South Africa's north

ABOUT THIS TRIP

The wildlife-rich north of South Africa is ideal for authentic safaris deep in the African bush. Discover the Big Five and all other wildlife in a private game reserve, in the famous Kruger Park, in the beautiful Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, and in the magical iSimangaliso Wetland Park. At St. Lucia, you can even go on a seasonal whale watching boat trip. Experience additional impressive landscapes on the Panorama Route and endless beaches on the Indian Ocean, which is warm all year round.

You don't want to drive yourself, but a small group tour doesn't have the right start date for you and a privately guided tour is too expensive? Then our English-speaking chauffeur-driven tours are just the right alternative. Your private chauffeur will take you from place to place, where you will then take part in guided day activities and excursions. However, you do not have the all-round support of a continuous tour guide. All chauffeur-driven tours can start daily and can be adapted to your wishes in advance. The more people take part in your own chauffeur-driven tour, the lower the price per person.

OVERNIGHT STATIONS

• 2x Hoedspruit
• 2x Hazyview
• 1x Piet Retief
• 2x Hluhluwe
• 3x St. Lucia
• 1x Umhlanga

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• 11x overnight stay in the Superior category ****
• 11x breakfast, 5x lunch, 7x dinner
• private transfers according to program
• Four game drives in the private Big Five Balule Game Reserve
• Highlights of the Panorama Route
• Day game drive in Kruger Park
• four game drives in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
• Day game drive in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Access to the airport lounge on the day of departure
• Comprehensive travel documents according to the booked tour itinerary
• Local offices with 24-hour hotline (German/English)
• Travel insurance certificate

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Meals not mentioned
• not mentioned or optional activities
• Flight performance
• Entrance fees and conservation fees not mentioned
• other personal expenses, tips
• personal travel insurance
• Continuous tour guide

DAY 1: HOEDSPRUIT

ONEWAY TRANSFER FROM HOEDSPRUIT AIRPORT

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

For an additional fee, this trip can also begin in Johannesburg.

DAY 1 TO DAY 3:

HOEDSPRUIT

Your destination is the almost 50,000-hectare private Balule Game Reserve in Kruger Park. In contrast to the state-run national parks, only overnight guests have access to the private reserves. The small lodges have a very personal atmosphere. Specially trained rangers ensure a first-class nature experience. A private reserve is preferable for a short stay, as it is much easier to observe animals under expert guidance. Balule has had no fences to the national Kruger Park for many years, so the animals, including the Big Five, can move around freely.

The intimate Greenfire Game Lodge with only nine modern chalet suites is beautifully nestled in the unique bush landscape overlooking the Mohlabetsi Riverbed. The detached suites have a bathroom/WC, a safe, air-conditioning and a private veranda with seating and a view of the riverbed. The lodge offers a viewing deck with pool, a bar, a restaurant, a boma (traditional campfire dining area) and free Wi-Fi.

For each overnight stay you take part in two guided game drives in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast.

GREENFIRE GAME LODGE (CHALET SUITE)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 3: HOEDSPRUIT

HOEDSPRUIT TO HAZYVIEW VIA PANORAMA ROUTE

On the drive from Hoedspruit to Hazyview, you will discover the highlights of the Panorama Route. Of course, God's Window and the world-famous Blyde River Canyon are on the program, including breathtaking views of the Three Rondawels and the Lowveld. In the cozy little town of Graskop, you have the option of visiting the Graskop Gorge. The region is known for its countless waterfalls, some of which you will also visit.

You will be picked up in the morning at your lodge in the private game reserve (please note the exact pick-up time in your tour book). You will arrive at your accommodation in Hazyview at around 5 p.m. Entrance fees for the Panorama Route attractions are included in the price; meals and the visit to Graskop Gorge are to be paid for on site if required. The tour language is English and the tour may be conducted with other people. The tour takes place in a closed vehicle.

DAY 3 TO DAY 5:

HAZYVIEW

Hazyview is ideally located between the scenically unique Panorama Route and the world-famous Kruger Park. From here you can take day trips to the Blyde River Canyon, the Bourkes Luck Potholes and various waterfalls as well as to the Big Five and all other African wildlife. It is also possible to discover the highlights of the Panorama Route or the Kruger Park on the way to or from the private game reserves.

Abangane Guest Lodge is situated just outside Hazyview and is a good base from which to explore the Kruger Park and the attractions of the Panorama Route. The lodge offers peace and relaxation with a fantastic view of the untouched bush landscape of the Lowveld. Despite its location close to nature, restaurants and shopping facilities are only a few minutes' drive away. There is a subtropical garden, a pool, an outdoor terrace and a guest lounge. The five rooms have a private bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a TV, a safe, a veranda with a view and free Wi-Fi. The Honeymoon Suite is more spacious and also offers a separate spa bath.

ABANGANE GUEST LODGE (LUXURY ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 4: HAZYVIEW

FULL DAY KRUGER SAFARI EXPERIENCE

You will take part in a full-day excursion in an open off-road vehicle into the national Kruger Park. You will preferably stay in the southern part of the park, as this is where the animal population is densest. Your professional ranger will bring you very close to the animals, a first-class safari experience.

The park is home to more than 150 different mammal species including the so-called "Big Five", i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Over 500 different bird species as well as many reptiles and amphibians make the Kruger Park the ultimate wildlife experience.

You will be picked up at your accommodation early in the morning (please note the pick-up time in your tour book). The safari takes about eight to nine hours. Conservation fees for the Kruger Park are included in the price. You can have a breakfast pack packed by your accommodation, lunch is optional. The tour language is English and the tour is conducted with additional people. The safari takes place in an open off-road vehicle. The transfer to and from Kruger Park can be done in a closed vehicle.

DAY 5: HAZYVIEW

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO PIET RETIEF

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 5 TO DAY 6:

PIET RETIEF

Piet Retief is situated south in the Mpumalanga region, halfway between the Kruger Park and Zululand. The town is known for its timber industry and was named after Piet Retief in 1833. The town has an eventful history behind it. The descendants of the Voortrekkers were the actual founders, but settlers from other nations - including many Germans and Scots - also soon found their way here. Today, the town blends tradition and modernity.

Welcome to the Dusk To Dawn Guesthouse, which is situated on a 1800ha working farm. Here you can relax by the solar-heated pool after your long drive and enjoy nature. In addition to the garden and pool, the accommodation also offers guided farm tours (at an extra charge), a store with local handicrafts and farm products, a petting zoo for children and three different shelters for bird watching. The eight detached cottages have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a lounge area, a small kitchenette and a veranda. The executive suites are more spacious and furnished to a higher standard.

The accommodation does not have a restaurant, so an extensive picnic basket awaits you for dinner.

DUSK TO DAWN FARM GUESTHOUSE (EXECUTIVE SUITE)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH HALF BOARD

DAY 6: PIET RETIEF

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO HLUHLUWE

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 6 TO DAY 8:

HLUHLUWE

Your next destination is the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, which is divided into the northern Hluhluwe section and the southern Imfolozi section. The two rivers of the same name gave the park its name. The park is home to the Big Five, i.e. elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo, as well as many other African wild animals. The rhino population in particular is larger here than anywhere else in the world. With over 20000 hectares of rolling hills and open savannah, the park is one of the most beautiful state game reserves in South Africa.

The luxurious Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the only private lodge in the Hluhluwe section of the park and offers breathtaking views over the African bush. The lodge has an outdoor pool, sun deck, fire pit, bar, restaurant and spa area (for a fee). The 16 modern rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a tea/coffee maker, a safe, a private outdoor deck and free Wi-Fi. The Family Rooms have two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom/WC. The Luxury Bush Villas have an additional lounge area with fireplace and a larger outdoor deck. The Honeymoon Bush Villas also offer a private plunge pool on the outside deck.

You take part in two guided game drives per night in an open off-road vehicle (English-speaking, participation with other people), which take place in the afternoon before dinner and in the morning before breakfast. You pay the entrance fees (conservation fees) on site.

RHINO RIDGE SAFARI LODGE (SAFARI ROOM)

2X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH FULL BOARD AND 4 ACTIVITIES

DAY 8: HLUHLUWE

ONEWAY TRANSFER TO ST. LUCIA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 8 TO DAY 11:

ST. LUCIA

Your destination is the small town of St. Lucia in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This is the ideal starting point for excursions in the surrounding area. Take a boat trip to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover hippos, crocodiles and unique birdlife. The Eastern Shore Section with Cape Vidal is a unique nature retreat with a real bush & beach feeling between the ocean and the evergreen hinterland, which is even home to three of the Big Five. The beautiful beach of St. Lucia with subtropical water temperatures invites you to swim all year round. An excursion to the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest and perhaps most beautiful game reserve in South Africa with its Big Five, is also an absolute highlight.

The modern Serene Estate Boutique Guest House is located on the outskirts of St. Lucia, overlooking the subtropical landscape of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The town center with restaurants and stores as well as the beach are within walking distance. The guest house impresses with its minimalist architecture, which nevertheless blends into the landscape. Bright colors and lighting effects were used to create the African ambience. The five rooms have a bathroom/WC, air conditioning, a fan, a minibar, a TV, a safe, a tea/coffee maker and free WiFi. The Garden Rooms are approximately 35 square meters in size and have a private veranda. The Parkside Suites are approximately 50sqm and offer a private balcony overlooking the Wetland Park. The guest house has a large pool, a modern bright garden and a cozy lounge area.

SERENE ESTATE (LUXURY PARKSIDE SUITE)

3X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 9: ST. LUCIA

Full-day bush and beach safari

The Eastern Shore Section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a unique beach and bush experience. This unique evergreen sanctuary is home to hippos, elephants, rhinos, buffalos, antelopes, zebras and impressive birdlife and offers one of the most beautiful beaches in the area at Cape Vidal. As only a certain number of guests are granted access to this part of the Wetlands each day, you usually have the beautiful surroundings all to yourself. Also included is a snorkeling trip to discover the interesting underwater world of the Indian Ocean, as well as a traditional bush lunch.

You will be picked up at your accommodation in the morning and dropped off there again in the afternoon. The tour language is English. The tour takes place in an open off-road vehicle. A maximum of ten people take part in this tour. Conservation fees, snorkeling equipment and lunch are included in the price.

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

WHALE WATCHING BOAT TRIP

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 145 € PER PERSON

From June to November, you have the best chance of spotting right whales and humpback whales in St. Lucia. You can get within 50 meters of these gigantic marine mammals by boat. An experience that no one should miss. If you are lucky, you may also spot dolphins, penguins and seals during the trip.

The boat trip on the sea takes about two hours, an additional hour is required for arrival and departure. If it is not possible to start in St. Lucia, the whale watching tour can start in Richards Bay, including the journey and boat trip, the tour takes around 5 hours (English-speaking, with additional people). Please note that this boat trip departs from the beach, which can be quite bumpy in rough seas.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 10: ST. LUCIA

ISIMANGALISO NIGHT DRIVE

OPTIONALLY BOOKABLE FROM 70 € PER PERSON

Discover the nocturnal animals of St. Lucia and Cape Vidal on a guided night drive in an open off-road vehicle. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a representative of the Big Five, but the focus of a night drive is more on searching for smaller animals such as chameleons or bushbabies. A highlight is of course the grazing hippos, which can usually only be found in the protective waters during the day.

The game drive takes about two and a half hours (English-speaking, conducted with additional persons). You will be picked up and dropped off at your accommodation. Conservation fees are included in the price. Please remember to bring a jacket or sweater, as the game drives can get quite chilly at night - even in the South African summer.

This service can be booked for an additional charge.

DAY 11: ST. LUCIA

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO THE DURBAN AREA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 11 TO DAY 12:

UMHLANGA

Continue to the metropolitan area of the lively metropolis of Durban. Visit the colorful markets or simply relax on one of the many excellent city beaches on the warm Indian Ocean, which invites you to swim here all year round. It is also worth visiting uShaka Marine World, a large aquarium and amusement park with stores and restaurants. The Moses Mabhida Stadium, inaugurated in 2010 for the World Cup, has become a tourist attraction.

At Ocean Vista Boutique Guesthouse in the quiet suburb of Umhlanga, north of Durban, you can expect a stunning view of the Indian Ocean and a modern ambience. The spacious veranda is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful sea breeze. You will stay in one of seven light-flooded suites, all of which are equipped with bath/WC, air conditioning, some with terrace/balcony and some with sea view, safe, WLAN, satellite TV, minibar and tea/coffee station. The difference in the individual room categories relates only to the size of the room. The guest house offers a veranda with sea view, a lounge, a small pool, an honesty bar and a garden. The beach and La Lucia Shopping Mall with its many stores and restaurants are within walking distance.

OCEAN VISTA BOUTIQUE GUEST HOUSE (LUXURY ROOM)

1X OVERNIGHT STAY WITH BREAKFAST

DAY 12: UMHLANGA

ONE-WAY TRANSFER TO THE DURBAN AREA

In the case of a transfer from your accommodation, you will be picked up at the entrance of your guesthouse, lodge or hotel at the agreed time. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation or at the airport.

For transfers from the airport, you will be met personally in the arrivals hall. Please look out for a person carrying a sign with your name on it. If an explicit pick-up point or meeting point is mentioned in your tour book, please go there. You will be driven to your destination and dropped off at your accommodation.

This private transfer is operated by a qualified English-speaking driver. The vehicle is air-conditioned and corresponds to your private group size, there are no other passengers. The transfer company has all the necessary licenses and insurance for its vehicles and drivers to guarantee legal passenger transportation (no Uber or similar). For long-distance transfers, toilet and catering stops are made as required (catering not included in the price).

DAY 12: DURBAN

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LOUNGE

As an SA Travel customer, you are something very special and enjoy the comfort that otherwise only Business or First Class travelers can enjoy. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle at the airport on the day of departure and keep your vacation relaxation going for as long as possible.

You will have access to the airport lounge at your international departure airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban. The lounge offers free drinks, snacks, newspapers, TV, WiFi and washing and shower facilities (facilities may vary depending on the lounge). You can use the lounge at the earliest four hours before your departure. Please note that lounge capacity is limited, especially at smaller airports, and access cannot always be guaranteed or there may be waiting times at the entrance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP

All prices quoted are subject to availability before booking and are based on the number of participants stated. Errors excepted. Alternative availability, seasonal overlaps or exchange rate fluctuations may lead to price changes. Please request your personal tour offer with your desired travel dates. This tour offer does not include flights.

The child rate applies to one child under the age of 12 staying in their parents' room. One child under the age of two stays free of charge. For children aged 12 and over, the adult rate generally applies. Not all accommodation allows children of all ages.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance and travel health insurance to cover the costs of assistance, including repatriation in the event of accident, illness or death. We can provide a corresponding offer on request.

A passport is required to enter the country. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa in advance. Minors under the age of 18 may need to carry additional documents. We will inform you of the exact requirements before you book. Travelers who have stayed in an area at risk of yellow fever must provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

The regions around the Kruger Park, the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eastern Eswatini are malaria endangered areas.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please ask for suitable offers.

The organizer of this trip is South Africa Travel GmbH & Co. KG, Buddestraße 9, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany, Tel +49 521 33676880.

APPROXIMATE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Long-haul flights to Southern Africa in Economy Class cost from EUR 900, while prices can be well over EUR 1000 in the high season. Flights in Premium Economy Class are available from 1500 EUR, in Business Class flights cost from 2500 EUR (per person for outward and return flights). All prices are average values depending on the airline and season. The actual prices at a given time depend on the number of bookings and may vary. Early booking is recommended, especially in the high season.

A light lunch costs about 5 EUR (small salad, soup) to 8 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger) per person; dinner costs about 10 EUR (pizza, pasta, burger, large salad) to over 12 EUR (steak, fish) up to 22 EUR (three-course meal) per person. Coffee, tea, beer, or soft drinks cost about 1.70 EUR per cup or glass. Prices may vary up or down depending on the region or type of restaurant.

Entrance fees to national parks cost between EUR 5 and EUR 25 per person per day, depending on the size and popularity of the park. Entrance fees to museums or other attractions cost between EUR 3 and EUR 20 per person. Children under the age of 12 usually pay half price.