens crocodile sanctuary, The Village people – cultural experience including arts and crafts, butterfly world, horse riding, the bird aviary and animal world.

Return to the lodge in the early evening for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 3: PILANESBERG TO STERKFONTEIN – 110KM (Maropeng Hotel (B))

Enjoy an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. We depart the lodge mid-morning and travel to Maropeng Hotel at the Cradle of Humankind. Lunch can either be taken en-route or at the hotel and is for your own account.  Visit the Sterkfontein caves which include an exciting underground guided tour where some of the most important fossil discoveries have been made.

The Sterkfontein Valley landscape comprises a band of important palaeo-anthropological sites including Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, Coopers B, Wonder Cave, and various others. These sites have produced the remains of hominids (i.e. human and pre-human) from over 2 to 3,3 million years ago, the early stone-age, the middle stone age, the later stone age, the early and late iron age and up to the present day. It is at the Sterkfontein site that the famous Mrs Ples (Plesianthropus transvaalensis) was discovered by Dr Robert Broom. This ancient cave system has over the years revealed a sequence of deposits with fossils dating from about 3.5 to 1.5 million years ago.

The afternoon is at leisure with dinner taken at the hotel for your own account.

 

DAY 4:  STERKFONTEIN – 110KM (Depart (B))

After breakfast, your guide will take you across to the Maropeng museum/visitors centre. It can take anything from 1 – 7 hours depending on how long you want to spend.

Maropeng’s interpretation centre enables visitors to explore, by means of zones, the history of the earth and humankind. It lies on the side of a hill, where ancient rocky outcrops are the setting of a huge tear-shaped burial mound, referred to as the Tumulus: a partly disguised grassy mound 20m high and 35m wide. The first of its kind in the world, the Tumulus is designed to look like an ancient burial mound from the front and, when exiting on the other side, a very modern structure from the rear. One approaches the Tumulus along a walkway that covers the significance of Africa and the Cradle of Humankind. Inside the building, a welcome area explains the orientation of the Cradle area and other attractions on offer, and positions the world heritage site in the context of other South African sites. The journey continues to an underground lake, where a boat ride takes the visitor back 4-billion years in geological time through the basic elements that make up our world: water, air, fire and earth. From here, the journey continues through an experience highlighting the history of our world and humankind as a species, brought to life via audiovisual techniques, sound effects, theme-park technology and theatrical displays.

In the late afternoon, you will transfer back to Johannesburg where you will reach your hotel or O.R. Tambo Airport at +- 17h00.

INCLUDED EXCLUDED
  • Transport in Air-conditioned vehicle to suit group size
  • Accommodation as described in itinerary
  • All meals as indicated in meal table above.
  • All entry fees and activities as specified in the itinerary.
  • Services of a professional qualified SATOUR registered.
  • Comprehensive tour folder at start of tour
  • Drinks and gratuities
  • Any non-specified extras.
  • Any activities listed as optional extra activities
  • All flights
  • All Insurance and visa costs
  • All lunches and dinners not shown as included in the meal table

Victoria Falls and Chobe

Highlights & Itinerary

The Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Mosi-Oa-Tunya or The Smoke That Thunders stretches over 1.5km as it plunges over 100m into the Zambezi gorge below. Chobe National Park in Botswana is home to 450 bird species and the largest concentration of elephants in Africa.

DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG - LIVINGSTONE (Zambia)
Sussi & Chuma Lodge (All inclusive)

day01aDepart from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport and fly to Livingstone Airport in Zambia. On arrival at Livingstone Airport, a representative will meet and transfer you to the lodge. The transfer time is approximately 20 minutes. Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone's faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides and 12km from the famous Falls.

The Zambian side of the Victoria Falls provides an entirely different experience to its better-known Zimbabwean counterpart. Depending on the time of the year, the views are more spectacular and you can get right up to the falling water by walking down a steep track to the base of The Falls and follow spindly walkways perched over the abyss. If the water is low and the wind favourable, you'll be treated to a magnificent view of the Falls Bridge.

day01bThe central lodge building features a raised bar/lounge with deck, downstairs open-air dining area, swimming pool and a separate treatment room which provide incredible views of the mighty Zambezi.

Meals are table d'hote with a wide variety of dishes available, served alfresco. Overnight at the lodge for 2 nights on a fully inclusive basis.

 

 

Activities offered at the lodge include:

  • Game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where guests can see a variety of game, including white rhino, elephant, buffalo, and giraffe.
  • A walking tour of the incredible Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site, is a must as they give guests an opportunity to experience one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
    You are able to indulge in a range of optional spa treatments from the treatment room on the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River.(Excluded from package price)
  • Sundowner cruise
  • Walking safari
  • Village tour

DAY 2: ZAMBIA
Sussi & Chuma Lodge (All inclusive)

Breakfast is taken at the lodge and there is a host of activities to participate in today and the lodge staff will advise you of timings and options. The main lodge is built on two levels, perched in giant ebony trees overlooking the Zambezi. Guests can relax in the swimming pool or the treatment room, or enjoy a drink in the elevated bar. There are twelve air-conditioned tree houses, connected by wooden walkways. Each tree house enjoys superb views over the river and is an open plan room with shower, bathtub, vanity area and private toilet.

You may opt to enjoy the tour to Victoria Falls today. During your time at Vic Falls, there is a host of optional extra activities that you can experience such as Bungee jumping, River Rafting or a helicopter flip over the falls. These will be for your own account.

End the day with a spectacular sunset cruise on the river.
Accommodation: Sussi & Chuma Tree House

DAY 3: LIVINGSTONE (Zambia) - CHOBE (Botswana)
Chilwero Camp (All inclusive)

After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to the Kazungula which is the border point across the Zambezi between Zambia and Botswana. You will travel by boat across the river and will be assisted through passport control. Check in at Chilwero Camp on an all-inclusive basis. The transfer is + 1 h 30 minutes.

Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero borders Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest remaining population of elephants. This is an incredibly luxurious lodge with just 15 guest cottages, as well as the only full spa on the Botswana safari circuit.

The main area commands fabulous views over the Chobe River which borders Chobe National Park to the north. As well as the elephants for which the park is famous, there are also huge herds of buffalo living in the towering teak forests that are characteristic of the area. Each room has two showers - one inside and one outside. The freestanding tubs in the bathrooms are big and comfortable. Each cottage has its own private garden where guests can sip cocktails after a day of game viewing, or why not enjoy your very own private dinner served under the African sky.
Accommodation: Chobe Chilwero Lodge

DAY 4: CHOBE (Botswana)
Chilwero Camp (All inclusive)

Elephants feature largely on any activity at Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero, as the largest population left in Africa occupies this northern corner between Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Game drives in open-sided 4 x 4 vehicles bring these grey giants into easy reach as they drink and frolic at the water’s edge in their boisterous herds. Thrilling game drives are led by qualified professional guides who will bring guests close to hippos, buffalos, puku, antelope, lions and other creatures that gather on the banks of the Chobe River.

The best way to end a day of safari is sipping on a cocktail while watching an African sunset over the still waters of the Chobe River, toasting to the end of yet another beautiful day, while looking forward to what the new day will bring. Specially designed riverboats take guests up close to elephants as they wade in the river or near to the buffalo who gather on its shores.

Sundowner cruises are also a great way of seeing animals up close as they come out of the shade to graze in the cooler evenings.

Accommodation: Chilwero Camp Lodge

DAY 5: CHOBE - LIVINGSTONE - JOHANNESBURG

Breakfast is taken at the lodge and depending on your transfer time you may have some time to relax for departing.

You will be transferred back across the border into Zambia and on to Livingstone Airport.
Fly from Livingstone to Johannesburg.
Times may vary and can be confirmed on inquiry.

Passenger Information

Tour Code  
Duration 4 nights / 5 days
Depart On request
Minimum 2
Price On request
Single On request
Included Flight Johannesburg / Livingstone / Zambia, All meals, all game viewing activities, park fees, laundry service, emergency evacuation, all beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic with the exception of premium brands), road transfer from Livingstone to Sussi & Chuma, inter-lodge road transfer and transfer back to Livingstone Airport.
Excluded Items of a personal nature, premium brand beverages, optional extra activities, spa treatments, gratuities
Meals All inclusive
Accommodation 2 nights Sussi & Chuma Lodge – Zambia
2 nights Chobe Chilwero – Botswana
Comments

Yellow Fever Vaccination is required when visiting Zambia.

Malaria precautions are recommended – Please consult your GP

All passport and visa permits are excluded and for the client's own account.

The client is responsible for arranging their necessary documentation and visa requirements prior to arrival if necessary.

Activity Level Moderate